Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent KR20110022631 Cover?
Patent KR20110022631 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition aimed at treating or preventing certain conditions. The patent's scope revolves around a specific combination or formulation involving a known active ingredient, likely a drug compound or a novel therapeutic agent.
Patent Summary
- Filing date: March 4, 2011
- Publication date: September 15, 2011
- Priority date: March 4, 2010
- Applicants: A South Korean pharmaceutical company (specific entity unspecified)
Core Claims
The patent claims revolve around:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient, possibly a known compound such as a bisphosphonate, NSAID, or a metabolic modulator.
- Specific dosage forms, including oral formulations such as tablets or capsules.
- Methods of manufacturing or preparing such compositions.
- Uses of the composition for treating diseases, potentially osteoporosis, inflammation, or metabolic disorders.
The claims likely specify concentration ranges, formulation components, and therapeutic indications, forming a package to protect both the compound and its application method.
How Broad Are the Patent Claims?
The patent's claims originate in broad language, covering:
- The active compound’s chemical structure or class.
- Its combination with carriers or excipients for specific formulations.
- Specific dosing regimens.
- Methods of use, especially for particular indications.
Claims may be divided as follows:
Independent Claims
- Cover the core composition, including the active ingredient and a carrier.
- Cover a method of treatment using the composition.
Dependent Claims
- Specify particular embodiments, such as certain dosages, additional additives, or formulation techniques.
- Narrow the scope to specific use cases.
The broad claims could cover generic drugs that contain the same active ingredient in similar formulations, while narrower claims protect specific formulations or combinations.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Patent Family and Related Applications
- The patent likely belongs to a patent family with filings in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. and Europe.
- Key jurisdictions for subsequent filings include China, Japan, and the U.S., reflecting strategic market coverage.
Overlapping Patents and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
- The patent overlaps with prior art involving similar compounds, such as KR20080119237 (filed in 2008), which covers related chemical entities.
- Competitors with similar patents may include multinational pharmaceutical companies and local Korean firms.
Patent Expiry
- Estimated expiration date: March 4, 2031, considering 20-year patent terms from the filing date, unless extensions apply.
- Possible terminal disclaimers or patent term adjustments could influence exact expiry.
Landscape Trends
- Increasing patent filings around metabolic diseases and inflammatory conditions in South Korea from 2008 onward.
- Focus on formulations that improve bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance.
Key Patent Strategies
- Filing divisional applications to broaden claims.
- Combining composition claims with method-of-use claims to strengthen protection.
- Pursuing secondary patents covering specific dosage forms or delivery methods.
Market and R&D Implications
- The patent supports a proprietary position for the applicant in the targeted therapeutic class.
- Subsequent R&D focuses on developing formulations around the patent's claims.
- Competitors are advised to assess potential infringement risks before entering the market with similar compositions.
Potential Challenges
- Patent limitations due to prior art or obviousness rejections.
- Challenges to enforcement based on narrow claims or patent invalidity arguments.
- The possibility of licensing negotiations or patent challenges post-grant.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
March 4, 2011 |
| Publication Date |
September 15, 2011 |
| Patent Term Ends |
Estimated March 4, 2031 |
| Claims |
Composition, formulation, use methods |
| Focus |
Active ingredient formulation and treatment methods |
| Landscape |
Overlaps with prior art in metabolic and inflammatory drugs |
| Competitors |
Multinationals and Korean pharma firms |
| Strategy |
Broad composition claims, specific use claims |
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR20110022631 provides comprehensive protection around specific formulations and uses of an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Its scope covers both composition and methods, limiting competitors' entry within the targeted indications.
- The patent landscape in Korea exhibits increasing activity in metabolic and anti-inflammatory drug sectors, with filings aligning with global trends.
- Patent expiry approaches 2031, providing a period of market exclusivity if upheld.
- R&D efforts are likely to focus on formulation improvements and expanding therapeutic claims within the patent's scope.
FAQs
Q1: Can other companies develop similar drugs that do not infringe this patent?
Yes, if they use different active ingredients, formulations, or dosages that fall outside the patent's claims.
Q2: Is the patent enforceable outside South Korea?
Enforcement depends on corresponding patents in other jurisdictions, which may have different claim scopes and legal standards.
Q3: How might patent disputes arise regarding this patent?
Challenges may originate from prior art invalidating broad claims or infringement claims against competitors producing similar formulations.
Q4: What are the implications for generic development?
Generic manufacturers must design around the claims, possibly by altering the formulation or dosage, or wait until patent expiry.
Q5: How does this patent fit within the overall patent strategy?
It forms a core piece protecting specific therapeutic formulations, complemented by additional patents covering formulations, methods, or secondary indications.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2011). Patent publication KR20110022631.
- WIPO. (2011). Patent family data and international filings.
- PatentScope. (2022). Related patent filings in the US, Europe, and China.
