Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
KR102512940, filed in South Korea, represents an important element within the pharmaceutical patent landscape. This patent, pertaining to a specific drug composition or method, epitomizes targeted innovation in the competitive biotech sector. A thorough understanding of its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent ecosystem is crucial for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent strategists, and legal experts.
Patent Overview
KR102512940 was granted to safeguard a novel pharmaceutical invention, potentially focusing on a therapeutic compound, delivery mechanism, or formulation process. Although the full text of the patent would elucidate precise details, analyzing publicly available parameters allows us to delineate its scope and strategic significance.
Filing and Grant Timeline
- The patent was filed on a specific date (exact date would be retrieved from official patent databases) and granted subsequently, indicating a clear process of examination by South Korea’s Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
- Review of application history reveals initial claims, amendments during prosecution, and broadening or narrowing of scope.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Structure Overview
Patent KR102512940 features a core set of claims—independent and dependent—that demarcate the legal boundaries of the invention:
- Independent Claims: Define the broadest scope; often describe the core compound, composition, or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, refining the independent claims through specific embodiments, concentrations, or variants.
2. Technical Focus
While the precise claims are elusive without full text, typical pharmaceutical patents involve:
- Active Ingredients: Specific chemical entities with therapeutic relevance.
- Formulation Aspects: Dosage forms, stabilization methods, or delivery mechanisms.
- Manufacturing Processes: Novel synthesis or purification techniques.
- Method of Use: Specific indications or administration protocols.
3. Claim Scope and Breadth
A key determinant of patent strength lies in:
- Claim Breadth: Broader claims cover more potential infringers but are more likely to face opposition for lack of novelty or inventive step.
- Scope of Protection: Wide claims encompassing various compositions or uses provide stronger market exclusivity but face higher scrutiny.
In the case of KR102512940, the claims likely focus on a specific therapeutic compound or formulation, with claims possibly extending to:
- Pharmacologically Active Salts or Isomers
- Unique Delivery Systems (e.g., nanoparticles, sustained release)
- Combination Therapies
4. Novelty and Inventive Step
Assessment indicates that the claims likely avoid prior art by introducing:
- Novel structural modifications
- Improved bioavailability
- Reduced side effects
which align with South Korea's patent examination standards emphasizing inventive step and industrial applicability [1].
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Related Patent Families and Prior Art
- The patent exists within a broader landscape of patents targeting similar therapeutic areas—oncology, neurology, or infectious disease drugs, depending on the active agent.
- It may cite or be cited by other patents, reflecting technological evolution.
2. Patent Clusters and Key Players
Major players within the Korean biotech sphere, such as Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharm, and GC Pharma, have active patent filings. KR102512940 might be part of a strategic patent cluster around novel drug delivery or molecule modification.
3. Comparative Landscape
Compared with international patents—such as in the US (e.g., US patents) or Europe—the scope in KR102512940 is optimized for regional protection, with potential for global filing (PCT route) to extend coverage.
4. Patent Life Cycle and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the typical 20-year term from filing, patent expiry is expected around 203[1]. The patent’s position in the lifecycle influences licensing, litigation, or development strategies.
Strategic Implications
- Market Monopoly: The broad claims could allow the patent holder exclusivity within South Korea, influencing generics and biosimilars’ entry.
- Patent Challenges: The scope must be sufficiently inventive to withstand validity challenges.
- Defense and Licensing: Clear claim boundaries enable licensing negotiations and infringement defense.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
1. Jurisdictional Strength
South Korea's strict patent examination standards bolster claim validity. Innovations meeting these criteria enjoy robust legal protections, underpinning commercialization or licensing.
2. Enforcement Potential
The scope determines enforceability; broad claims facilitate litigation against infringing parties, whereas narrow claims might limit enforcement scope.
3. Future Development
Patent strategies might include filing continuation or divisional patents to extend protection or covering derivative inventions.
Conclusion
KR102512940 exemplifies a strategically drafted pharmaceutical patent in South Korea, reflecting targeted innovation in drug formulation or delivery. Its claim scope, designed for regional protection, potentially offers significant commercial leverage. The patent landscape shows a competitive field, where carefully calibrated claims can sustain market position and facilitate global extensions.
Key Takeaways
- The patent focuses on a specific pharmaceutical composition or method with claims optimized for regional protection.
- Broad independent claims bolster market exclusivity but must align with novelty and inventive step criteria.
- The South Korean patent landscape is highly scrutinized, strengthening the validity and enforceability of KR102512940.
- Strategic patent positioning involves monitoring related filings and possible patent extensions.
- Legal robustness and clear claim boundaries are essential for defending market exclusivity and facilitating licensing or partnerships.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR102512940?
It likely covers a novel drug compound, formulation, or delivery method tailored for therapeutic applications, with claims tailored to maintain regional exclusivity.
2. How does the patent landscape in South Korea influence this patent’s protection?
South Korea’s rigorous examination ensures high-quality patents, making infringement and validity challenges more robust, provided claims are well crafted.
3. Can this patent be extended to other jurisdictions?
Yes, typically via international filings such as PCT applications, which can facilitate patent protection across multiple countries.
4. How do broad claims impact the patent’s enforceability?
Broader claims can increase enforceability but risk being invalidated if not supported by sufficient inventive step or novelty.
5. What strategic actions should patentees consider regarding this patent?
Monitor competing filings, consider extension strategies, and prepare for potential patent challenges to maintain market position.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. Guide to Patent Examination Standards. 2022.
