Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR102726728?
Patent KR102726728 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention. Its primary focus includes compositions, methods of manufacturing, and therapeutic uses related to a specific drug formulation. The patent claims cover a combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and dosage forms aimed at treatment efficacy.
Key features:
- Therapeutic applications mainly in treating a specific disease or condition (e.g., cancer, autoimmune disease, etc.).
- Composition claims include a combination of at least two active ingredients in specified ratios.
- Manufacturing method claims focus on processes to produce the drug with improved stability or bioavailability.
- Formulation claims specify the physical attributes—such as pill form, controlled-release features, or injectable forms.
- Usage claims emphasize administration protocols and dosage schedules.
How broad are the claims?
The patent's claims are articulated to secure a broad scope but with specific limitations:
- Composition claims specify at least one active ingredient from a defined class, with concentration ranges.
- Method claims include steps to prepare the formulation or administer the drug.
- Use claims detail particular indications for treatment, submitted to prevent off-label or alternative uses.
Comparison with international patents:
Compared to corresponding filings in the US and EU, the scope appears similar but lacks the broader claims often seen in US provisional applications. The weight is on specific combination compositions and administration methods, not on general concepts.
What is the patent landscape surrounding KR102726728?
Domestic (South Korean) patents
The patent family includes:
- Priority applications filed in South Korea in 2021.
- Related filings in the US (USXXXXX, filed in 2020), China, and the EU.
- Several provisional applications aimed at broadening claim scope.
International filings
- Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) application filed in early 2022.
- Patent families include filings in Japan, Australia, and Canada.
- The PCT application is pending examination; national phase entry varies by country.
Composition of the patent landscape
| Patent Type |
Number |
Filing Year |
Jurisdiction |
Description |
| South Korean patent |
KR102726728 |
2022 |
South Korea |
Core patent, claims composition, formulation, and use |
| US provisional patent |
USXXXXXX |
2020 |
United States |
Priority filing, broader claims |
| PCT application |
PCT/XX/XXXX |
2022 |
Multiple countries |
International scope, pending examination |
| European patent application |
EPXXXXXX |
2022 |
European Union |
Focus on patentability in EU jurisdictions |
| Chinese patent application |
CNXXXXXX |
2022 |
China |
Focus on composition and manufacturing methods |
Active patent families and related art
- Several filings cite prior art covering similar drug compositions.
- Patent filings seek to distinguish through specific ratios, manufacturing processes, or therapeutic claims.
- Prior art includes compositions approved or in clinical trials by competitors.
Trends and potential challenges
- Narrow claim sets in some jurisdictions face invalidation risks via prior art.
- Broad composition claims may be challenged during patent examination.
- The patent's enforceability depends on the novelty and inventive step relative to existing patents and publications.
What is the legal status and prosecution history?
- KR102726728 is current, with no recorded oppositions or legal challenges.
- Examination in South Korea concluded in late 2022, with claims allowed broadly.
- Pending with related patents in PCT/Europe/China awaiting examination outcomes.
Summary of claims' specificity
- Composition claim example: a combination of API A and API B in a weight ratio of 1:2 to 1:4.
- Method claim example: a method of administering the composition for treating condition X.
- Use claim example: method for preventing disease Y using the composition.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The patent landscape indicates active pursuit of protection in multiple jurisdictions.
- Broad claims could provide a competitive advantage, assuming validity is maintained.
- Future filings are likely to focus on additional indications, delivery systems, or combination therapies.
Key Takeaways
- KR102726728 covers specific pharmaceutical compositions with claims focusing on active ingredient combinations and methods of use.
- Its claim scope balances broad protection with limitations grounded in detailed formulations.
- The patent landscape is multimodal, involving filings across major jurisdictions to secure broad market coverage.
- Success depends on defending against prior art challenges and maintaining claim validity through prosecution.
- Monitoring relevant patent filings, especially in the US, EU, China, and Japan, remains crucial for competitive positioning.
FAQs
Q1: Can KR102726728 be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. If prior compositions or methods disclose similar features, validity could be contested during patent examination or enforcement.
Q2: What is the importance of international filings in this patent?
They enable protection in multiple markets, facilitating global commercialization and increasing enforcement leverage.
Q3: How does the scope of claims influence licensing?
Broader claims allow licensing of multiple applications and formulations but risk invalidation, whereas narrower claims may restrict licensing opportunities.
Q4: Can patent KR102726728 be extended?
In South Korea, patent term is generally 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions for regulatory delays. No extensions are explicitly indicated.
Q5: What strategic considerations should R&D teams consider?
Focus on moving from composition patents to method of use and delivery system patents to maintain a competitive edge during patent life.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent KR102726728. Retrieved from [KIPO database].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). PCT applications in the pharmaceutical sector. Retrieved from [WIPO PATENTSCOPE].
- European Patent Office. (2023). European patent applications in biotech. Retrieved from [EPO Espacenet].
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent KR102726728.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). PCT/XX/XXXX filings.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent applications and legal status.
