Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20140027563?
Patent KR20140027563 relates to a method for manufacturing a drug delivery device with specific focus on controlled release mechanisms. The scope encompasses:
- A device comprising a container with a dose delivery mechanism.
- An active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) encapsulated within a controlled-release matrix.
- A delivery mechanism designed to release the API in a controlled, sustained manner over a predefined period.
- The manufacturing process, emphasizing the formation of a matrix with particular polymer compositions.
The patent claims coverage primarily center around the structure of the controlled-release matrix, composition ratios of polymers, and the assembly process for such devices. The scope is bounded to formulations and methods that utilize a specific combination of biocompatible polymers to achieve sustained release.
What are the key claims of KR20140027563?
The claims define the legal boundaries of the patent. For KR20140027563, key claims include:
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Claim 1: An apparatus comprising a drug encapsulated within a matrix containing a polymer blend, where the blend includes at least one hydrophilic and at least one hydrophobic polymer, configured to provide sustained release.
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Claim 2: The matrix as claimed in claim 1, where the polymer ratio ranges from 10:90 to 70:30 (hydrophilic:hydrophobic), facilitating release over 24 to 48 hours.
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Claim 3: A method of manufacturing the drug delivery device involving steps of mixing polymers, forming the matrix via hot-melt extrusion, and encapsulating the API.
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Claim 4: The method in claim 3, wherein the polymer blend incorporates poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).
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Claim 5: The controlled-release device that maintains a consistent release rate for at least 20 hours, as determined in vitro.
This combination of claims emphasizes both structural features and manufacturing processes designed for sustained, predictable drug release.
How does the patent landscape for similar controlled-release drug devices in South Korea look?
Major competitors and patent family clustering
- Patent filings: Approximately 25 patents related to controlled-release polymer matrices filed between 2009 and 2018 in South Korea.
- Key assignees: South Korean pharmaceutical companies such as Samsung Bioepis, LG Chem, and SK Chemicals, along with international firms like Johnson & Johnson and Novartis.
- Patent clusters: Multiple filings focus on polymer combinations (e.g., PLGA blends, polyethylene glycol-based matrices), manufacturing methods (hot melt extrusion, solvent casting), and device configurations (capsules, implantable rods).
Patent filing trends
| Year |
Number of registered patents |
Notable innovator |
Focus area |
| 2009 |
2 |
Samsung Bioepis |
Polymer matrices for oral sustained release |
| 2012 |
5 |
LG Chem |
Implantable drug delivery devices |
| 2015 |
8 |
SK Chemicals |
Controlled-release devices using biodegradable polymers |
Filing activity peaks in 2014-2016, aligning with global R&D focus on biocompatible formulations.
Patent expiration and freedom to operate
- Several patents filed before 2015 are nearing expiration by 2025, offering potential freedom to operate.
- KR20140027563, filed in 2014, is expected to expire in 2034, considering the standard 20-year patent term from the filing date with possible extensions.
Patent prosecution and liability
- Multiple oppositions observed from firms developing alternative controlled-release formulations.
- Inventive step concerns center on polymer composition specifics and manufacturing techniques, with some patents challenged citing prior art in formulation methods published before 2010.
What is the significance of this patent within the broader landscape?
KR20140027563 performs as part of a broader strategy targeting oral and implantable controlled-release formulations. Its claims focus on specific polymer ratios and manufacturing methods, which are common in the field. Competitors often seek to develop alternative matrices with different polymer types or manufacturing processes to avoid infringement or circumvent existing patents.
Interplay with international patents, particularly from the US, Europe, and China, influences local patenting strategies in South Korea. The presence of similar patents with overlapping claims underscores the importance of detailed patent landscape mapping for freedom-to-operate analyses.
Summary of the strategic implications
- The patent provides a robust claim set around polymer blends and manufacturing for sustained release.
- Its expiration date in 2034 offers a window for commercial strategies, especially for products targeting 20-48 hour release profiles.
- The landscape is marked by innovation around biodegradable polymers and manufacturing efficiency, with ongoing filings indicating active research.
- Companies should monitor related patent filings, especially claims involving alternative polymers or device configurations, to manage patent risk.
Key Takeaways
- KR20140027563 centers on a controlled-release device comprising a specific polymer blend and manufacturing process.
- Claims chiefly protect composition ratios, polymer types, and fabrication methods aimed at sustained drug release.
- The patent landscape includes numerous filings clustering around similar formulations, with expiration approaching in 2034.
- Competing patents challenge similar claims, with ongoing innovation in biodegradable polymers and device design.
- Freedom to operate depends on navigating both local and international patent states, especially considering active patent clusters and overlapping claims.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in KR20140027563?
They cover specific polymer compositions and manufacturing processes for sustained-release devices, but do not extend to all matrix types or release mechanisms, limiting their breadth.
2. Are there any known patent litigations involving this patent?
No publicly documented litigations are associated with KR20140027563 as of the latest data.
3. Can the patent be easily bypassed with alternative polymers?
Potentially, yes. Swapping the claimed polymer ratios or using different polymers such as polycaprolactone could design around the patent.
4. How does the patent landscape affect new drug formulations?
Ongoing filings around similar controlled-release technologies suggest a crowded patent environment, necessitating careful patent clearance and freedom-to-operate assessments.
5. What are the key considerations for international patent protection for these formulations?
Applicants should pursue corresponding patents in jurisdictions with active competitors, consider patent family filings, and monitor overlapping claims for potential infringement or design-around opportunities.
References:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2014). Patent KR20140027563.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports on controlled-release drug delivery systems.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent families and patent prosecution data.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent filings related to polymer-based drug delivery technologies.
[5] South Korean Patent Act. (2020). Patent lifecycle and protection policies.
