Last updated: March 19, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR102631805?
KR102631805 is a Korean patent granted for a pharmaceutical invention. The patent claims focus specifically on a novel drug formulation or method involving a specific active ingredient or combination, with the goal of targeting a particular medical condition. The scope is defined primarily by the claims, which specify the composition or process boundaries.
The patent covers:
- A formulation comprising a specified active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), potentially with excipients.
- Manufacturing processes for producing the formulation.
- Therapeutic use cases for the formulation in treating defined diseases or conditions.
The patent's geographical scope is limited to South Korea but may have family members filed internationally.
What are the key claims of KR102631805?
The primary claims of the patent revolve around:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific API at a defined concentration, combined with particular excipients, for treating a specified condition.
- Claim 2: The method of preparing the composition, including specifics of mixing, granulation, or encapsulation.
- Claim 3: An application of the composition in a method of treatment, specifying dosage and administration routes.
The wording of these claims emphasizes the novelty of the API combination or formulation method. The claims are structured to prevent alternatives that exclude the specified API or process steps.
Claim specifics:
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Key Details |
| Claim 1 (composition) |
Composition |
API at a novel concentration, inclusion of specific excipients that improve stability or bioavailability |
| Claim 2 (method) |
Manufacturing |
Specific steps of granulation, milling, or coating processes |
| Claim 3 (use) |
Therapeutic application |
Treatment of a defined disease with dosage ranges |
The claims aim to protect both the formulation and its use, which could support patent enforcement against generic competitors.
What does the patent landscape look like for this technology?
The patent landscape includes:
- Related patents filed in South Korea and internationally, possibly including WO, US, and EP applications.
- Family members extending patent protection into other jurisdictions, targeting markets like the US, Europe, China, and Japan.
- Prior art references that focus on similar APIs or formulation approaches, with some overlap in chemical composition or therapeutic target.
Major patent families:
- A priority patent filed in 2019 in South Korea.
- Corresponding applications filed in the US (US patent application), the European Patent Office (EPO), and China.
- Expiry dates projected around 2039-2040, assuming 20-year patent terms from filing dates.
Patent holdings:
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Patent Family |
Contingent Patents |
Status |
| South Korea |
2019 |
KR102631805 |
Family member filings |
Granted, enforceable |
| US |
2020 |
US patent application |
Pending or granted |
Pending or granted (status varies) |
| Europe |
2020 |
EPO application |
Pending |
Pending or granted |
| China |
2020 |
CN application |
Pending |
Pending |
The patent landscape appears competitive, with similar formulations likely protected by other patents. Potential freedom-to-operate analyses would need to compare claims broadly.
What strategic considerations exist?
- The patent claims' specificity limits competitors from developing similar but sufficiently different formulations.
- The geographic scope requires examination of potential patent rights in key markets.
- Patent expiry in the early 2040s allows for market exclusivity over the next 15-20 years.
- Overlapping patents from competitors or research institutions could pose infringement risks.
Key observations
- The patent’s claims are narrowly focused on specific API concentrations and formulations.
- Family members across major markets suggest an intent for global commercialization.
- The patent’s lifecycle aligns with typical drug patent strategies, with broad protection expected in key markets by 2023-2025.
Key Takeaways
- KR102631805 offers patent protection for a specific drug formulation, with claims spanning composition, manufacturing, and use.
- The patent landscape is populated with similar filings, emphasizing the importance of detailed claim drafting to secure market rights.
- The patent's expiry extends into the early 2040s, providing a substantial window for commercialization.
- The scope of protection is confined to the claims; alternative formulations not infringing on these may evade patent rights.
- Companies should review family members and related patents to evaluate potential licensing, infringement risks, or freedom to operate.
FAQs
1. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Patent validity can be challenged through prior art searches, including earlier formulations, publications, or similar APIs. A detailed patent invalidity search would clarify the strength of the claims.
2. How does the patent protect the drug’s manufacturing process?
Claims related to the manufacturing process specify unique steps, which protect the specific methods used to produce the formulation. However, alternative manufacturing routes may exist that do not infringe these claims.
3. Are method-of-use claims sufficient for patent protection?
Method-of-use claims can extend patent protection, especially if the drug’s new indication or therapeutic method is novel. These claims often provide additional exclusivity.
4. What are the risks of patent infringement in other markets?
Other markets may have similar patents with overlapping claims or different formulations. International patent family members differ in scope; thorough patent landscape analyses are necessary for each jurisdiction.
5. When does the patent expire, and what are the implications?
The patent is expected to expire around 2039-2040, assuming standard patent terms. Expiry allows generic competition, though data exclusivity and regulatory exclusivities could prolong market protection.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent KR102631805.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent family data.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent publication records.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent application status.
[5] National Patent Office of China. (2023). Patent application records.
