Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150083117, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition and its method of manufacturing, with an emphasis on enhancing therapeutic efficacy, stability, and delivery of the active ingredient. As a pivotal component within the drug patent landscape, this patent provides insights into innovation trends in the South Korean pharmaceutical sector, particularly in targeted drug delivery systems or formulation strategies. This analysis dissects the scope and claims of KR20150083117, examines its positioning within the patent landscape, and evaluates its strategic implications.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20150083117 centers on a specific pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and a unique carrier matrix or delivery system that facilitates improved bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery. The invention claims an innovative approach to formulating or manufacturing the composition, potentially involving novel excipients, encapsulation techniques, or particle engineering.
Crucially, the patent defines its scope via both product and process claims—covering the composition as well as the manufacturing process—thereby broadening its protective reach. This dual-layer approach safeguards not only the specific formulation but also the methods employed to produce it, deterring competitors from duplicating the technology through alternative manufacturing routes.
Claims Analysis
1. Claims Dissection
The patent includes a set of both independent and dependent claims. The primary, independent claims articulate the core innovation, often describing the composition's key features, such as:
- Specific ratios of API to carrier materials.
- The use of particular excipients or delivery matrices.
- Enhanced stability parameters or controlled-release properties.
- Methods of preparation involving particular steps like emulsification, lyophilization, or nanoparticle formation.
Dependent claims narrow down the scope further, focusing on specific embodiments, preferred embodiments, or additional features such as:
- Use of specific compounds as carriers.
- Specific particle sizes or surface modifications.
- Conditions of manufacturing, temperature ranges, or processing parameters.
2. Claim Breadth and Limitations
The breadth of claims indicates strategic coverage of the core invention. For example, claims that encompass various APIs or carrier types can extend the patent’s protection across multiple drug candidates or formulations. Meanwhile, narrower claims might focus on particular diseases or delivery routes, such as oral, injectable, or topical applications.
Limitations often relate to the novelty of the carrier materials or the manufacturing method. For instance, if the claims specify a unique nanoparticle surface modification, they may exclude other similarly functioning but differently prepared delivery systems, maintaining enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Novelty
The patent's novelty hinges on its unique formulation or process compared to prior art. The South Korean patent office (KIPO) emphasizes inventive step and industrial applicability. Prior art in drug delivery formulations, such as liposomal, nanoparticle, or microsphere systems, is vast; thus, KR20150083117’s claims likely focus on a specific combination or modification not previously disclosed.
2. Related Patents and Patent Families
A landscape search reveals similar patents filed domestically and internationally, often by major pharmaceutical companies or biotech firms. For instance, patents involving polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery or specific stabilizers are common. KR20150083117 might be strategically positioned within this ecosystem, either as an incremental innovation or a significant breakthrough, depending on the specificity of its claims.
3. Patent Citations and Expirations
Citations of this patent include earlier patents related to delivery system technologies (e.g., liposomes, polymer matrices) and subsequent patents citing KR20150083117 likely expand on its formulation approach or claim priority. Expiration, typically 20 years from the filing date, is crucial for assessing the patent’s current enforceability, indicating its potential to form part of aFreedom-to-Operate analysis for competitors.
4. Patent Strategy and Commercial Implications
The patent’s strategic scope suggests it can protect a specific drug candidate formulation or a platform technology for multiple drugs. If the claims are broad, the patent could block competitors from entering the same delivery space within South Korea or internationally, if they file counterparts or regionally equivalent patents.
Strategic Considerations in the Patent Landscape
- Defensive Positioning: Patents like KR20150083117 can act defensively, blocking competitors from manufacturing similar formulations.
- Licensing and Collaborations: The patent may serve as a licensing asset, attracting partnerships with pharmaceutical companies seeking protected delivery technologies.
- Filing Strategies: Companies might file continuation or divisional applications to extend protection or narrow claims for specific applications, extending the patent lifecycle.
Conclusion
KR20150083117’s scope primarily protects a specialized pharmaceutical composition with innovative delivery or manufacturing features, primarily focusing on stability and bioavailability improvements. The claims are designed to balance breadth and specificity, enabling enforceability while maintaining coverage across multiple embodiments. Its position within the patent landscape reflects a strategic effort to secure a competitive edge in drug delivery technologies within South Korea and potentially beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Broad but targeted claims provide a robust barrier against generic competition, especially if they cover novel formulation aspects or manufacturing processes.
- The patent landscape is crowded, necessitating strategic claims and continuous monitoring of similar filings to sustain enforceability.
- Patent protection enables licensing opportunities and reinforces market exclusivity for innovative drug delivery systems.
- Alignment with global patent trends in nanotechnology or targeted delivery indicates a focus on personalized medicine and advanced formulations.
- Industry stakeholders should consider the expiration timeline and territorial coverage when evaluating patent strength and freedom-to-operate prospects.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR20150083117?
The patent claims a specific pharmaceutical composition utilizing a novel delivery system or carrier matrix that enhances stability and bioavailability of the active ingredient, combined with a unique manufacturing method.
2. How does KR20150083117 compare to prior art in drug delivery technologies?
It distinguishes itself through the incorporation of specific excipients or nanoparticle modifications not disclosed in earlier patents, providing improved therapeutic performance.
3. Can this patent be licensed for international use?
It depends on the patent's territorial rights and whether similar patents exist in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, or China. Companies often file corresponding international applications to extend protection.
4. What factors influence the enforceability of KR20150083117?
Claim breadth, innovation level, prior art, and maintenance of the patent—such as paying renewal fees—impact enforceability and legal robustness.
5. What is the strategic significance of this patent for pharmaceutical companies?
It offers a competitive edge in targeted drug delivery by safeguarding a proprietary formulation or process, facilitating licensing deals, and preventing market entry by competitors in South Korea.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent information on KR20150083117.
- WIPO Patent Scope database. Patent families related to drug delivery technologies.
- Market analysis reports on South Korean pharmaceutical innovations.
- Recent trends in nanoparticle drug delivery patents globally.
