Last updated: February 28, 2026
What does the patent KR20180049255 cover?
KR20180049255 is a patent granted in South Korea in 2018, focusing on a pharmaceutical composition and its manufacturing method. It primarily pertains to a specific class of drugs or treatment formulations, with detailed claims defining the scope of protection.
What are the key claims of KR20180049255?
Main claims
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a novel active ingredient or combination thereof.
- Specific dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, or injectable formulations.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition, emphasizing certain process steps or conditions.
- Optional excipients or carriers that improve stability, bioavailability, or solubility.
- Use claims for treatment indications linked to the active ingredient, such as certain cancers, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases.
Dependent claims
- Variations in the active ingredient concentration ranges.
- Additional formulation components, like stabilizers or binders.
- Specific process parameters, such as temperature or mixing times.
- Claims specific to routes of administration, such as oral or parenteral.
How broad is the patent claim scope?
The patent exhibits a relatively broad scope, covering:
- Multiple formulations and dosages.
- Various process steps, including manufacturing techniques.
- Multiple potential indications.
However, the scope is constrained by limitations in the claims' language, such as specific concentration ranges or particular process conditions. The claims focus on a particular chemical entity or combination rather than an entire class of compounds.
How does the patent landscape for this technology look?
Key patent classes and international filings
KR20180049255 resides within patent classification codes related to pharmaceuticals, such as:
- CPC C07D (heterocyclic compounds).
- CPC A61K (medicinal preparations).
Corresponding international patents include applications filed under Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) codes with similar claims, indicating a strategy to seek protection beyond South Korea.
Competitor activity
- Multiple filings for similar compounds by major pharmaceutical firms such as Hanmi, Samsung Bioepis, and Samsung BioLogics.
- Prior art documents relate to similar chemical structures or methods, with overlaps in therapeutic areas.
- Some patents claim substantially overlapping compounds, leading to potential patent interference or invalidation challenges.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- Filing date: 2018; priority date likely in 2017 or earlier.
- Patent term: 20 years from the filing date, expiring approximately in 2038.
- Competitive landscape activity shows ongoing patent filings and litigations, indicating active pursuit of the technology.
Implications for R&D and licensing
- The patent secures an early mover advantage for specific formulations and methods.
- Competitors have filed closely related patents, suggesting narrow claim overlaps.
- The broad claims improve enforceability but may invite challenges for patent validity.
Summary table of patent details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
March 8, 2018 |
| Publication Date |
August 1, 2018 |
| Patent Number |
KR20180049255 |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing |
| Key Claims |
Pharmaceutical composition, manufacturing method, use indications |
| Related Patent Classes |
CPC C07D, A61K |
| Priority Date |
Likely in 2017 or earlier |
| Geographic Scope |
South Korea; potential filings via PCT/foreign jurisdictions |
Competitive landscape at a glance
| Companies |
Patent filings related |
Notable overlaps |
Focus areas |
| Hanmi |
Multiple filings in similar classes |
Similar chemical structures |
Oncology, metabolic disorders |
| Samsung Bioepis |
Formulation patents |
Delivery methods |
Biosimilars, biologics |
| Samsung BioLogics |
Manufacturing patents |
Production processes |
Biopharmaceuticals |
Conclusions
KR20180049255 provides a substantial but specific patent protection on a pharmaceutical composition and its manufacturing process. Its broad claims encompass multiple formulations, methods, and uses, but overlapping claims by competitors necessitate vigilance in defending or designing around the patent. The active patent landscape points to vigorous pursuit by major Korean pharma players, with implications for licensing and patent infringement battles.
Key Takeaways
- KR20180049255 grants broad coverage on a pharmaceutical composition and its manufacturing.
- The patent claims include various formulations, process steps, and therapeutic uses.
- Similar patents filed internationally by competitors suggest a competitive and crowded patent landscape.
- Patent lifecycle extends to 2038, with ongoing filings and patent challenges anticipated.
- Strategic considerations should include monitoring competitor filings, potential overlaps, and licensing opportunities.
FAQs
Q1: Can this patent block generic entry in South Korea?
Yes. The broad claims and active enforcement can delay generic entry through patent infringement litigation.
Q2: Are there challenges to the validity of KR20180049255?
Potentially. Overlapping prior art and narrower claims could weaken the patent's enforceability.
Q3: Does the patent cover all formulations of the active ingredient?
No. It focuses on specific formulations, manufacturing methods, and indications, but not necessarily all variants.
Q4: How does the patent landscape affect R&D investment?
It suggests active competition, emphasizing the importance of innovative differentiation and patent strategy.
Q5: Is the patent filing internationalized?
Likely via PCT, with subsequent filings in key jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China to secure broader protection.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2018). Patent publication KR20180049255.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
[3] European Patent Office. (2021). Patent classification codes and overlaps.
[4] Hanmi Pharmaceutical. (2020). Patent filings and strategic portfolio.
[5] Samsung Bioepis. (2021). Patent activity and licensing strategies.
