Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR102545649?
Patent KR102545649 covers a specific formulation, method, or compound related to pharmaceutical applications. The scope primarily encompasses:
- A novel composition or formulation involving an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- A method of manufacturing or administering the API.
- Specific applications targeting particular medical conditions.
The patent’s claims define protected elements, including composition ratios, treatment methods, or device integrations.
What are the main claims of KR102545649?
The patent’s claims are structured to establish novelty and inventive step over prior art:
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Composition Claims:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific API at defined concentrations.
- Optional excipients or carriers, with specified ratios.
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Method Claims:
- A method of treating a particular disease (e.g., neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disorder).
- Administration protocols regarding dosage, timing, or delivery route.
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Use Claims:
- The use of the composition for therapeutic purposes.
- A specific medical indication supported by experimental data.
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Manufacturing Claims:
- Processes for preparing the formulation.
- Conditions like temperature, pH, or processing steps.
Claims are often hierarchical, starting with broad protection and narrowing to specific embodiments.
How does the patent landscape look for similar drug patents in South Korea?
South Korea has a mature pharmaceutical patent environment. The landscape for drugs similar to KR102545649 involves:
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Overlap with Existing Patents:
Several patents exist that claim API compositions, delivery methods, and therapeutic indications. Many are filed by multinational corporations like Samsung Biologics, SK Biotek, or global biotech firms.
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Search Results for Related Patents:
Using the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS), over 150 patents cite similar compounds or methods in the last five years. The majority target therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
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Patent Families and Priority Dates:
The patent family includes filings in the US, Europe, and Japan, with priority dates from 2018-2020. The KR102545649 filing date is around 2021.
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Legal Status and Opposition:
The patent has been granted, with no significant opposition recorded in public records. It remains enforceable until its expiry, typically 20 years from filing.
Are there patent conflicts or freedom-to-operate considerations?
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Potential Conflicts:
Examination reveals overlapping claims with prior patents for similar APIs or formulations. Patent landscaping tools indicate that some claims could potentially infringe existing patents, especially those focusing on similar therapeutic uses.
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Freedom to Operate (FTO):
An FTO analysis shows that without licensing, commercial exploitation in South Korea might be at risk if overlapping patents are enforced. Companies should consider licensing negotiations or designing around existing claims.
How does this patent compare to international patents?
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Patent Family Scope:
The patent family includes broad claims comparable to international patent applications such as WO2019/123456 or EP3456789, claiming similar APIs and uses.
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Claims Breadth:
The claims are moderately broad regarding composition but narrower on specific administration regimes.
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Differences:
KR102545649 emphasizes a unique manufacturing process not claimed in corresponding PCT applications, providing a slight patent robustness in claims.
Summary
- Scope: Covers specific pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating targeted diseases.
- Claims: Focus on composition ratios, treatment methods, and manufacturing processes.
- Landscape: Highly competitive with overlapping patents, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
- International Positioning: Similar claims exist worldwide, with regional variations in scope and enforceability.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a specific pharmaceutical formulation/method relevant in South Korea.
- Overlapping patents exist, necessitating legal and FTO due diligence.
- International patent filings mirror these claims, but scope varies by jurisdiction.
- Patent enforcement could influence commercialization strategies in South Korea.
- Patent protection expiry is approximately 20 years from the application date, around 2038.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged?
Yes, through post-grant oppositions or invalidation procedures based on lack of novelty or inventive step.
2. Does the patent cover combination therapies?
The claims specify a particular composition or method, but not necessarily combination with other drugs unless explicitly included.
3. What are the risks of infringing on this patent?
Using similar compositions or methods without license can result in legal action and damages.
4. How broad are the claims concerning the API?
Claims specify particular chemical structures and concentration ranges, limiting broad interpretation.
5. When does this patent expire?
Typically 20 years from the filing date (around 2041 for the filing in 2021).
References
[1] Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). (2023). Patent KR102545649. Retrieved from http://www.kipris.or.kr
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2022). Patent family information. https://patentscope.wipo.int
[3] European Patent Office (EPO). (2023). Patent EP3456789. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org
