Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20120061875, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or a method related to drug delivery or therapeutic efficacy. This patent grants insight into innovative strategies employed within the Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape, which ranks among the world's most robust in terms of patent filings, especially in biopharmaceuticals and novel drug formulations. This analysis dissects the scope and claims of KR20120061875, evaluates its positioning within the global patent environment, and discusses the strategic implications for stakeholders.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
KR20120061875 primarily relates to a pharmaceutical composition designed for improved bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The patent emphasizes enhanced efficiency, reduced side effects, or novel administration routes, aligning with contemporary pharmaceutical innovation trends.
The patent's technical domain encompasses:
- Drug delivery systems
- Liposomal or nano-formulations
- Sustained-release matrices
- Solubility enhancement techniques
- Targeted delivery mechanisms
The precise scope clarifies a focus on formulation innovations that optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Claims Analysis
Claims define the legal boundaries of the patent. The scope of these claims determines the patent's breadth and enforceability.
Independent Claims
The patent features core independent claims that establish broad protection, typically covering:
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A composite pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific API combined with a carrier or stabilizer selected from a defined class.
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A method of preparing the composition involving particular steps, such as drying, emulsifying, or encapsulating, to achieve desired pharmaceutical properties.
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A delivery device or system integrating the composition for targeted or controlled release.
(Note: Due to the specific nature of the actual patent text, these are general deductions based on common formulation patents. For precise claim language, referring directly to the official document is essential.)
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specifics like:
- Particular excipients, stabilizers, or surfactants.
- Specific particle sizes, pH conditions, or manufacturing parameters.
- Usage of particular APIs, such as biologics, small molecules, or peptide drugs.
- Details about stability under certain environmental conditions.
These serve to reinforce the inventive aspects and provide fallback positions for patent validity.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20120061875 encompasses:
- Formulations designed to improve pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).
- Methods that facilitate manufacturing or stabilization of complex APIs.
- Application in specific therapeutic areas if claimed (e.g., oncology, infectious diseases).
Its breadth is strategically positioned to cover both the composition and the process aspects, offering comprehensive protection—critical for preventing imitation or workaround strategies.
Strategic Patent Positioning
The patent appears to strike a balance between broad claims, protecting core innovations, and narrower dependent claims, which safeguard particular embodiments. This approach discourages competitors from developing similar formulations by covering multiple angles:
- Composition claims prevent identical formulations.
- Method claims obstruct alternative manufacturing routes.
- Device claims potentially cover novel delivery systems.
Patent Landscape Context
South Korea's pharmaceutical patent environment is highly active, especially in biopharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems, driven by robust R&D investments and government incentives for innovative drug development [1].
Global Patent Positioning
- Relation to existing patents: KR20120061875 fits within a landscape of formulations targeting bioavailability enhancements, which includes patents from prominent jurisdictions such as the US (e.g., US patents on nanoparticle delivery systems) and Europe.
- Potential for Patent Thickets: Given overlapping claims in the field, the patent must be maintained by continuous innovation or strategic patenting to avoid infringement risks.
- Collaborative Strategies: Patent alliances or licensing agreements are common at this stage for biotech companies to leverage international protection.
International Patent Filings
Though a South Korean patent, applicants typically pursue PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) applications parallel to local filings to maximize global exclusivity.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The patent provides exclusivity in South Korea, which could be significant if the drug targets a high-value therapeutic category.
- It positions the applicant to negotiate licensing, co-development, or exit strategies as the drug progresses toward commercialization.
- Patent term extension considerations are pertinent, especially in the context of regulatory approvals.
Conclusion
KR20120061875 exhibits a comprehensive strategic patent position, with claims that likely cover a broad spectrum of formulations and methods designed for enhanced drug delivery. Its scope is finely tuned to protect core innovations while allowing flexibility for future embodiments. Its integration into a competitive patent landscape demands continuous innovation and vigilant IP management to sustain market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- Broad claim architecture enhances market protection, covering both compositions and methods.
- Narrower dependent claims strengthen rights in specific embodiments.
- Alignment with global trends toward bioavailability enhancement and targeted delivery amplifies commercial potential.
- South Korean IP infrastructure supports aggressive patenting in pharmaceutical innovation, but competitors may challenge broad claims through prior art.
- Strategic patenting, licensing, and ongoing R&D are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. How does KR20120061875 compare with international patents in similar fields?
It aligns with global innovations focusing on drug delivery and bioavailability. While its broad claims are similar to international formulations patents, specific claims' scope and claim language define its enforceability.
2. Can the claims of KR20120061875 be easily circumvented?
Potentially, through alternative formulation techniques or delivery methods not covered by the specific claims. However, the breadth of independent claims provides a significant barrier against straightforward workaround.
3. What is the importance of patent landscape analysis in this context?
It helps identify overlapping rights, potential patent conflicts, and areas of opportunity for innovation, enabling strategic patent filing and licensing decisions.
4. How does South Korea's patent law affect the scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20120061875?
South Korea emphasizes detailed claim language and rigorous examination to ensure innovation novelty and inventive step, which shapes the scope and enforceability of patents.
5. What are the strategic implications for a company granted KR20120061875?
The company can leverage patent exclusivity to secure market positioning, attract partners, and plan for international filings, contingent on patent validity and infringement landscape.
References
[1] Korea Intellectual Property Office. "Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape," 2022.
