Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102062024, granted in South Korea, pertains specifically to a pharmaceutical invention within the domain of drug formulations or therapeutic compounds. Understanding its scope, claims, and the patent landscape elucidates the strategic value, competitive positioning, and potential infringement risks associated with this patent. This analysis explores the patent’s technical scope, its claims structure, and the surrounding patent environment, offering insights for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and legal professionals.
Patent Overview
Patent Title & Filing Details:
While the exact title and filing date require referencing official patent records, typical patent filings with such numbering (KR102XXXXXXX) relate to innovative compositions or methods, likely filed within the last decade. This patent was granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), reflecting South Korea’s adherence to robust IP protections for pharmaceuticals.
Technical Field:
The patent likely pertains to a novel drug compound, a formulation method, or a therapeutic use—central in the pharmaceutical innovation landscape. Its claims and scope seem to focus on specific chemical entities, their formulations, or methods of administration.
Scope of the Patent
Legal Scope & Claims Analysis
The scope of KR102062024 hinges on the claims, which define the boundaries of patent protection. They can broadly be classified into:
- Independent Claims: These set out the core inventive concept, establishing the scope of protection.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow the scope, adding specific embodiments or limitations.
While the exact clause language is unavailable here, typical claims in such patents include:
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Chemical Composition Claims: Encompassing a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), often chemically characterized by certain substitutions or structural features that confer therapeutic advantages.
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Method of Production: Claims covering synthesis routes, purification processes, or formulation techniques.
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Therapeutic Use Claims: Claims defining specific medical indications or methods of treatment using the composition.
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Delivery System Claims: Claims related to controlled-release formulations or delivery devices.
Scope Significance:
The breadth of independent claims determines how widely the patent can be enforced. Broad claims envelop a wide array of similar compounds or formulations, risking narrower prior art challenges, while narrow claims aim for precise protection, potentially limiting infringement risks but also reducing market exclusivity.
Claims Structure & Critical Elements
Analyzing similar Korean patents reveals common motifs:
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Structural Features: Claims likely specify the chemical backbone and particular substituents, such as halogens, methyl groups, or other functional groups that modulate pharmacological activity.
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Novelty & Inventive Step: Focuses on unique structural modifications unprecedented in prior art, possibly improving efficacy, stability, or safety.
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Combination Claims: Potential for claims covering combinations of compounds with specific excipients or adjuvants.
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Method Claims: Encompass specific therapeutic or manufacturing protocols, expanding patent protection beyond the compound itself.
Patent Landscape & Competitive Environment
National & International Patent Family:
KR102062024 probably belongs to a broader patent family, with applications filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, Japan, or China. The scope in Korea can be instrumental in securing regional exclusivity and forging partnerships.
Patent Landscape Overview:
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Similar Patents in Korea & Asia:
The Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly active, especially in oncology, neurology, and infectious disease sectors. Competitors might hold patents on compounds with overlapping structures or therapeutic claims.
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Prior Art & Patent Citations:
Opposition or invalidation claims may target overlapping claimed subjects citing prior art, such as earlier patents or scientific publications disclosed before the filing date.
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Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
The scope of KR102062024 must be reviewed concerning existing patents; overlapping claims could trigger licensing obligations or legal risks.
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Innovation Trends:
Recent trends indicate increased filings on targeted therapies, biologics, and combination drugs, which could influence future patenting strategies around this invention.
Scope & Claims Implications
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Strategic Robustness:
Broad claims can secure wide protection but may face validity challenges; narrow claims provide defensibility but limit market scope.
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Patent Term & Lifecycle:
With a typical life of 20 years from filing, the patent’s enforceability depends on timely filing, maintenance, and potential for extension via pediatric or patent term restoration mechanisms.
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Potential Competitor Patents:
Any similar patents claiming related compounds or methods may necessitate licensing negotiations or patent invalidity pursuits.
Legal & Commercial Considerations
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Infringement Risks:
Competitors developing similar compounds must monitor claims to avoid infringement or consider designing around specific claim limitations.
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Patent Validity Challenges:
Prior art invalidation attempts could threaten the patent’s enforceability, especially if claims are overly broad.
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Market Position & Exclusivity:
Successful enforcement and strategic licensing could ensure a significant market share within South Korea, especially if this patent protects a blockbuster or innovative therapeutic.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
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The scope of KR102062024 likely covers specific chemical compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods with claims structured from broad to narrow, aiming to secure strategic IP protection in South Korea.
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Its patent landscape positioning involves a competitive environment with existing patents, both domestically and internationally, influencing the patent’s strength and enforceability.
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Stakeholders should conduct a detailed freedom-to-operate analysis, considering potential patent overlaps, validity challenges, and licensing opportunities associated with this patent.
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Vigilant monitoring of claim developments and competitor patent filings will be critical to leveraging this patent effectively in the South Korean pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
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Claim Clarity & Breadth: The effectiveness of KR102062024's protection hinges on its claim language; broad claims offer wide coverage but may face validity issues.
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Landscape Analysis: Understanding the existing patent environment is vital for assessing infringement risks and innovation gaps.
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Strategic Enforcement: Robust claims and active patent management enable dominant market positioning and potential licensing value.
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Litigation & Validation Risks: Similar patents and prior arts necessitate ongoing vigilance to defend or challenge the patent’s validity.
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International Patent Family Planning: Securing filings in other jurisdictions can expand protection, reducing risk and facilitating global commercialization.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR102062024?
They generally cover novel chemical entities, formulations, manufacturing processes, or therapeutic methods, with scope defined via claims that specify structural features, use indications, and delivery methods.
2. How does the Korean patent landscape influence the strength of KR102062024?
Localized patent conditions, prior art, and filings of similar inventions shape the enforceability and scope, making continuous monitoring essential.
3. Can broad claims in KR102062024 be challenged?
Yes, broad claims are more susceptible to invalidity challenges based on prior art; narrower claims tend to be more robust but may limit protection.
4. What strategic considerations should firms have regarding this patent?
Assessing infringement risk, licensing opportunities, and potential for parallel filings abroad is crucial for maximizing commercial value.
5. How does this patent influence product development in South Korea?
It can act as a barrier to competitors, incentivize innovation, and define the pathway for market exclusivity and investment.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
[2] PatentScope – WIPO Patent Database.
[3] Docket, Korea Patent Law Fundamentals (2022).
