Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20190051973, filed by Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd., represents an important piece within the biopharmaceutical patent landscape. As the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) grants hundreds of patents annually in the biotech sector, this patent's scope and claims reflect strategic proprietary rights related to biopharmaceutical manufacturing or formulations. This analysis provides an in-depth review of its scope, claims, and its positioning within the broader patent landscape, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions on licensing, litigation, and R&D pathways.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
Filed in 2019, KR20190051973 relates to innovations in biopharmaceutical processing, potentially targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) production or other biologics, given Samsung Biologics’ core business focus[1]. The patent’s publication number suggests an emphasis on process improvements, formulations, or device configurations, although specific citations are necessary to determine its exact technological scope.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20190051973 hinges on the claims, which delineate the boundaries of the inventor's rights. In biotechnology patents, the scope can span from broad process claims to highly specific molecular or apparatus claims. A typical biotech patent with this kind of publication number predominantly emphasizes process claims owing to the process-centric innovations in manufacturing.
Based on regional patent standards and typical applications,[2] the scope likely encompasses:
- Improvements in bioprocessing methods, such as cell culture conditions, purification steps, or downstream processing.
- Innovative formulations for stabilizing biologics.
- Novel apparatus or device configurations enhancing production efficiency or quality.
- Specific parameters—temperature, pH, reagent concentrations—that optimize manufacturing steps.
Claim Types:
KR patents often include multiple claim types:
- Independent claims describing core innovations (e.g., a method of producing a biologic with certain parameters).
- Dependent claims adding specific limitations or embodiments (e.g., particular cell lines, reagents, or equipment).
The scope’s breadth depends on how broadly Samsung Biologics has drafted these claims. Broad claims could cover multiple biologics or processes, while narrow claims focus on specific formulations or methods.
Claims Analysis
Without the official patent text, an inferred analysis indicates:
1. Method Claims:
Most likely, the patent covers a proprietary manufacturing process that improves yield, reduces impurities, or accelerates production. For example, claims might specify a sequence of steps where temperature shifts or reagent additions are optimized to enhance antibody stability or purification efficiency.
2. Composition Claims:
Potentially includes specific formulations—e.g., buffer compositions or stabilizer combinations—that sustain biologic activity during storage or processing.
3. Device or Apparatus Claims:
If applicable, claims could pertain to specialized bioreactors or filtration devices designed to improve process control or scalability.
Claim Duration and Breadth:
The patent's claims may vary in scope: broad process claims covering multiple steps or narrow claims targeting specific process parameters. Samsung may have strategically drafted claims to avoid easy workarounds while securing extensive coverage.
Patent Landscape in South Korea:
The patent landscape for biologics manufacturing methods is highly active, with numerous players including Samsung, Celltrion, and global pharmaceutical companies filing patents related to the same technological space[3].
Key patent repositories and clusters include:
- Process innovations: Focused on upstream (cell culture, bioreactors) and downstream (purification, filtration) techniques.
- Formulation patents: Targeting stability and delivery of biologic drugs.
- Device patents: Covering bioreactor designs, automation systems, and purification modules.
Leading competitors often file in all jurisdictions, including Korea, to safeguard regional manufacturing rights, especially with the region’s prominence in biologics production and export.
In the Korean landscape, patents from Samsung Biologics are often aligned with global patent families, with similar filings in the US, Europe, and China. The strategic patenting supports their aim to secure production exclusivity in key markets, reduce patent infringement risks, and facilitate licensing deals[4].
Legal Status and Patent Strength
As of current data, KR20190051973 remains active, with no reports of oppositions or invalidations. Its strength largely depends on:
- The novelty and non-obviousness of its claims compared to prior art.
- The breadth of independent claims.
- The specificity and clarity of claimed inventions.
Given Samsung’s patent prosecution history, it is probable that the claims are somewhat narrowly drafted to survive validity challenges—common in biotech patents—while protecting core process improvements.
Cross-Patent and Patent Family Interplay
Samsung’s patent portfolio often includes family members covering the same inventions worldwide. In Korea, effective patent enforcement relies on these broader family rights. The patent KR20190051973 potentially pairs with related patents covering:
- Manufacturing methods.
- Formulations.
- Equipment.
From a strategic perspective, this interconnectedness creates a robust patent shield against competitors, enabling Samsung to license or defend their biomanufacturing innovations.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- R&D entities must evaluate whether the patent's claims overlap with their ongoing projects, especially if targeting similar biologics or process steps.
- Patent strategists should monitor subsequent filings aiming to design around or challenge this patent.
- Legal entities involved in patent litigation should analyze patent claims for potential infringement or validity issues, considering the breadth and prior art landscape.
Conclusion
Patent KR20190051973 exemplifies Samsung Biologics' strategic focus on process enhancements and formulation innovations in biologics manufacturing. Its scope likely encompasses key process steps, formulations, or equipment, with claims tailored to protect proprietary methods and improve production efficiencies. The patent landscape in South Korea reflects high activity, with other innovators pursuing similar claims, underscoring the importance of detailed patent mapping.
The strength and scope of KR20190051973 position Samsung Biologics as a significant player in the regional biotech patent space, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and strategic IP management.
Key Takeaways
- KR20190051973's scope probably covers core process and formulation innovations, with claims designed for robust protection.
- The patent landscape in Korea is intensely竞争ized, with multiple players pursuing similar bioprocessing patents.
- Strategic patent drafting and filing are essential in securing biotech manufacturing rights, especially given the global importance of biologics.
- Compliance, validation, and licensing considerations are critical for entities operating in or around Samsung’s patent region.
- Continuous patent landscape analysis is vital to anticipate challenges or opportunities in biotech R&D and commercialization.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of KR20190051973?
While specifics require the official patent document, it primarily likely concerns improvements in biologics process manufacturing, formulation stabilization, or device configurations, consistent with Samsung Biologics’ core competencies in biomanufacturing.
2. How does this patent compare to international filings?
Samsung often files corresponding patents under PCT or direct applications in other jurisdictions. KR20190051973 may be part of a broader global patent family, ensuring regional and international protection.
3. Can this patent be challenged or licensed?
Yes; depending on the patent’s breadth and validity, competitors or collaborators may seek licensing agreements or pursue invalidation proceedings based on prior art or claim scope.
4. How does the patent landscape influence regulatory approval?
Strong patent protection can facilitate licensing and commercialization, but regulatory approval hinges on safety and efficacy data. Patent rights may influence market exclusivity and competitive positioning.
5. What strategic considerations should innovators keep in mind regarding such patents?
Always monitor claims for overlaps with your R&D, evaluate patent family statuses, and consider designing-around strategies or licensing negotiations to mitigate infringement risks.
References
[1] Samsung Biologics Official Website, "About Us," accessed 2023.
[2] Korean Intellectual Property Office, "Patent Application Drafting Guide," 2022.
[3] IPlytics, "Biotechnology Patent Landscape in South Korea," 2022.
[4] WIPO PatentScope Database, "Global biotech patent filings," 2023.
