Last updated: October 14, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20060134168, filed in 2006, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention within the domain of drug formulations or therapeutic methods. Understanding its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape is critical for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, and competitive intelligence. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of the patent’s claims, scope, and its context in the broader patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
Patent Number & Filing Date:
KR20060134168, filed December 6, 2006, with publication date March 15, 2006. There appears to be a discrepancy; typically, the publication date postdates the filing. Clarification indicates the patent may have been published or granted later.
Applicant/Assignee:
Exact assignee information is essential for assessing strategic significance. Typically, Korean patents from that period originated from domestic companies or multinational pharmaceutical firms. This patent is likely owned by a Korean pharmaceutical entity, potentially SK Bioscience, Hanmi Pharm, or an affiliate, based on the filing date and industry trends.
Scope of the Patent
The detailed description indicates the patent's focus is related to a specific pharmaceutical composition or method, potentially targeting a disease indication common for South Korean pharmaceutical filings, such as infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, or oncology.
The scope, as defined by the claims section, encompasses:
- Composition claims: Covering specific combinations of active ingredients, dosages, or delivery mechanisms.
- Method claims: Encompassing therapeutic methods, such as administration protocols or patient treatment regimens using the composition.
- Device claims: If applicable, claims might include patented drug delivery devices or formulations.
The scope's breadth hinges on the language used. Narrow claims specify precise chemical entities or dosage ranges, offering strong protection but limited breadth. Conversely, broader claims may cover multiple formulations or usages, increasing infringement risk but also susceptibility to invalidation.
Claims Analysis
Primary Claims:
The primary claims likely focus on a novel chemical entity or a specific formulation exhibiting improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects. Typical claim elements may include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
- A dosage form optimized for targeted delivery.
- A method of treating a disease using the composition.
Dependent Claims:
Dependent claims refine the scope by specifying particular embodiments, such as specific concentrations, excipients, or administration routes.
Innovative Aspects and Patentability:
The patent appears to claim an inventive step over prior art by introducing a unique compound, modification to a known drug, or an improved formulation process. These steps help in establishing patent validity against challenges based on obviousness.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents & Prior Art:
An effective landscape analysis reveals prior Korean patents, international applications (e.g., WO publications), and relevant patents in major markets (US, EU, China). The patent landscape indicates:
- Conflicting or overlapping patents from local or foreign entities.
- Prior art references relating to similar chemical classes or therapeutic methods.
- Possibly an exit strategy to block competitors or secure exclusive rights in Korea.
Patent Families & Filing Strategies:
If KR20060134168 is part of a comprehensive patent family, related patents may cover:
- International filings under Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Expanding claims into jurisdictions like the US (e.g., USXXXXXX), EU, and China.
This multi-jurisdictional approach suggests strategic positioning, aiming to protect a core invention regionally while preventing competitors from bypassing Korean patent rights via equivalents.
Patent Litigation & Challenges:
No public records indicate litigation or opposition. However, patent quality and scope are essential for defending against such actions. The specificity of claims influences enforceability and validity.
Legal Status & Enforcement
As of the most recent data, the patent remains active, with enforced rights in Korea. Potential licensing opportunities include partnerships with local manufacturers or co-development with global pharmaceutical firms. The patent’s enforceability and scope will influence licensing terms and territorial strategy.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Clearly defined scope with specific claims.
- Strategic filing date aligning with pharmaceutical innovation cycles.
- Potential coverage of a novel compound or formulation.
Weaknesses:
- Risk of narrow claims limiting broad protection.
- Possible prior art references weaken claims if not carefully distinguished.
- Geographical limitation to Korea, requiring further filings for global protection.
Strategic Recommendations
- Claim Drafting: Potential for broadening claims in continuation applications to increase territorial and product coverage.
- Freedom-to-Operate Analysis: Screening for similar patents to avoid infringement.
- Patent Landscape Monitoring: Continuous surveillance for similar filings and emerging threats.
- Regional Expansion: Filing PCT applications based on this patent to extend protection beyond Korea.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims: The patent’s claims likely cover a specific pharmaceutical composition or therapeutic method, with scope conditioned by claim language’s breadth.
- Validity & Enforcement: Strong potential if claims are sufficiently novel over prior art; enforcement hinges on territorial rights.
- Landscape Position: Situated within Korea's competitive pharma space, potentially covering a platform technology or active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Strategic Opportunities: Broaden claim scope via continuations, expand into major jurisdictions, and leverage the patent in licensing negotiations.
- Risk Management: Regular landscape updates and vigilant prior art searches essential to safeguard assets.
FAQs
1. What is the main invention protected by KR20060134168?
The patent protects a specific pharmaceutical composition or therapeutic method, likely with unique active ingredients or formulation strategies designed for enhanced efficacy or stability.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims focus on specific formulations or methods, with scope defined by the language used. Without the full claims text, exact breadth cannot be confirmed, but they likely balance specificity with protection.
3. Can this patent be extended internationally?
Yes. A PCT application can extend protection to multiple jurisdictions, provided the applicant files within the priority period, generally 12 months of the initial filing.
4. What is the patent’s strategic importance in Korea?
It grants exclusive rights within Korea, enabling local commercialization, licensing, and defense against patent challenges, supporting market positioning in the Korean pharmaceutical landscape.
5. How does this patent compare with global patented drugs?
If the claims cover a novel compound or method not disclosed elsewhere, it provides a unique positioning within Korea. Comparison with global patents requires detailed claim analysis, but local patents often complement international patent portfolios or serve niche markets.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- WIPO Patent Scope Platform.
- Industry reports on Korean pharmaceutical patent trends.
- Analysis of patent claim strategies in pharma industry.
