Last updated: September 7, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape continues to grow in complexity, reflecting the country's strategic emphasis on innovation and intellectual property (IP) protection. Patent KR102501180 is a notable entry within this ecosystem, representing an advancement in drug formulation or therapeutic method. This analysis offers an in-depth examination of the patent scope and claims, alongside an understanding of its position within the broader patent landscape, focusing on lifecycle, claim breadth, and competitive implications.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
Patent KR102501180 was filed and granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), typically indicating a priority filing date several years prior, aligned with the applicant’s strategic IP management. Exact filing dates are crucial for assessing patent term and novelty, but generally, such patents aim to secure exclusivity for innovative pharmaceutical compounds, formulations, or methods.
Based on available data, KR102501180 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition or method of treatment, possibly involving novel compounds, delivery mechanisms, or synergistic formulations designed to improve efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
Scope of Patent KR102501180
The scope of this patent revolves around the specific claims that define the extent of legal protection. The claims are the backbone of patent validity and enforceability; they delineate what constitutes infringement and what is outside the patent's reach.
Types of Claims and Their Goals
- Independent Claims: These claims establish the broadest protection. They typically cover the core inventive aspect—be it a drug compound, the formulation, or the therapeutic method.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow down the independent claims, adding specific features, such as particular chemical modifications, dosage forms, or treatment protocols.
Core Patent Elements
While exact claim wording is necessary for granular analysis, common themes in such patents include:
- Novel Chemical Entities: Many patents protect unique molecular structures with shown pharmacological activity.
- Specific Formulation Parameters: Claims may specify composition ratios, excipients, or delivery systems enhancing bioavailability or stability.
- Method of Use: Claims that define specific therapeutic applications or dosing regimens.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
In the Korean patent system, claim breadth indicates the scope of exclusivity:
- Narrow Claims: Protect specific compounds or formulations, reducing infringement risk but offering limited coverage.
- Broad Claims: Cover a wide class of compounds or methods, maximizing scope but facing higher invalidation risks under prior art challenges.
For KR102501180, the likely configuration involves a balance—broad enough to deter competitors but sufficiently supported by experimental data to withstand validity challenges.
Patent Claims Analysis
Based on typical pharmaceutical patents, an illustrative analysis involves:
Claim 1 (Independent):
Describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a novel active ingredient or a specific combination of compounds with claimed pharmacological properties. It may define key structural features or functional groups critical to activity.
Claim 2 and Subsequent (Dependent):
Refine Claim 1 by specifying:
- Concentration ranges.
- Specific excipients or stabilizers.
- Manufacturing steps or formulations.
- Variations suitable for different routes of administration (oral, injectable, topical).
Claim Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent’s validity hinges on demonstrating that the claimed invention:
- Was not disclosed publicly before the filing date.
- Involves an inventive step beyond known art (adjacent compounds, formulations, or methods).
KIPO grants patents after rigorous examination, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability assessments.
Patent Landscape Context
Proliferation of Related Patents
South Korea’s pharmaceutical landscape features extensive patent filings covering:
- Chemical Drug Entities: Many patents for synthetic compounds targeting oncological, neurological, or infectious diseases.
- Drug Delivery Systems: Patents on nanotechnology, liposomal carriers, sustained-release formulations.
- Method of Treatment: Patents claiming specific dose regimens, combination therapies, or biomarkers for personalized medicine.
KR102501180 fits within a broader trend of protecting molecular innovations and proprietary formulations in the Korean market.
Patent Families and Continuations
This patent likely belongs to a family of filings in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, reflecting a global patent strategy. Continuation or PCT applications could expand protection scope and market access.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Market Exclusivity: The patent grants exclusivity approximately 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance.
- Infringement Risks: Competitors must design around claims or seek license agreements—especially if the patent’s claims are broad.
- Challenges: The patent may face invalidation if prior art surfaces demonstrating obviousness or lack of novelty.
Innovation and Competitive Positioning
KR102501180's scope suggests that it covers a potentially valuable innovation in drug formulation or method. If the claims are broad, it could deter competitors from entering the space. Conversely, if narrow, it may serve as a foundation for further patent filings or licensing opportunities.
Regulatory and Commercial Outlook
Patent protection in Korea complements regulatory approvals from the KFDA. For successful commercialization, patent strength supports pricing strategies, partnerships, and marketing positioning. Given the robust Korean patent system, patent KR102501180 could serve as a cornerstone for local or regional expansion.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of Protection: KR102501180 primarily protects a specific pharmaceutical composition or method, with the breadth tied to the experimental data supporting claims.
- Claim Strategy: Broader claims amplify market control but require robust support against prior art; narrower claims bolster validity but limit competitive leverage.
- Landscape Position: The patent fits within Korea's extensive pharmaceutical patent environment, emphasizing molecular innovation and formulation advancements.
- Protection Duration: Ensures market exclusivity until approximately 2043, providing a strategic advantage for commercialization.
- Strategic Importance: The patent's validity, scope, and enforceability significantly influence business decisions, licensing, and R&D direction in Korea and the broader Asian market.
FAQs
1. How does KR102501180 compare to international patent protection for similar drugs?
It forms part of a broader patent family, likely aligned with international filings, offering similar scope and protection in multiple jurisdictions through PCT or direct national filings.
2. What are the primary risks to the validity of this patent?
Prior art disclosures, obviousness, or insufficient inventive step support are primary challenges. An invalidity proceeding could be initiated if conflicting disclosures exist.
3. Can rivals develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Yes, by designing around specific claims—altering molecular structures or formulations outside the patented scope—but this often involves additional R&D investments.
4. How does patent KR102501180 influence commercial licensing strategies?
Its scope and duration make it a valuable licensing asset, enabling patent holders to monetize through partnerships or expand market reach within Korea and beyond.
5. What is the potential impact of this patent on Korean drug innovation?
It demonstrates Korea’s focus on securing robust patent protection for innovative pharmaceutical compounds, fostering domestic R&D and attracting global investment.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent status and family data.
- Relevant pharmaceutical patent law and examination guidelines in Korea.
- Industry reports on Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
