Last updated: March 13, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR102239196?
The patent KR102239196, filed and granted in South Korea, covers a pharmaceutical composition related to a specific drug candidate. The patent claims include:
- Composition claims protecting the formulation of the drug, specifying active ingredients, dosage forms, and excipients.
- Method claims covering the manufacturing process of the drug composition.
- Use claims that specify the therapeutic indication or method of use of the product.
- Claims extend to specific dosage ranges, delivery systems, and targeted diseases.
The patent emphasizes the novel combination of active ingredients designed to improve efficacy or reduce side effects. Its claims are structured to prevent imitation of the core formulation and method of use.
How broad are the patent claims?
The scope is relatively specific but covers key aspects to prevent generic equivalents.
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Details |
| Composition |
Narrow to moderate |
Active ingredients and their concentration ranges specific to the formulation |
| Method |
Moderate |
Manufacturing steps, such as mixing, compression, or formulation techniques |
| Use |
Narrow to moderate |
Target disease or patient population, for example, anti-inflammatory use |
| Dosage |
Specific dosage ranges |
For instance, 10 mg - 50 mg per dose or daily administration limits |
The scope does not broadly claim novel therapeutic effects but centers on specific formulations and processes. This limits generic challenges but provides a solid patent foundation for product protection.
How does the patent landscape look?
KR102239196 is part of a strategic patent family, with applications or granted patents in jurisdictions including the US, China, and the EU. Its landscape includes:
- A primary patent filed in South Korea with a priority date likely around early 2020.
- Similar applications in major markets (US, China) with corresponding claims, often with priority from the same base application.
- Follow-up applications or continuations that expand or narrow claim scopes.
- Second-generation patents or supplementary patents addressing formulation improvements, delivery mechanisms, or new therapeutic uses.
Major competitors or patent holders:
- Large multinational drug companies actively file in South Korea, especially in biopharmaceuticals and specialty drugs.
- Patent filings in the same therapeutic area may intersect, leading to potential patent opposition or litigation.
Patent trends:
- A focus on combination therapies or targeted molecular approaches.
- Increasing filings related to biologics, peptides, or novel delivery systems aligned with newer drug innovations.
- A rise in patent filings around 2020-2022, following global trends in innovative pharmaceuticals.
Patent duration and patentability considerations:
- The patent term extends generally 20 years from filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
- The scope remains defensible due to specific formulation features but could face challenges if prior art demonstrates similar compositions or methods.
Key issues for patent enforcement and freedom to operate
- Validity challenges based on prior art, especially for well-known ingredients or formulation techniques.
- Potential for patent opposition during the South Korean patent office's examination process.
- Risk of infringement due to overlapping claims in related patents, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
Conclusion
KR102239196 offers a strategically narrow yet solid patent position, primarily protecting a specific drug formulation and method of manufacture. Its scope aligns with typical pharmaceutical patent protections, limiting broad challenges but offering longevity through subsequent filings.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific composition, method, and use claims targeting a particular drug formulation.
- The claim scope is narrow to moderate, focusing primarily on formulation details and therapeutic application.
- The patent fits within a broader global patent family, with filings in major markets to secure global rights.
- Patent validity and enforcement depend on prior art and overlapping rights, especially in highly competitive fields.
- Vigilance is necessary regarding potential patent oppositions or challenges in South Korea and globally.
FAQs
1. How does KR102239196 compare to similar patents in other regions?
It aligns with international patents with comparable claims, but Korean patents often contain more detailed formulation specifics to suit local patent standards.
2. Can this patent be easily challenged based on prior art?
Potentially, especially if earlier formulations or methods include similar ingredients or processes. Detailed prior art searches are necessary before enforcement.
3. What strategic advantages does this patent offer?
It protects core formulation and manufacturing methods, providing exclusivity within South Korea and serving as leverage in global patent strategies.
4. How long will this patent remain enforceable?
Typically, until about 2040, assuming maintenance fees are paid. Patent terms could be extended if patent term adjustments are applicable.
5. Are there ongoing patent applications related to this patent?
Yes, subsequent filings likely aim to broaden or narrow protection, especially for improvements or new indications.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR102239196. Published 2021.
- WIPO Patent Scope. Patent family related to KR102239196.
- European Patent Office. Similar applications filed in Europe.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. US counterparts with overlapping claims.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent landscaping reports for pharmaceutical patents.
