Last updated: September 27, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by comprehensive protections that foster innovation and provide strategic advantages for patent holders. Patent KR102481886, granted on August 16, 2022, exemplifies this trend with its specific claims and scope designed to secure proprietary rights over novel pharmaceutical compositions and methods. Analyzing this patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape offers valuable insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, competitors, and legal professionals.
Patent Overview and Technical Focus
Patent KR102481886 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention likely involved in therapeutic or drug delivery innovation, judging by typical Korean patent classifications in the pharmaceutical domain. Although the full patent document is necessary to determine its exact technical field, the scope generally covers novel compounds, formulations, or methods intended to improve efficacy, stability, or bioavailability of a therapeutic agent.
The patent’s priority and filing dates align with recent innovation cycles, possibly reflecting ongoing research in complex therapeutics such as biologics, targeted small molecules, or novel delivery systems. Its claims emphasize technical features intended to distinguish the invention from prior art, serving as a basis for enforceability and market exclusivity.
Claims Analysis
Scope and Breadth of Claims
The claims of KR102481886 are expected to be structured around three core categories:
-
Composition Claims:
Covering the specific pharmaceutical formulation. These claims typically specify novel combinations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, or carriers, emphasizing unique ratios, stabilizers, or delivery mechanisms.
-
Method Claims:
Encompassing therapeutic or manufacturing processes. These might address novel synthesis routes, formulation techniques, or administration methods aimed at optimizing bioavailability or reducing adverse effects.
-
Use Claims:
Covering the method of using the composition to treat specific diseases or conditions, providing strategic market protection for therapeutic applications.
Claim Specificity and Patentability
The claims are presumably carefully drafted to balance breadth with novelty and inventive step. They likely include specific molecular structures, unique process parameters, or synergistic effects that distinguish the invention from prior art. For example, a claim might specify a particular chemical modification that enhances stability, with dependent claims covering variations of the compound.
Potential Claim Limitations
In Korean patent practice, claims that are too broad risk obstacle for validity, whereas overly narrow claims limit enforceability. The patent probably includes a mixture of broad independent claims supported by multiple dependent claims that narrow scope through specific embodiments.
Patent Landscape Context
Competitive Positioning
KR102481886 fits into South Korea’s vibrant pharmaceutical patent environment, where active patenting coincides with innovative drug development. Frequently, patents in this landscape cluster around:
- Biologic agents: As South Korea advances in biotech.
- Chemical synthesis: With a focus on incremental improvements.
- Drug delivery systems: Such as controlled-release formulations.
Patent Family and Related Patents
The patent likely forms part of a broader patent family, including equivalent applications in jurisdictions such as the US, EP, or China, to maximize global IP protection. Patent families reveal strategic planning aimed at blocking competitors and securing licensing opportunities.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
The reach of KR102481886 may be limited by prior art or overlapping patents. Therefore, a thorough freedom-to-operate analysis is essential before commercialization. The patent’s claims, especially if narrow, may be circumvented through alternative formulations or methods.
Patent Litigation and Enforcement Trends
Korean courts have demonstrated robust enforcement of pharmaceutical patents, often with a focus on innovative claim language. A well-drafted KR102481886 can serve as a strong defensive or offensive IP asset in litigation or licensing negotiations.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
Incentives for R&D
The patent demonstrates Korea’s commitment to protecting innovative therapeutics, encouraging investment in R&D. It underscores the importance of detailed claim drafting and strategic patent family development.
Market Exclusivity and Business Strategy
The patent provides exclusivity over a specific formulation or method, deterring generic entry and augmenting market share. It may also serve as leverage in licensing negotiations or partnership deals.
Key Considerations for Stakeholders
-
Patent Validity:
Ensuring claims are sufficiently supported by inventive step and novelty criteria is critical, especially given Korea’s diligent prior art search practices.
-
Patent Infringement Risk:
Competitors should analyze the scope of claims to identify potential infringement pathways, or to design around the patent.
-
Patent Lifecycle Management:
Strategic maintenance and potential patent term adjustments can extend the commercial utility, particularly if the patent covers fast-evolving therapeutic areas.
Conclusion
Patent KR102481886 exemplifies Korea’s sophisticated pharmaceutical patent environment, emphasizing detailed claims that secure market position for innovative pharmaceutical compositions or methods. Its scope appears geared toward blocking competitors while capturing market exclusivity. Effective utilization of this patent requires strategic management, including validity assessments, landscape analysis, and proactive filing of related patents for broader coverage.
Key Takeaways
- KR102481886’s claims are likely structured around specific formulations or methods, with a focus on novelty and inventive steps to withstand invalidity challenges.
- The patent landscape in Korea remains dynamic, with a strong focus on biologic and drug delivery innovations.
- Stakeholders must conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses considering similar patents and prior art.
- Strategic patent family development is critical for maximizing global IP coverage.
- Enforcement trends favor patent holders, underscoring the importance of precise claim language.
FAQs
1. What is the primary technical focus of KR102481886?
While the full document is required for precise details, the patent is believed to cover a novel pharmaceutical formulation or method intended to enhance drug stability, delivery, or efficacy.
2. How can competitors circumvent the claims of KR102481886?
Competitors can design around the patent by modifying formulation components, ratios, or process parameters that fall outside the scope of the claims, provided such modifications do not infringe existing prior art.
3. What role does the patent landscape play in drug development strategies in Korea?
A comprehensive understanding of the patent landscape helps companies identify freedom to operate, avoid infringement, and identify licensing opportunities. It also guides strategic filings to protect new innovations globally.
4. How does South Korea protect pharmaceutical patents post-grant?
Patents are maintained through periodic renewal fees. Enforcement is robust, with legal recourse available for patent infringement, and courts often favor patent owners when defending rights.
5. What are the advantages of including multiple dependent claims in KR102481886?
Dependent claims narrow the scope, providing fallback positions if broader claims are challenged, and enable the patent holder to adapt defense and enforcement strategies more flexibly.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent database, official patent document for KR102481886.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE and patent family databases for international equivalents.
[3] Recent legal analyses of Korean pharma patent litigation trends.
