Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102524253, granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, likely involving unique chemical entities, formulations, or delivery methods. Such patents play a crucial role in pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) strategies, influencing market exclusivity, licensing, and development pathways. This analysis dissects the patent's scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape, providing critical insights for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D entities.
Patent Overview
KR102524253 was granted on June 28, 2022. While the full patent document details are not provided here, typical analysis involves examining:
- Title & Abstract: Defines the core inventive concept.
- Field of invention: Usually pharmaceutical compositions, active compounds, or delivery mechanisms.
- Inventors & Applicants: Ownership details potentially linked to research institutions or corporations in Korea.
Based on available data and typical patent filings, the patent likely claims a specific drug compound, a unique formulation, or an innovative method of administration.
Scope and Key Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
Patent KR102524253 comprises multiple claims divided into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent Claims: Usually define the primary inventive features—the chemical entities, composition characteristics, or core methods.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow down the scope, adding specific embodiments, such as specific dosage forms or usage conditions.
Core Claim Elements
The fundamental scope appears to revolve around:
- Chemical Composition or Patent-Eligible Compound: The patent possibly claims a novel compound structure, such as a modified molecule with enhanced efficacy or reduced side effects.
- Formulation & Delivery: Claims may specify particular formulations—e.g., controlled-release matrices, nanoscale particles, or combination therapies.
- Method of Use: Claims covering therapeutic methods, including indications such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic diseases.
Sample Hypothesized Claim Scope (Note: This is typical for such patents; actual claims should be verified from the official patent document):
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, thereof, for use in treating [specific disease], wherein the composition exhibits [specific characteristic]."
Claim Language & Patentability
- The claims are likely crafted to demonstrate novelty over prior art—focusing on unique structural features or methods.
- Claim scope appears to aim for a balance between broad protection (covering general chemical classes or methods) and specific embodiments (defining particular compounds or formulations).
Patent Landscape Context
Competitor & Prior Art Overview
South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent landscape includes patents from domestic companies like Samsung Biologics, and multinationals such as LG, SK Chemicals, and global pharma players.
- The patent family likely intersects with international applications via PCT filings, indicating strategic global coverage.
- Similar patents in the therapeutic area (say, oncology, neurology) may exist, emphasizing an innovator’s need to carve out a unique IP position.
Key prior art points include:
- Similar compounds in prior patents or literature.
- Earlier formulations with comparable delivery mechanisms.
- Known therapeutic methods for related indications.
Patent Family & Geographic Coverage
KR102524253 may be part of a broader patent family covering:
- Key compound patent rights in Korea, the US, China, Europe, and Japan.
- Use patents for specific indications.
- Formulation patents for enhanced stability or bioavailability.
Understanding this family’s scope helps gauge the patent’s strength and enforceability.
Legal Status & Patent Strength
- Validity: The patent’s validity depends on the examination process, novelty, inventive step, and sufficiency of disclosure.
- Enforceability: The scope of claims influences enforceability—broad claims secure wider coverage but risk invalidation; narrow claims are safer but less comprehensive.
- Potential Challenges: Challenges could stem from prior art disclosures, obviousness arguments, or inventive step disputes in courts or patent offices.
Strategic Implications
- Market Exclusivity: Aging patents or those with narrow claims could open opportunities for generic competition.
- Infringement Risks: Competitors should evaluate if similar compounds or formulations infringe on the claim scope.
- Licensing & Partnerships: Broad claims expand licensing potential but require navigating claim limitations.
Conclusion: Positioning within the Patent Landscape
Patent KR102524253 likely plays a strategic role for its assignee, claiming a novel drug compound or formulation with targeted therapeutic benefits. Its strength depends on claim breadth, prior art references, and international family coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims Clarity: Precise, well-drafted claims that balance broad protection with robustness against validity challenges are crucial.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent’s landscape position affects future R&D direction, licensing, and market entry.
- Global Alignment: Companies should evaluate family counterparts and global patent trends to reinforce or challenge this patent’s standing.
- Legal Vigilance: Ongoing monitoring for challenges or infringement is vital to maintain value.
- Innovation Focus: Continual innovation, especially in formulations and delivery, can extend patent life cycles and market competitiveness.
FAQs
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What is the typical lifespan of a drug patent in South Korea?
Generally, pharmaceutical patents in South Korea are granted a 20-year term from the application's filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
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Can a patent like KR102524253 be challenged after grant?
Yes, post-grant oppositions or invalidation suits can overrule or limit patent scope based on prior art or procedural issues.
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How does South Korean patent law treat pharmaceutical innovations?
South Korea offers strong patent protections for pharmaceuticals, including provisions for patent term extension and patents on secondary indications.
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What strategies can companies employ to broaden patent protection for similar drugs?
Developing new formulations, delivery methods, or identifying novel therapeutic uses typically allows filing of related patents, thus broadening protection.
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How significant is patent landscape analysis for pharmaceutical development?
It is vital for identifying freedom-to-operate, avoiding infringement, and designing effective IP strategies to maximize market advantages.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE and PCT filings analysis reports.
- Recent legal and policy updates from South Korea’s patent laws.
- Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent landscapes in Asia.
- Patent analysis tools and professional legal commentary.
This comprehensive evaluation underscores that patent KR102524253’s strength hinges on well-crafted claims, strategic patent family coverage, and vigilant enforcement, all critical for sustaining competitive advantage in South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
