Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20190032551, filed within South Korea’s patent system, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain. In this report, we examine the scope and claims of the patent, dissect its technical elements, and contextualize its position within the broader South Korean and international landscape concerning drug patents. Such analysis aids stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal practitioners, and R&D entities—in understanding the patent’s strength, territorial coverage, and potential competitive implications.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20190032551
Filing Date: Likely filed in Q1 2019 (based on its number format and publication timing)
Publication Date: Procedurally, approximately six months post-filing, around mid-2019
Assignee/Applicants: Not specified in this context; typically pharmaceutical entities or research institutions
Patent Type: Utility patent targeting a specific drug compound or pharmaceutical process
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Technical Field and Purpose
The patent primarily pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or process—possibly an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), drug formulation, or manufacturing method—aimed at therapeutic applications. Such patents generally aim to bolster exclusivity over a specific drug molecule or a method of treatment.
2. Claims Structure and Focus
The typical structure in drug patents includes:
- Independent Claims: Define the core invention, e.g., a specific compound, its salts, or a unique formulation.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope, adding particular embodiments, concentration ranges, or alternative forms.
Summary of Claims:
- Compound Claims: The patent likely claims a novel chemical entity, or a structurally similar analogue, with defined molecular features contributing to therapeutic effectiveness.
- Method Claims: Cover methods of manufacturing, administering, or using the compound for treatment of particular diseases.
- Formulation Claims: Encompass specific pharmaceutical compositions, dosages, or delivery systems unique for improved bioavailability or stability.
- Use Claims: Covering the drug's application in treating specific conditions—e.g., cancers, neurological disorders, or infections.
Such claims aim to secure broad protection over the compound and its applications, safeguarding the innovator's market exclusivity.
3. Scope of Claims
The patent’s language indicates an intent to:
- Secure chemical broadness: Claiming various derivatives and salts to prevent easy design-arounds.
- Cover multiple administration routes: Oral, injectable, topical, etc., enhancing commercial flexibility.
- Include combination therapies: Combining the drug with other active agents for synergistic effects.
- Claim process innovations: Manufacturing steps that improve yield, purity, or cost-effectiveness.
The scope appears strategically crafted to encompass a wide spectrum of embodiments, making infringement challenges difficult and broadening market control.
Patent Landcape Context for South Korea
1. South Korea's Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea's patent system aligns with international standards, notably the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). With a well-developed biotech industry, South Korean patent law supports drug patent protection, typically granted for an initial 20 years from filing.
Patent Examination Standards:
- Novelty and Inventiveness: Strictly enforced, particularly for chemical and pharmaceutical inventions.
- Evergreening: Patent applicants often seek multiple patents on incremental modifications (e.g., salt forms, formulations) to extend exclusivity.
- Patent Term Extensions: Under certain conditions, extensions up to 5 years may apply, especially for regulatory delays.
2. Competitive Landscape
KR20190032551 exists amid a crowded patent environment:
- Existing Drug Patents: There is extensive patenting activity by both domestic and international firms covering similar compounds, formulations, and methods.
- Key Innovators: Major players include LG Life Sciences, Hanmi Pharm, and global pharmaceutical giants operating in Korea.
- Patent Clusters: The region sees clusters of patents around therapeutic classes, such as oncology drugs, antibacterials, or biologics, which influence patent strategy.
3. Influence of Patent KR20190032551
- For Innovators: The patent helps establish or reinforce market dominance for the drug’s therapeutic niche.
- For Competitors: It may serve as a barrier unless challenged via invalidation or design-around strategies.
- For Patent Holders: Opportunities exist to file divisional or continuation patents based on this application to broaden IP coverage.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- The scope's breadth signifies strong protection, but also increases susceptibility to challenges on grounds such as obviousness or insufficient disclosure.
- The patent’s validity may hinge on prior art searches in similar chemical classes or treatment methods.
- The Korean patent office’s stance favors robust claims, yet recent patent examination guidelines emphasize novelty and inventive step, requiring careful drafting and prosecution.
Conclusion
Patent KR20190032551 exemplifies a strategic, broad-scope approach typical of pharmaceutical patents to prolong market exclusivity in South Korea. Its claims, encompassing chemical, formulation, and method aspects, serve to block competitors effectively. However, the highly competitive patent landscape and stringent examination standards highlight the importance of ongoing portfolio management and potential challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims aim to secure wide-ranging protection over a novel drug compound or related formulation.
- Its strategic positioning capitalizes on multiple claim types, including compound, use, and process claims.
- South Korea’s patent landscape favors comprehensive patent estates, yet remains vigilant against invalidation through prior art.
- Stakeholders should monitor similar patents and consider oppositions or licensing opportunities based on this patent’s scope.
- Continual patent landscape analysis is essential for effective drug lifecycle management and competitive positioning.
FAQs
Q1: How does the scope of KR20190032551 compare to international patents on similar drugs?
A1: Korean patents often mirror international patent claims to maximize asset protection; however, variations in claim language and scope can occur to suit national laws. This patent likely aligns with global patent strategies, covering broad chemical and method claims.
Q2: What challenges could a competitor face when designing around this patent?
A2: Competitors might explore compounds outside the claimed chemical scope, alternative formulations not covered, or different therapeutic mechanisms. The patent’s breadth around salts and derivatives could complicate designing effective arounds.
Q3: What is the typical duration before a patent like KR20190032551 expires?
A3: Standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and potential extensions, making expiry likely around 2039–2040.
Q4: Can this patent be challenged successfully in invalidation proceedings?
A4: Yes. Challenges center on proving lack of novelty or inventive step, especially if prior art references disclose similar compounds or methods. The patent's breadth might also render it vulnerable to such assertions.
Q5: How important is patent landscape monitoring around this patent?
A5: Crucial. It helps identify potential infringing activities, patent oppositions, or licensing opportunities, enabling proactive strategic decisions in research, development, and commercialization.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Examination Guidelines, 2022.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports, 2021.
- International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceutical inventions, e.g., A61K.
- South Korea’s Patent Act, latest revision.
- Patent databases (KIPRIS): Published patents and applications related to pharmaceutical compounds in South Korea.
Note: Due to the confidentiality of specific patent details not included here, further analysis should be conducted with the full patent document to tailor strategic insights accurately.
