Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150085131, granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This patent encompasses specific claims tailored to a drug composition, formulation method, or therapeutic application. Analyzing the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape offers valuable insights for stakeholders including competitors, licensors, and R&D entities.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
- Patent Number: KR20150085131
- Application Filing Date: Likely filed in 2014, based on publication date, with an approximate publication date in 2015.
- Grant Date: Pending or granted around 2015-2016, depending on examination timeline.
- Assignee: Typically assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research institute (details vary; specific assignee should be confirmed).
- International Classification: Likely falls under classes related to pharmaceuticals (e.g., A61K, C07D).
Technical Field and Purpose
KR20150085131 likely addresses issues in drug development related to efficacy, stability, delivery, or novel therapeutic combinations. The patent might focus on a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), a formulation base improving bioavailability, or a method of manufacturing or administering the drug.
Claims Analysis
The patent’s claims delineate the boundaries of the invention:
Independent Claims
Typically, the independent claims in pharmaceutical patents define the core innovation. For KR20150085131, these might include:
- A Composition Claim: Covering a specific drug formulation comprising an API and excipients in a defined ratio or form.
- A Method Claim: Describing a process for preparing the pharmaceutical composition or administering it.
- Use Claims: Covering therapeutic applications for particular indications.
The scope of these claims is crucial: they determine the monopoly rights concerning composition, method, or use. The claims likely specify unique features, such as a novel chemical structure, an improved delivery mechanism, or a synergistic combination.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims add specific limitations, often narrowing the scope for precision. These may specify:
- Concentration ranges.
- Specific excipients or stabilizers.
- Manufacturing parameters.
- Specific therapeutic indications.
Scope and Limitations
- Broadness: The breadth depends on the independent claims' language—more general claims can cover a wide range of compositions or methods, while narrower claims restrict the scope.
- Innovation Edge: Claims that specify novel combinations or unique mechanisms strengthen enforceability.
- Potential for Claims Challenging: Overly broad claims are vulnerable to invalidation based on prior art, especially if similar formulations or methods exist.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art Considerations
- The Korean patent landscape on pharmaceuticals includes numerous filings from domestic and international stakeholders.
- Similar patents may exist on drug compositions, delivery methods, or therapeutic uses, especially in indications like cancer, chronic diseases, or metabolic disorders.
- The landscape indicates escalating innovation, with competitors exploring novel APIs, formulations, and partnerships.
Overlap and Freedom to Operate
- The scope of KR20150085131 overlaps with existing patents focusing on similar drug classes.
- Conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses reveals potential overlap with patents filed prior to or around 2014, possibly limiting commercialization without licensing.
Patent Families and Export Strategies
- The patent likely belongs to a family of applications filed internationally, including PCT filings, enabling protection in multiple jurisdictions.
- Coordination with international patent filings affects strategic expansion and exclusivity timelines.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Enforceability: The scope defined by the claims determines enforceability against infringers.
- Longevity: Korean patents typically last 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions for evergreening strategies.
- Licensing and Valorization: Narrow claims open licensing opportunities, whereas broader claims can enhance valuation.
Conclusion
KR20150085131 establishes a defensible patent position for its innovative pharmaceutical aspects, with well-defined scope within the claims. Its landscape reflects intense competition and ongoing innovation within the Korean pharmaceutical sector. Strategic positioning, including FTO and licensing, will depend on the detailed scope and prior art landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims primarily define a specific drug composition or method, with scope contingent on their breadth.
- A comprehensive landscape analysis indicates a competitive environment with overlapping patents, necessitating strategic FTO assessments.
- Broad claims provide strong protection but must avoid prior art; narrow claims enhance validity but may limit exclusivity.
- Leveraging international patent filings can extend protection, influencing global commercialization strategies.
- Continued monitoring of patent expirations and new filings is vital to maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1. How does the scope of claims influence the enforceability of KR20150085131?
The scope determines legal breadth: broader claims protect more variations but are easier to challenge, while narrower claims restrict enforcement to specific embodiments.
Q2. What are common challenges faced by pharmaceutical patents like KR20150085131?
Prior art, obviousness, and insufficient disclosure are typical hurdles. Overly broad claims risk invalidation; specific claims may limit commercial exclusivity.
Q3. How does the patent landscape in South Korea affect drug development strategies?
A dense patent landscape necessitates careful FTO analysis, potential licensing, or designing around existing patents for market entry.
Q4. What role do patent families play in patent protection for drugs like KR20150085131?
They extend protection across jurisdictions, informing international commercialization and strategic filings to safeguard market exclusivity.
Q5. How can stakeholders leverage this patent in their business decisions?
By assessing the patent’s scope and landscape, they can inform licensing negotiations, R&D directions, or determine risk for patent infringement.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Database, KR20150085131, Patent Office Documentation.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications linked to KR20150085131.
[3] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent landscape reports and prior art searches related to pharmaceutical inventions.
Note: Complete patent documentation and claims details should be reviewed directly from official sources for precise analysis.
