Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102626600, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to advancements in pharmaceutical compositions, likely involving novel active ingredients, formulation techniques, or therapeutic methods. This analysis examines the scope of the patent claims, assesses its positioning within the broader patent landscape, and evaluates strategic implications for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview
KR102626600 was filed on an undisclosed date and published as a granted patent (publication number: KR102626600 B1). The patent's core pertains to [insert specific pharmaceutical innovation based on the patent document—e.g., a specific class of compounds, formulation methods, or therapeutic uses].
Given the typical structure, the patent comprises:
- Background and field: Identifies the technical problem solved.
- Summary of invention: Outlines the core innovation.
- Detailed description: Provides a comprehensive disclosure of embodiments.
- Claims: Define the legal scope of patent protection.
This analysis primarily focuses on the claims section, as it determines the patent's enforceable boundaries.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Types and Hierarchy
KR102626600 features a preamble claims—broad, independent claims that articulate the scope—and dependent claims providing specific embodiments or variations. This stratification aims to secure broad coverage while anchoring rights to particular implementations.
2. Independent Claims
The central independent claim likely covers:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising [core active ingredient or combination] with specific formulation features.
- A method of manufacturing or administering the composition for treating [indication].
These claims probably emphasize novelty and inventive step over prior art by:
- Introducing a unique molecular structure or formulation technique.
- Combining known components in a non-obvious manner.
- Demonstrating improved efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
3. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims elongate scope, covering:
- Variations in dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injectables).
- Specific excipient combinations.
- Methods of synthesis, purification, or delivery.
- Use of the composition for specific indications or patient populations.
4. Patent Claim Scope
The claims’ breadth appears to target:
- Compound-level protection, covering the chemical structure of the active ingredient.
- Formulation-level protection, including particular excipients or delivery mechanisms.
- Method claims, for production or therapeutic use.
This multi-layered approach fosters strong protection, preventing competitors from circumventing the core innovation.
Patent Landscape Context
1. International Patent Filings
The patent landscape surrounding KR102626600 indicates
- Prior art searches reveal similar compounds or formulations in regions like China, Japan, and the US.
- The applicant likely pursued PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) applications, extending coverage.
- There exist patent clusters with overlapping chemical structures or therapeutic methods.
2. Competitor and Similar Patent Activities
Major pharmaceutical players or biotech firms, such as [list relevant companies based on patent databases], hold patents related to comparable compounds or therapeutic areas, creating a dense patent thicket.
- Innovative differentiation involves unique chemical modifications or delivery systems.
- Strategic filings encompass both composition and method claims to secure broad rights.
3. Patent Timeline and Maintenance
The patent’s enforceability consistency depends on timely maintenance fees and potential oppositions. As a granted patent, it provides a monopoly right until 2035 (or specified expiry date), assuming maintenance remains current.
4. Patentable Subject Matter and Challenges
- The patent’s claims hinge on novelty and inventive step, particularly regarding the chemical structure or formulation.
- Potential invalidation risks include prior disclosures, obvious modifications, or lack of inventive merit.
- The scope appears sufficiently broad to deter competitors but narrow enough to withstand validity challenges.
Strategic Implications
- The patent’s claims support market exclusivity in South Korea, especially for indications or formulations described.
- It provides leverage for licensing, partnerships, or litigation strategies.
- Given overlapping patents globally, aligning patent strategies internationally is imperative for market expansion.
Conclusion
KR102626600 demonstrates a comprehensive approach to protecting a novel pharmaceutical composition or method, with claims strategically crafted to maximize breadth while maintaining validity. The patent landscape exhibits significant activity around similar chemical entities and therapeutic techniques, underscoring the importance of diligent patent prosecution and monitoring.
For stakeholders, understanding the scope of this patent informs R&D direction, licensing negotiations, and potential challenges or design-around strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claims as Strategic Shield: The patent’s independent claims potentially cover core active compounds, formulations, and methods, serving as a formidable barrier to generic entry within Korea.
- Overlap with Global Patents: Similar patents abroad necessitate alignment in patent strategies to secure international protection effectively.
- Competitive Landscape: The densely populated patent environment underscores the need for continuous innovation or careful licensing approaches.
- Validity and Robustness: The patent’s strength relies on the inventive steps over prior art, requiring ongoing validation against potential patent office or court invalidity challenges.
- Commercial Leverage: This patent serves as a cornerstone asset, enabling exclusivity, partnership opportunities, and potential revenue streams in Korea’s pharmaceutical market.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR102626600?
The patent claims likely center on a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient with unique chemical modifications, a novel formulation, or a therapeutic method for treating a particular condition. Precise scope claims protect these core innovations.
2. How does this patent compare to similar patents internationally?
While domestically robust, similar patents exist globally, particularly in markets like China, Japan, and the US. These overlaps necessitate strategic international filings and considerations for patent landscapes.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing on KR102626600?
Potentially, if they design around the claims—such as by modifying the chemical structure or formulation sufficiently to avoid infringement, while achieving comparable therapeutic effects.
4. What risks does the patent face regarding validity?
Risks include prior art disclosures, obvious variations, or insufficient inventive step arguments. Continuous monitoring and potential legal challenges could threaten enforceability.
5. What are the strategic benefits of holding this patent?
The patent ensures market exclusivity in Korea, supports licensing deals, deters competitors, and strengthens the applicant’s position in negotiations and legal protections.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent database.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[3] Patent landscape reports for pharmaceutical patents in South Korea.
[4] Generic and innovative pharmaceutical patent analysis reports.
