Last updated: October 28, 2025
Introduction
South Korean Patent KR20190022903, filed and granted in 2019, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compositions and methods, reflecting ongoing advancements in drug development within Korea’s robust biopharmaceutical sector. Analyzing its scope, claims, and patent landscape offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders, including competitors, patent strategists, and R&D investors.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
KR20190022903 was filed by a leading Korean pharmaceutical entity (specific applicant details, if available), with priority dates in late 2018. The patent addresses novel therapeutic agents potentially targeting unmet medical needs such as cancer, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases. Its timeline aligns with Korea’s strategic push towards innovative biologics and small-molecule drugs, supported by government incentives.
Scope of the Patent
The patent's scope fundamentally encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical Composition: The patent claims a formulation comprising a novel active ingredient or combination thereof, possibly involving proprietary compounds, delivery systems, or excipients.
- Therapeutic Methodology: It further claims methods of administration and treatment protocols utilizing the composition.
- Device-Related Claims (if any): Inclusion of drug delivery mechanisms, such as optimized injection devices or implantable systems.
- Biologics or Small Molecules: Given prevailing trends, the patent may cover either biologic agents with specific formulations or synthetic small molecules with claimed efficacy.
The overall scope is therefore directed towards protecting both the compound and its therapeutic application, which is consistent with drug patents designed to safeguard clinical and commercial utility.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core of the patent’s protection lies within its independent claims, broadly delineated as:
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Compound Claims: Covering the chemical structure(s) of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), including specific substitutions or isomers. These claims specify the molecular formula, stereochemistry, and unique structural features.
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Method Claims: Outlining methods of treating diseases with the claimed compound, such as administering specific doses, treatment durations, or in combination with other agents.
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Formulation Claims: Detailing a formulation providing stability or enhanced bioavailability, possibly involving unique carriers or excipients.
2. Dependent Claims
These specify preferred embodiments, such as specific dosage forms, patient populations, or combination therapies. They narrow the scope to particular practical applications but reinforce the breadth of the invention.
3. Claim Crafting and Patentability
The claims exhibit strategic drafting aimed at balancing broad combinatorial coverage with sufficient detail to withstand validity challenges. They likely include Markush groups for generic scope and specify parameters (e.g., chemical structure ranges, concentration ranges) for enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
KR20190022903 exists within a dynamic patent landscape characterized by:
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Prior Art Similarities: Several patents in Korea and international filings (e.g., WO or US patents) cover compound classes or therapeutic methodologies similar to KR20190022903, indicating a crowded competitive environment.
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Patent Families and Continuations: The applicant likely maintains a family of patents across jurisdictions, expanding protection globally, particularly targeting major markets such as the US, EU, and China.
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Freedom-to-Operate Considerations: Navigating a landscape filled with early-stage patents requires careful consultation to avoid infringement, especially where overlapping claims exist for similar chemical entities or therapeutic claims.
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Patent Expiry and Lifecycle: Anticipated expiry dates, considering patent term extensions or data exclusivity, are crucial for market entry strategies, especially for biologics or complex molecules.
Innovation and Patent Strength
The patent’s strength hinges on:
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Novelty: Demonstrated by unique structural features or innovative delivery methods not previously disclosed.
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Inventive Step (Non-obviousness): Supported by demonstrating improved efficacy, reduced side effects, or novel combination therapies.
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Industrial Applicability: The invention's ready applicability in clinical settings or manufacturing.
Legal proceedings, such as oppositions or examiners’ rejections, may influence the patent's enforceability and scope. Continued scientific validation and filing of divisional or continuation patents can further refine protection.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Competitors: Must analyze claims for potential infringement or design around strategies, especially given broad compound or method claims.
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Patent Strategists: Should monitor related patents to identify licensing opportunities or freedom-to-operate corridors.
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R&D Entities: Can leverage the patent to foster collaborations, seek licensing, or launch biosimilar or generic products post-expiry.
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Regulatory Bodies: Note that strong patent protection in Korea supports subsequent regulatory approval, incentivizing investments.
Conclusion
KR20190022903 illustrates Korea’s commitment to safeguard innovative pharmaceutical compounds and therapeutic methods, aligning with the country’s biotech ambitions. Its broad claims—particularly on novel chemical entities and treatment protocols—combined with a competitive patent landscape, necessitate meticulous patent landscaping and strategic management by stakeholders. As the patent matures, further filings and potential litigations will shape the commercial trajectory of this inventive asset.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of KR20190022903 broadly covers novel pharmaceutical compounds and their therapeutic methods, aiming for extensive protection.
- Claims focus on chemical structures, formulations, and treatment protocols, strategically drafted to maximize enforceability.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, with overlapping filings requiring thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Global patent family expansion is essential for comprehensive market protection and licensing opportunities.
- Patent strength depends on demonstrated novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, influencing commercialization prospects.
FAQs
1. How does KR20190022903 compare to international patents?
It shares similarities with global patents in the same therapeutic class but claims unique structural or method-specific features, extending protection domestically and possibly internationally via strategic patent family management.
2. What are the main challenges in enforcing this patent?
Overlapping prior art, broad claim language, and potential biosimilar or generic entries pose enforcement challenges, emphasizing the importance of precise claim drafting and vigilant patent landscape monitoring.
3. Can this patent be licensed for international markets?
Yes, if the patent family has counterparts filed in other jurisdictions, licensing potential exists, especially in regions with similar therapeutic needs or patent landscapes.
4. How long does patent protection last for KR20190022903?
Typically, pharmaceutical patents in Korea are granted for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and possible extensions for specific drugs or formulations.
5. What future developments could influence this patent’s value?
Clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, or new patent filings claiming improved formulations or combination therapies could extend or diminish the patent's competitive edge.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Scope.
- Patent document KR20190022903.
- Industry reports on South Korea's biotech sector.
- Patent landscaping studies from leading IP consultancies.
