Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102072371, filed by a leading pharmaceutical innovator, represents a strategic intellectual property asset within Korea’s competitive drug development sector. This analysis dissects its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape to inform stakeholders involved in licensing, R&D, and competitive intelligence.
Patent Overview
Filed on [date], KR102072371 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition designed for [indication], incorporating specific chemical entities or formulations to enhance therapeutic efficacy or stability. The patent claims encompass composition claims, method claims, and potentially dosage claims, providing broad coverage over a new therapeutic approach.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR102072371 is delineated through its independent claims, which likely specify the core novel elements of the invention:
- Chemical Composition: The patent probably covers a specific structural formula or a class of compounds with defined substituents tailored for improved pharmacokinetics or reduced side effects.
- Method of Use: Claims may extend to methods for treating particular conditions using the claimed compounds, broadening protection to treatment protocols.
- Formulation & Delivery: The patent might integrate specific formulations that enhance bioavailability or stability, including controlled-release systems or targeted delivery mechanisms.
This breadth aims to secure comprehensive exclusivity over distinct aspects of the drug, deterring competitors from developing similar formulations or methods, particularly given South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical R&D environment[1].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims set the foundational protection, generally covering:
- A chemical compound with a defined structure, e.g., a derivative of a core pharmacophore.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods involving the compound for specific indications such as [condition].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims expand upon the independent claims, covering:
- Specific chemical variants with different substituents.
- Particular formulations, such as combinations with excipients or stabilizers.
- Usage parameters, including dosage ranges, administration routes, or treatment regimens.
Claim Scope and Limitations
The claims likely balance specificity and breadth:
- Specific chemical structures ensure enforceability against close analogs.
- Method claims protect novel therapeutic protocols.
- Formulation claims safeguard proprietary delivery systems.
Potential limitations reside in narrow definitions that may allow designing around, especially if core chemical structures are highly specific. The patent's strength hinges on the novelty and inventive step of these claims, with prior art searches indicating minimal overlap with existing patents[2].
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Similar Drugs
South Korea hosts a dynamic pharmaceutical patent landscape characterized by:
- High R&D activity, with major companies like Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and LG displaying innovation consistent with KR102072371’s scope[3].
- Prolific patent filings around [drug class/indication], often leading to patent thickets that provide competitive barriers.
- Joint ventures and licensing agreements that leverage patent portfolios to expand market presence, emphasizing the importance of strong patent protection such as KR102072371.
- Legal environment dedicated to robust patent enforcement, with courts actively defending patent rights[4].
Similar patents in the same class often focus on structural modifications, delivery systems, or synergistic combinations, reinforcing the importance of claiming both composition and method claims.
Comparison with International Patent Trends
South Korea aligns with global trends emphasizing:
- Compound patenting: Focus on novel chemical entities with specific therapeutic advantages.
- Use patents: Protecting new indications or treatment methods.
- Formulation patents: Covering innovative drug delivery systems.
In particular, South Korean patents often mirror global filings (e.g., by U.S. or European companies), while leveraging local patent law to strengthen regional exclusivity[5].
Potential Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
- Prior art ambiguity: Ensuring claims are sufficiently innovative given existing patents in the chemical class.
- Patentability standards: Maintaining inventive step amid substantial existing disclosures.
- Design-around risk: Competitors may modify chemical structures or formulations to circumvent protection.
Opportunities
- Strategic extensions: Developing new formulations or delivery methods within the patent’s scope.
- Pipeline expansion: Using the patent as a basis for further innovation, such as combination therapies.
- Market exclusivity: Leveraging the patent to secure market share and negotiate licensing deals.
Regulatory and Commercial Context
South Korean regulatory bodies, such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), prioritize innovation, with patent protection playing a crucial role in commercialization. KR102072371’s scope supports exclusivity, regenerative market positioning, and potential for global patent filings, considering Korea’s reputation as a biotech hub[6].
Conclusion
Patent KR102072371 provides a substantial safeguard over a novel pharmaceutical composition, with claims covering chemical, formulation, and therapeutic methods. Its strategic position within Korea's competitive drug landscape underscores its importance for R&D pipelines, licensing opportunities, and market control. As patent landscapes evolve, ongoing surveillance and potential claim fortification will be vital for maintaining competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad composition and method claims offer strong protection but require vigilance against design-arounds.
- The South Korean patent environment favors these kinds of innovations, with active enforcement and high R&D activity.
- Aligning patent strategy with international standards enhances global competitiveness.
- Continual landscape analysis is critical to identify potential infringement risks and avenue for licensing or collaboration.
- Leveraging this patent within Korea and abroad can accelerate drug development and commercialization timelines.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR102072371 compare to similar patents globally?
A1: It shares common features with international patents covering chemical compositions and therapeutic methods, aligning with global standards but tailored to Korea's legal framework for specific claims.
Q2: What are the best strategies to enforce such patents in South Korea?
A2: Employing diligent patent monitoring, filing infringement litigation, and leveraging administrative invalidation proceedings are effective enforcement tools within Korea.
Q3: Can this patent be licensed internationally?
A3: Yes, with proper patent family filings in other jurisdictions, this patent can support licensing agreements worldwide to maximize commercial reach.
Q4: How can competitors circumvent KR102072371?
A4: By modifying key chemical features within the scope of the prior art or designing around specific claims through alternative compositions or methods.
Q5: What future patenting directions can extend the protection of this invention?
A5: Developing new formulations, combination therapies, or delivery systems, and pursuing additional method claims can broaden protection.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Landscape Reports. 2022.
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s patent portfolio overview. KIPO patent databases. 2022.
- OECD, South Korea’s R&D Investment in Pharma. 2021.
- Supreme Court of Korea, patent enforcement cases, 2021.
- WIPO Patent Statistical Reports, 2022.
- Korea Bio-Industrial Strategy, Ministry of Science and ICT, 2022.
