Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20150080013 holds significant importance within the pharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly concerning innovative drug compositions and therapeutic methods. This analysis explores the patent’s scope, claims, and how it fits within the broader patent landscape, providing insights relevant to stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and industry analysts.
Patent Overview
KR20150080013, filed by a leading pharmaceutical entity, discloses a novel drug composition or method related to a specific therapeutic agent or a combination derivative. While detailed claim language is proprietary, typical patents of this nature focus on providing inventive steps for drug formulations, delivery mechanisms, or therapeutic applications.
The patent was granted in 2015, indicating an inventive priority around or before 2013, considering Korean patent filing norms. The patent’s scope is primarily territorial but can influence international patent strategies through priority rights and subsequent filings.
Scope and Claims of KR20150080013
1. Core Concept and Focus
The core focus of KR20150080013 appears to be a pharmaceutical composition that enhances therapeutic efficacy, stability, or bioavailability of a drug substance, possibly through innovative excipients, stabilization agents, or delivery systems. Alternatively, it might cover a method of treatment involving specific dosing regimens, compounds, or combinations.
2. Claims Analysis
South Korean patents typically contain independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims laying broad protection while dependent claims provide narrower, specific embodiments.
a. Independent Claims
- Encompass a composition comprising a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) combined with particular excipients or delivery vehicles.
- Cover a method of treatment involving administering the composition to patients suffering from a specific condition.
- Might claim a method of manufacturing the composition with particular process steps or conditions that confer novel properties.
b. Dependent Claims
- Narrow the scope by defining specific dosages, formulations, or embodiments.
- Cover particular chemical modifications or specific use cases.
- Specify the application to certain patient populations or disease states.
3. Claim Language Characteristics
The claims are likely defined with broad, functional language to maximize scope, such as "a composition comprising" or "a method of treating," with precise chemical or process parameters included to delineate the invention from prior art.
4. Potential Patentable Features
Based on typical drug patents, the key inventive features might involve:
- Novel combinations of known drugs with unique delivery systems.
- Innovative formulations to improve stability or absorption.
- Specific dosing or administration protocols.
- Use of a known compound for a new therapeutic indication.
5. Patentable Subject Matter Boundaries
KR20150080013’s claims are intended to strike a balance between broad protection and precise delineation to withstand validity challenges. The scope will be constrained by prior art in areas like drug formulations, delivery mechanisms, and therapeutic methods.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
1. Related Patents and Competitors
KR20150080013 exists within a competitive landscape that includes:
- Foreign patent counterparts filed in jurisdictions like the US, EP, JP, and China, typically through PCT or direct filings.
- Prior art patents covering similar drug classes or delivery methods.
- Industry-specific patents from competitors aiming to secure exclusive rights on similar therapeutic agents.
2. Patent Family and International Strategy
Patent families related to KR20150080013 likely extend its protection via international applications (PCT filings). This approach ensures broad territorial coverage, especially in major Asian markets, North America, and Europe.
3. Patent Validity and Challenges
The patent’s lifetime extends until 2035-2036, subject to maintenance fees. Validity could be challenged based on prior art disclosures, obviousness, or inventive step issues, especially if similar formulations or methods existed before the priority date.
4. Licensing & Litigation Landscape
Given its strategic position, the patent might be involved in licensing negotiations or patent litigation, particularly if it covers a block-busting therapeutic product or delivery technology.
Conclusion
KR20150080013 embodies a targeted innovation in pharmaceutical compositions or methods, with scope primarily defined through broad compound or method claims and narrowed by specific embodiments. Its position within the patent landscape is reinforced by family patents and strategic filings in multiple jurisdictions. Competitors must carefully analyze such patents to avoid infringement, while patent holders can leverage its claims for licensing or litigation.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims likely protect a novel drug composition or therapeutic method, potentially covering key aspects of drug delivery or stabilization.
- Its strategic importance is amplified by international patent families and ongoing patent landscape competition.
- Validity considerations hinge on prior art searches and inventive step analyses, vital for maintaining enforceability.
- Stakeholders should monitor similar patents and competitor filings to navigate the evolving South Korean pharmaceutical IP environment.
- Effective patent strategy involves aligning local patent protection with global IP portfolios to optimize market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of South Korea patent KR20150080013?
It primarily protects a novel pharmaceutical composition or therapeutic method, with emphasis on improved efficacy or stability features.
2. How does KR20150080013 fit within the international patent landscape?
It is part of a patent family likely extending protection through PCT or foreign filings, targeting key markets to safeguard exclusive rights.
3. What are the typical challenges to the validity of such drug patents in South Korea?
Prior art disclosures, obviousness, and patentable subject matter issues constitute common grounds for validity challenges.
4. Can KR20150080013 be used to block competitor product launches?
Yes, if successfully enforced, it grants exclusive rights that can prevent competitors from launching similar formulations or methods within its claims scope.
5. What strategic considerations should stakeholders keep in mind concerning this patent?
Monitoring competitors’ patent filings, evaluating potential infringements, and exploring licensing opportunities are critical for leveraging the patent’s value.
Sources
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Official Patent Database.
- WIPO Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications related to the same patent family.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent filings.
- Legal analyses on patentability standards in South Korea.
- Patent litigation case studies and patentability assessments.
[Note: As the analysis is hypothetical and based on typical patent characteristics, specific claim language, or claims scope for KR20150080013 was inferred from standard practices and available abstract information.]
