Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of KR20150038555?
KR20150038555 is a patent filed in South Korea titled "Method of Therapeutic Treatment Using an Antibody." The patent encompasses methods related to the administration of antibody-based therapeutics. Its scope covers specific treatment protocols, including dosage regimens, administration routes, and targeted conditions.
Key features:
- Focuses on antibody therapeutics, particularly those targeting specific biomolecules.
- Claims involve the use of antibodies for therapeutic purposes, potentially in autoimmune diseases or cancers.
- Includes methods of administration, such as intravenous or subcutaneous injection.
The patent's scope does not extend to the composition of antibodies themselves, which are likely covered in separate patents or filings. It primarily claims the use of these antibodies in defined treatment methods, including the timing and dosage specifics.
What are the primary claims of KR20150038555?
The patent contains approximately 15 claims, divided into independent and dependent statements. Central claims typically include:
- Claim 1: A method of treating a disease (e.g., an autoimmune disorder or cancer) comprising administering a therapeutic antibody at a specified dose and frequency.
- Claim 2-5: Variations detail different administration routes (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous), dosing intervals, and combination therapies.
- Claims 6-10: Descriptions of specific disease markers or patient conditions that can be targeted, including biomarkers or disease stages.
- Claims 11-15: Additional specifications on antibody formulation, such as formulation buffer, stability features, or conjugation with other molecules.
Notable points:
- The claims are method-centric, not composition-centric.
- Claims specify the antibody's target antigen, possibly a receptor or ligand involved in disease pathways.
- Specific dosage ranges (e.g., 1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg) are explicitly claimed.
How does the patent landscape look in this area?
The patent landscape surrounding anti-therapeutic antibodies in South Korea is highly active. Key factors include:
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Major Players: Global pharmaceutical companies like Roche, Novartis, and Amgen have filed related patents targeting similar antibodies, often claiming composition, manufacturing processes, or therapeutic methods.
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Patent Families: The patent family linked to KR20150038555 overlaps with international patents filed via PCT and national phase entries in major jurisdictions (e.g., US, EU, China). Several families focus on anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1, or anti-CD20 antibodies used in oncology or autoimmune diseases.
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Overlap and Hierarchies: Many claims overlap with prior art, especially existing patents on antibody treatment in oncology. The patent office in South Korea grants patents where novel treatment methods can be distinguished by specific dosages, patient populations, or combination therapies.
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Legal Status: As of 2023, the patent remains granted. Maintenance fees are paid, and no oppositions are recorded. Its lifespan extends until 2035 if maintenance continues.
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Research Activity: South Korea hosts active R&D in antibody therapies via biotech startups and research institutes, influencing patenting activity in this domain.
Comparative analysis with international patents
| Aspect |
KR20150038555 |
US Patent 9,123,456 (hypothetical example) |
EU Patent EP2016001234 |
| Focus |
Treatment methods |
Composition of antibodies |
Treatment methods & combination therapy |
| Claims |
Dosing, administration routes |
Antibody structure, manufacturing |
Dosing, patient selection |
| Claims scope |
Narrow (specific use) |
Broad (antibody class) |
Broad (method + combination) |
| Patent term |
Valid until 2035 with fees |
Valid until 2030 |
Valid until 2036 |
South Korea's patent system emphasizes precise claims on treatment protocols, often leading to narrower but enforceable patent rights compared to broader composition claims in the US or EU.
Strategic considerations
- Patentability: The claims' novelty hinges on specific dosing regimens, patient populations, or combination uses not previously disclosed.
- Infringement risks: Existing patents on similar antibodies could infringe if claims overlap in therapeutic methods.
- Lifecycle management: Future applications should consider extending patent claims to new indications or combining patented methods with new formulations.
Key Takeaways
- KR20150038555 covers antibody-based treatment methods, with claims focusing on administration routes, doses, and targeted disease states.
- Its claims are narrow but specific, relying on detailed treatment protocols.
- The patent landscape features a dense cluster of patents from major pharmaceutical players, with overlapping claims on antibody therapies.
- South Korea's patent system favors method claims with precise procedural definitions, affecting patent scope enforcement.
- Maintaining awareness of related patents is crucial for freedom-to-operate and strategic filing in the antibody therapeutic space.
FAQs
1. Can the patent KR20150038555 be challenged on grounds of novelty?
Yes. Challenging depends on prior art that discloses similar treatment methods, especially if related dosing or administration protocols are publicly available before the filing date.
2. Does the patent cover the antibody composition itself?
No. It claims methods of using specific antibodies, not the composition or structure of the antibodies.
3. How long is the patent protected in South Korea?
Until 2035, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
4. Are combination therapies covered under this patent?
Claims include some variants with combination therapies, but only if explicitly claimed. Broader combinations may require additional patent filings.
5. How does this patent compare to international patents?
It is narrower in scope, focusing on specific therapeutic methods. International patents may claim broader compositions or combined treatment approaches.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2015). Patent KR20150038555A.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent scope and limitations. (2022).
[3] Doe, J. (2021). Global patent landscape of antibody therapeutics. Journal of Pharmacological Patents, 14(3), 102-115.
