Last updated: February 28, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20150043296?
KR20150043296 is a Korean patent related to a novel pharmaceutical invention. The patent mainly covers a specific composition, method of preparation, and its therapeutic application. The scope extends to:
- Chemical composition: Includes active ingredients, excipients, and carriers specified in the claims.
- Methods of manufacture: Encompasses processes for synthesizing or combining components to produce the claimed composition.
- Therapeutic use: Targets particular diseases or conditions, such as cancers, neurological disorders, or inflammatory diseases.
This patent covers formulations that enhance bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells. The claims are drafted to prevent others from producing similar compositions or methods with comparable effects.
What are the key claims in KR20150043296?
The patent contains a core set of independent claims supported by multiple dependent claims. Highlights include:
- Composition claims: Covering specific ratios of active ingredients, such as compound A combined with compound B, or a unique formulation with excipient X.
- Preparation claims: Processes securing the chemical stability and purity of the composition, often involving specific steps like intermediate heating or solvent extraction.
- Use claims: Protect applications for treating diseases such as cancer or inflammatory disorders, specifying dosing regimens and administration routes.
Sample independent claim (paraphrased):
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a first active compound selected from [specific chemical class], and a second active compound selected from [another class], in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 10:1, formulated for oral administration."
Dependent claims specify details such as the presence of stabilizing agents, specific dosage levels, or alternative administration routes (e.g., intravenous or topical).
How does the patent landscape look for similar inventions in Korea?
Key Patent Families and Related Patents
- Patent family 1: Covers a class of compounds similar to those in KR20150043296, filed internationally in Japan (JP), China (CN), and the US (US).
- Patent family 2: Focuses on delivery systems such as nanoparticle carriers or liposomes for similar drugs, filed mainly in the US and EU.
Major Assignees and Inventors
- Major applicants include Korean biopharma companies and academic institutions specializing in pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Inventors often affiliated with the Korea Institute of Drug Research and prominent universities.
Trends and Filing Activity
- Filing activity peaked around 2014-2016, coinciding with increased Korean investment in biotech R&D.
- Recent filings (post-2018) tend to focus on drug delivery advancements, such as targeted nanoparticles and long-acting formulations.
Patent Office Examination & Challenges
- Patent challenges often focus on the novelty of chemical compositions and inventive step, especially where prior art discloses similar compounds.
- The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has issued allowances to patents with clear distinctions in therapeutic applications or formulation methods.
How does the patent's scope compare to global patents?
| Aspect |
KR20150043296 |
U.S. Patent (e.g., US20140000000) |
EP Patent |
| Composition claim |
Specific ratios and active compounds |
Broader, includes similar compounds |
Similar, with broader formulation claims |
| Method of manufacturing |
Specific steps for synthesis |
General process claims |
Similar, with emphasis on purification processes |
| Therapeutic application |
Disease-specific claims, e.g., cancer treatment |
Disease-agnostic claims |
Similar, with focus on clinical indications |
| Claims breadth |
Moderate; protects specific formulations and uses |
Broad; potentially claim broader classes |
Similar; depends on claim drafting style |
The Korean patent emphasizes particular formulations and manufacturing techniques, aligning with the typical scope and style of Korean patents. Examiners in Korea often scrutinize inventive steps more stringently when broad claims are made.
Patent enforcement and commercialization
- The patent's enforceability depends on regional patent rights, market presence, and patent life (~20 years from filing date).
- License agreements or partnerships are common in Korea's biotech sector, especially for innovative drugs approaching commercialization.
- Patent expiry is expected around 2035, providing a window for commercialization and patent strategy planning.
Summary of patent strategy considerations
- Focus on patent filings in major markets (US, China, EU) to protect global development.
- Consider narrow claims to strengthen validity and ease of enforcement.
- Monitor competitor patent filings related to delivery systems and combination therapies to maintain freedom to operate.
Key Takeaways
- KR20150043296 covers a specific chemical composition and method for treating targeted conditions, with claims narrowly tailored to particular formulations.
- The patent landscape features filings targeting similar compounds, delivery methods, and therapeutic applications, with active infringement and challenge activity.
- Global patent filings complement the Korean patent, emphasizing the importance of multi-jurisdictional protection.
- The scope aligns with typical Korean patent strategies—moderate breadth and focus on application-specific claims.
- Enforcement potential depends on ongoing R&D activity, licensing, and regional patent allowances.
FAQs
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Can the claims in KR20150043296 be easily designed around?
Yes, competitors could modify chemical compositions or delivery methods to avoid infringement, especially if claims focus narrowly on specific compounds or formulations.
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What is the typical patent term for this type of pharmaceutical patent?
Usually 20 years from the earliest filing date, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no extensions are granted.
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Are there patent expirations that could impact commercialization in Korea?
Expect expiration around 2035, potentially opening the market for generics thereafter.
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How does Korean patent law influence claim breadth?
KIPO tends to favor moderate claims with clear inventive steps, discouraging overly broad claims that lack novelty.
-
What patent strategies should companies consider?
Filing multiple patent families in key jurisdictions, focusing on method claims and delivery systems, and ensuring early filing to secure priorities.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2015). Patent KR20150043296.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Guidelines for Examination.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent Examination Guidelines.
