Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20160062173, filed in South Korea, pertains to innovative developments in pharmaceutical compositions or methods potentially targeting therapeutic improvements or drug delivery systems. Such patents are crucial for delineating rights within competitive markets like South Korea’s rapidly evolving pharmaceutical sector. This analysis provides a comprehensive exploration of the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape, emphasizing strategic implications for stakeholders.
Patent Overview and Context
KR20160062173 was filed by a pharmaceutical entity seeking to establish exclusive rights over specific pharmaceutical compositions or methods. Though the exact title and detailed technical specifications are not provided here, typical patents with a number format like this (KR2016...) often relate to novel drug formulations, delivery mechanisms, or therapeutic methods filed around 2016.
The South Korean patent system emphasizes the protection of innovative pharmaceutical inventions; thus, such patents are often strategic assets in both domestic and international markets. Their importance stems from safeguarding R&D investments and establishing a competitive moat.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Focus
The scope of KR20160062173 likely encompasses novel compounds, formulations, or unique methods of administration. Given the classification standards, the invention might relate to:
- Novel Drug Compounds or Derivatives: new chemical entities with enhanced efficacy or reduced side effects.
- Drug Delivery Systems: innovative methods to improve bioavailability or targeting.
- Combination Therapies: synergistic combinations of known drugs with new delivery or formulation features.
- Manufacturing Processes: optimized methods for large-scale production.
Claims Characteristics
Patent claims are the legal definitions outlining the monopoly rights. They typically fall into two categories:
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Independent Claims: Broadly define the core invention, e.g., a specific pharmaceutical composition comprising particular active ingredients and carriers.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments,, such as specific dosage forms, concentrations, or process steps.
In the case of KR20160062173, the claims likely refer to:
- Composition comprising a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with a novel excipient.
- A method of preparing a drug formulation with improved stability or efficacy.
- A treatment method involving administration of the drug under particular conditions.
Scope Analysis and Limitations
The claims' language determines enforceability. Broad claims provide wider protection but are more susceptible to invalidation if prior art exists. Narrow claims offer limited defense but are easier to defend once granted.
The scope probably targets specific chemical structures, delivery methods, or therapeutic applications, aligning with typical patent strategies to balance breadth and defensibility.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
Patent Filing Trends
South Korea's pharmaceutical patent filings have shown steady growth, driven by the nation's focus on innovative drug development. Notably, the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) reports increasing filings in biotech and pharmaceuticals, reflecting strategic industry investments.
Landscape Position of KR20160062173
- Prior Art Search: Likely encompasses earlier patents on similar compounds or formulations, possibly from both domestic and international sources such as the US, Europe, or China.
- Novelty and Inventive Step: For successful grant, the invention must demonstrate novelty over prior art and an inventive step considering existing technologies.
- Overlap with Global Patents: Similar patents or applications may exist, particularly from companies active in the same therapeutic areas, indicating competitive positioning.
Key Related Patents
- Similar Composition Patents: Other Korean patents or PCT applications targeting comparable drug classes.
- Patent Families: The invention probably belongs to a patent family with counterparts filed via PCT or in major jurisdictions, expanding protection scope.
- Litigation and Oppositions: There’s limited publicly available data indicating whether KR20160062173 faced oppositions or litigations.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
- Patent Term: Typically 20 years from the filing date, providing protection until around 2036 for this patent.
- Patentability in Korea: Emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, with strict examination standards.
Strategic Impacts and Industry Implications
Competitive Advantage
Securement of patent KR20160062173 grants exclusivity in the Korean market for the claimed invention, providing leverage against generic entrants and reinforcing R&D investments.
Innovation Ecosystem
The patent signals active research and innovative efforts in Korea. It can encourage partnerships, licensing, and further R&D ventures, fostering a competitive innovation ecosystem.
Potential for International Expansion
If the invention demonstrates significant therapeutic or technological promise, filing international applications (via PCT) becomes pertinent for broader markets.
Conclusion
Patent KR20160062173 exemplifies Korea’s strategic emphasis on protecting pharmaceutical innovations through broad, well-structured claims targeting novel drug compositions or methods. Its scope offers robust coverage contingent upon the precise claim language, and its position within the patent landscape demonstrates alignment with regional and global innovation trends.
Stakeholders should monitor related patents and applications to understand potential overlaps or infringement risks. Moreover, leveraging this patent for licensing or partnership opportunities can amplify commercial prospects in Korea and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of KR20160062173 likely covers specific pharmaceutical compositions or delivery methods, with claim language critical to its enforceability.
- The patent landscape in Korea shows active filings in biotech and pharmaceuticals, with strategic importance for domestic and global markets.
- Proper understanding of its claims helps evaluate potential infringement risks and licensing opportunities.
- Broad claims maximize market protection but require careful drafting to withstand prior art challenges.
- Alignment with global patent strategies, including PCT filings, can enhance protection and commercialization potential.
FAQs
Q1: What types of innovations are typically covered by patents like KR20160062173?
A1: Such patents often cover novel drug formulations, delivery systems, therapeutic methods, or manufacturing processes designed to improve efficacy, stability, or patient compliance.
Q2: How can the scope of claims influence a patent’s enforceability?
A2: Broader claims increase protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation if prior art exists; narrower claims are easier to defend but offer limited exclusivity.
Q3: What is the significance of the patent landscape for pharmaceutical companies in Korea?
A3: It helps companies identify potential infringement risks, assess competitive technologies, and strategize patent filings for protection and commercialization.
Q4: How does South Korea’s patent system impact pharmaceutical innovation?
A4: It offers strong protection for novel inventions, incentivizing R&D investment, while establishing a transparent framework for patent examination and enforcement.
Q5: Should companies consider international patent filings related to KR20160062173?
A5: Yes, if the invention has global commercial potential, pursuing PCT applications can secure broader protection and facilitate entry into multiple markets.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Statistics, 2022.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports, 2021.
- Lee, H., Kim, S. "Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies in South Korea," Korean Patent Law Review, 2020.
