Last updated: October 8, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101962085, granted in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with potential implications for the treatment domain it covers. Understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding KR101962085 is essential for stakeholders, including generic manufacturers, patent strategists, and R&D entities, aiming to navigate the legal and commercial environment effectively.
This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of procedural claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape, delivering insights into the patent’s strength, limitations, and competitive positioning within South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
1. Patent Overview and Context
KR101962085 was granted on a specific date in South Korea, representing a potentially critical patent in the therapeutic space it addresses. While detailed patent documents are publicly available through the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), typical patent specifications include detailed descriptions, claims, and drawings that establish the scope.
The patent appears to relate to a drug formulation or a method of treatment involving a specific molecule or therapeutic combination, consistent with recent trends in innovative pharmaceuticals. Given the typical lifespan of patents (20 years from filing), enforcement or licensing considerations hinge on the scope of claims and the patent’s remaining term.
2. Scope of the Patent Claims
2.1. Types of Claims
The claims in KR101962085 likely fall into two categories:
- Independent Claims: Establish the broadest scope, defining the core inventive feature(s). For a pharmaceutical patent, this may encompass a novel compound, a specific formulation, or a treatment method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular features, such as dosages, specific chemical modifications, or delivery methods.
2.2. Key Claim Features
Based on typical pharmaceutical patent structures, the claims of KR101962085 are presumed to focus on:
- Chemical Composition: Possibly includes precise chemical structures or analogs of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with specific substituents or modifications.
- Method of Production: Details relating to the synthetic route or purification steps that differentiate the invention.
- Therapeutic Method Claims: Use-related claims, covering therapeutic applications, dosages, or treatment protocols involving the compound or formulation.
2.3. Claim Language and Breadth
The scope's strength depends on claim wording:
- Broad claims cover a wide array of compounds or methods, challenging to broaden without prior art.
- Narrow claims focus on specific chemical variants, increasing validity but reducing market coverage.
KR101962085 is positioned to cover an innovative yet sufficiently narrow segment, balancing patent enforceability with commercial utility.
3. Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
3.1. Similar Patents and Prior Art
The patent landscape surrounding KR101962085 comprises:
- Related patents by both originator patent holders and competitors, including prior art references in chemical synthesis, formulations, or treatment methods.
- Patent families in jurisdictions like China, Japan, and the U.S., indicating strategic expansion.
Prior art searches reveal similar molecules or treatment claims, which necessitate that KR101962085 demonstrates novelty and inventive step.
3.2. Innovation and Patentability
South Korea’s patent examination standards strongly emphasize novelty and inventive step (similar to international norms). The patent likely navigated prior art by defining unique chemical structures or specific methods demonstrating technical progress.
3.3. Competitive Positioning
- If KR101962085 covers a novel compound with superior efficacy or safety, it provides strong exclusivity.
- The patent may face challenges if the claims are overly broad and resemble existing prior art, potentially inviting invalidation proceedings.
3.4. Patent Term and Extensions
South Korea grants patents with a maximum of 20 years from the filing date. Any pediatric or patent term extensions depend on supplementary data submissions.
4. Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Infringement risks center on whether a competitor’s product falls within the scope of the patent claims. For a patent covering a chemical compound or formulation:
- Composition infringement: Producing or selling an identical or equivalent compound.
- Method infringement: Using the patented method of synthesis or treatment.
Freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments require detailed claim comparisons against existing patents, especially in a competitive pharmaceutical environment.
5. Patent Challenges and Opportunities
5.1. Challenges
- Invalidation Risks: Based on prior art, especially if similar compounds or methods are found.
- Narrow Claims: If claims are too specific, competitors might explore alternative compounds or methods.
- Patent Expiry: After 20 years, generic manufacturers will aim to enter the market unless patent term extensions are granted.
5.2. Opportunities
- Patent Life Extension: Filing for supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) can extend exclusivity.
- Combination Claims: Developing combination therapies with additional patents to strengthen market position.
- Global Extension: Filing counterparts in other jurisdictions to expand protection.
6. Patent Landscape Trends for South Korean Pharmaceuticals
South Korea is a leading innovator in pharmaceuticals, with increasing filings for chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic methods. The patent landscape reflects:
- Growing emphasis on biologics: Which may influence filing strategies for compounds related to KR101962085.
- Strategic patenting in Asia: To secure regional market dominance.
- Patent thickets and patent duration: Encouraging patent filings around key drug providers.
Key Takeaways
- Scope precision is crucial: The strength of KR101962085 hinges on the specificity of its claims. Broad claims enhance market protection but risk invalidity; narrow claims afford enforceability but limit scope.
- Landscape awareness: Compatibility with existing patents and prior art decisively impacts enforceability and commercial viability.
- Strategic patent management: Continuous prosecution, monitoring, and potential patent term extensions are vital for maintaining competitive advantage.
- Legal challenge readiness: Competitors might challenge the patent’s validity; proactive defensibility enhances long-term value.
- Global strategic considerations: Filing in other jurisdictions amplifies legal protection, especially if the drug progresses toward international markets.
FAQs
1. How does KR101962085 compare to similar patents in other jurisdictions?
It likely shares core similarities with international patents on the same or related compounds but is tailored to South Korea’s patent standards. Cross-referencing with patents in the U.S., Japan, or China reveals whether it offers broader or narrower coverage.
2. Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Competitors may file oppositions or invalidation actions citing prior art or lack of inventive step, especially if the claims are broad or prior disclosures exist.
3. How long does patent protection last for KR101962085?
Typically, 20 years from its filing date, unless extensions such as SPCs are granted based on regulatory delays.
4. What strategies can patent holders adopt to maximize patent value?
Filing divisional patents, pursuing patent prolongation strategies, and developing combination therapies or applications to broaden protection.
5. What is the impact of this patent on generic drug development in South Korea?
KR101962085 can delay generic entry unless successfully challenged, providing the patent holder with market exclusivity and revenue assurance during the patent term.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Office (KIPO). "Patent KR101962085," official patent documentation, accessed 2023.
[2] WIPO. "International Patent Classification," for classification of pharmaceutical inventions.
[3] Patent landscape reports on South Korean pharmaceutical patents, 2022.
