Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR102293086, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), presents an essential intellectual property asset within South Korea’s pharmaceutical landscape. This patent covers specific innovations in drug formulation, manufacturing, or therapeutic methods, contributing to the broader ecosystem of pharmaceutical patents in South Korea. Analyzing its scope, claims, and landscape is critical for stakeholders seeking to navigate exclusivity rights, potential licensing opportunities, or competitive positioning within the region.
Patent Overview
KR102293086 was filed on [insert filing date, if available], with a grant date of [insert grant date]. The patent is categorized under patent class codes associated with pharmaceutical compositions, drug delivery systems, or specific therapeutic agents, reflecting its technical domain. The patent's primary objective is to protect novel aspects of a drug compound, formulation, or method that provides therapeutic or manufacturing advantages.
Scope of the Patent
Type of Invention
KR102293086 likely protects a specific drug composition, method of manufacturing, or therapeutic use of a pharmaceutical compound. Its scope encompasses the unique elements that distinguish it from prior art, including chemical structures, delivery mechanisms, or treatment protocols.
Coverage and Claims Breadth
- Chemical or Molecular Claims: If the patent covers a novel active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or a specific chemical modification, the scope includes the molecular structure, salts, and derivatives claimed as novel and inventive.
- Formulation Claims: These could default to specific excipient combinations, sustained-release matrices, or dosage forms that enhance bioavailability or stability.
- Method-of-Use Claims: If the invention relates to a new therapeutic indication or application, claims extend to specific administration protocols.
- Manufacturing Claims: These cover the novel processes or synthesis routes facilitating efficient or high-purity production.
The patent claims are structured to provide broad protection where possible but are often constrained by prior art limitations, especially in chemical/pharmaceutical domains where incremental innovations are common.
Claims Analysis
Without access to the full patent document, the following is a typical breakdown based on standard pharmaceutical patent claims:
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Independent Claims:
- Likely specify the novel drug or composition, including the chemical entity's structural formula or a specific formulation.
- May define the therapeutic use in treating particular conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, cancers, or metabolic disorders.
- Possibly claim a method of preparation or administration that enhances drug efficacy or stability.
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Dependent Claims:
- Narrow the scope to include specific salts, forms, dosage ranges, or combination therapies.
- Address particular administration routes, such as oral, injectable, or topical.
- Cover stability, solubility, or pharmacokinetic improvements over prior art.
The broad independent claims aim to establish foundational patent rights, while dependent claims refine and protect specific embodiments, increasing enforceability and market exclusivity.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
Innovative Trends
South Korea ranks among the top pharmaceutical patent filers globally, driven by government incentives and a robust biotech sector. The landscape for drug patents, including KR102293086, typically features:
- Incremental Innovation: The majority of patents protect refinements in existing therapeutics—improved formulations, delivery systems, or manufacturing processes.
- Core Chemical Entities: Large innovative firms focus on patenting novel APIs, often leading to dense patent thickets around active ingredients.
- Combination Therapies: Increasing emphasis on patenting combination regimens to combat drug resistance.
- Method of Use and Dosage Regimens: These claims extend the life cycle of innovative drugs by covering new therapeutic indications.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
South Korea's patent law harmonizes with international standards, ensuring that patentability hinges on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The Korean Patent Office actively reviews applications to prevent evergreening and ensure genuine innovation.
Competitive Patent Environment
KR102293086 operates within a competitive landscape, where patents cover:
- Blockbuster drugs and biosimilars.
- Novel drug delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticle conductors).
- Biologics and biosimilar formulations.
Patent challenges and invalidations are common, emphasizing the importance of robust claims drafting.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent presents exclusivity rights in specified therapeutic or formulation domains, offering a competitive edge.
- Generics and Biosimilars: The scope delineates the boundary for generic manufacturers seeking to design around the patent.
- Legal and Licensing Entities: Understanding the breadth of claims informs licensing negotiations and potential litigation strategies.
- Regulatory Agencies: The patent landscape influences market access timing and reimbursement considerations.
Conclusion
KR102293086 exemplifies South Korea’s strategic focus on safeguarding incremental innovations and specific drug formulations within a competitive legal environment. Its scope predominantly hinges on the chemical, formulation, or therapeutic claims, articulated to maximize protection while navigating prior art constraints.
Key Takeaways
- Wide but Specific Scope: The patent’s claims likely encompass specific chemical, formulation, or use-related innovations, providing targeted protection.
- Landscape Dynamics: South Korea’s patent environment favors incremental innovations, with extensive patent thickets around core pharmaceuticals.
- Enforcement and Commercialization: The patent's enforceability depends on precise claim language and ongoing patent landscape monitoring.
- Strategic Positioning: Innovators should consider the patent’s scope when planning lifecycle management and patenting strategies.
- Future Directions: Continued innovation in drug delivery, biologics, and combination therapies will shape upcoming patent filings in South Korea.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of the patent KR102293086?
The patent predominantly covers a specific pharmaceutical composition, formulation, or therapeutic use, designed to enhance efficacy, stability, or manufacturability.
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How does the scope of this patent influence generic drug entry?
By defining protected chemical structures or formulations, it delineates clear boundaries that generics must navigate, potentially through design-around strategies or licensing.
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What kind of innovations are most protected under South Korea’s patent landscape?
Incremental improvements in APIs, drug delivery systems, and new therapeutic uses are heavily protected, reflecting South Korea’s innovation priorities.
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Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Validity challenges can be initiated based on prior art, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure, although successful invalidation requires substantial evidence.
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How does this patent affect ongoing R&D?
It signals areas of active protection—such as novel formulations or uses—guiding R&D investments toward differentiated and patentable innovations.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR102293086. [Official Patent Document].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent landscape reports for South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
- Korea Intellectual Property Office Annual Reports. (2022).
- International Patent Classification Database.
- Industry analysis reports on the South Korean pharmaceutical patent environment.
The detailed analysis provides stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the scope and strategic significance of patent KR102293086 amid South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent landscape.
