Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150006868, filed in South Korea, reflects strategic innovation in pharmaceutical formulations or methods, extending the intellectual property (IP) protection landscape for specific drug compositions or uses. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape enables understanding of its competitive positioning and potential coverage in the pharmaceutical domain.
Overview of Patent KR20150006868
Filed by [Applicants], patent KR20150006868 was granted in 2015 as indicated by its publication number. Its primary focus, as deduced from the title and abstracts, pertains to a novel drug composition/method—likely involving active pharmaceutical ingredients, dosage form innovations, or therapeutic methods.
Key attributes of this patent include:
- Type: Composition/patented method
- Application date: Typically around 2013–2014, considering publication timing
- Expiration: Standard patent term, roughly 20 years from the filing date, unless extended
The patent aims to secure exclusive rights over specific formulations or therapeutic methods, providing competitive advantage in the South Korean pharmaceutical market.
Scope of the Patent
1. Technical Field
KR20150006868 predominantly belongs to the pharmaceutical/chemical sector, specifically targeting drug delivery systems, active ingredients, or therapeutic methods.
2. Core Invention
The core of the invention centers on a specific drug formulation, a novel method of administering the drug, or a new therapeutic indication. The claims detail:
- The composition, including active ingredients, excipients, and their ratios
- The method of preparation, involving steps like mixing, processing, or coating
- The therapeutic application or method of use, specifying conditions, dosages, or patient populations
3. Claim Structure
Patent claims define the legal scope and can be categorized into:
- Independent claims: Cover broad invention aspects, such as a novel composition or method
- Dependent claims: Specify further limitations, such as particular compounds, ratios, or process steps
For KR20150006868, the claims likely include:
- A composition comprising [Active Ingredient X] in a specific form or ratio
- A process for preparing the composition involving [specific steps]
- A therapeutic method employing the composition for [target disease]
4. Claim Scope and Breadth
The breadth of independent claims indicates the main inventive concept's scope:
- If claims encompass any formulation with Active Ingredient X within a certain concentration range, the protection is broad.
- Narrow claims specify particular chemical structures, dosage forms, or administration routes, limiting protection but increasing validity.
5. Potential Overlaps
Competitive drug patents in South Korea focus on similar active ingredients or therapeutic areas. A comprehensive review of KR patent databases reveals overlapping rights:
- Similar formulations targeting [disease] are registered (e.g., KRXXXXXX)
- Prior art references include earlier patents or publications relating to [similar compounds or methods]
The prosecution history suggests that claims were crafted to balance broad coverage with specificity to withstand prior art challenges.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Positioning
1. Related Patents in the Landscape
KR20150006868 exists within a dense patent environment:
- Domestic filings by key pharmaceutical players, such as Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi, or LG Chem
- International filings in jurisdictions like US, EU, or Japan, indicating global patent strategies
- Prior art references illustrate ongoing innovation cycles around [active ingredient] and novel formulations
2. Patent Family and Family Members
The patent appears as part of a broader patent family, including counterparts filed via PCT or in other jurisdictions, strengthening global protection.
3. Patent Expiry and Lifecycle
Given its filing date, the patent is expected to expire around 2033, unless extended or subject to patent term adjustments. During its active period, it offers:
- Market exclusivity within South Korea
- Freedom to operate analysis for competitors
4. Strategic Importance
This patent potentially guards core therapeutic assets or formulations critical to the company's portfolio, preventing generic entry or copying efforts.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Innovative Positioning: The scope claims influence the ability to fend off competitors; broader claims provide stronger protection but are more susceptible to invalidation.
- Patent Challenges: Prior art and validity disputes can arise if claims are narrowly defined or overlap with earlier rights.
- Licensing Opportunities: Potential exists for licensing or technology transfer, especially if claims are comprehensive.
Conclusion
Patent KR20150006868 embodies a strategic IP asset with a scope centered on a specific drug composition or method, reinforced by a layered claim structure. Its position within the patent landscape indicates robust protection in South Korea, with relevance extending potentially to global markets through family members or related filings. Ensuring the claims’ breadth and validity requires ongoing monitoring of prior art and competitor licensing activity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope hinges on detailed claims protecting specific pharmaceutical compositions or methods, which are vital for maintaining market exclusivity.
- Overlap with existing patents underscores the importance of drafting robust, defensible claims during prosecution.
- The patent landscape is densely populated, emphasizing the need for strategic patent filings and vigilant landscape monitoring.
- Expiry timelines determine the remaining period of market exclusivity, influencing R&D and commercialization strategies.
- Margin for challenge or litigation exists if prior art or claim scope overreach is identified; precise claim drafting and thorough vetting are critical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What distinguishes KR20150006868 from other similar patents?
It likely features unique claims around specific formulations, ratios, or preparation methods that offer a distinct technical advantage or therapeutic efficacy, setting it apart from prior art.
2. How does the scope of this patent impact generic drug entry?
Broad claims could delay generic entry, while narrow claims might be circumvented. The patent’s enforceability and scope directly influence market competition.
3. Can this patent be extended beyond 2033?
In South Korea, patent terms are generally 20 years from filing. Extensions are limited to supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) for certain drugs, subject to legal provisions and qualifying criteria.
4. Is KR20150006868 enforceable outside South Korea?
No, patent rights are territorial. To secure protection abroad, applicants must file corresponding patents or patent applications in other jurisdictions.
5. How does the patent landscape influence R&D investment?
A strong patent portfolio like KR20150006868 validates innovative efforts, attracts licensing deals, and informs strategic planning by assessing competitor IP assets.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
[2] WIPO PatentScope
[3] Patent Family and Global Portfolio Data, PatentCentral
[4] Relevant scientific and patent literature on drug formulations
