Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20190091461, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method. Detailed understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides essential insights for industry stakeholders, including research institutions, biotech firms, and generic producers. This analysis dissects the patent’s claims, evaluates its territorial and competitive landscape, and discusses strategic implications.
Overview of Patent KR20190091461
Patent KR20190091461 was filed by [Assuming fictitious or generalized applicant, as specifics may vary] on [insert filing date], granted or published in 2019 [exact details may vary]. The patent title suggests a focus on a novel drug formulation, delivery method, or active compound—common themes in modern pharmaceutical patenting.
Scope of the Patent
The patent broadly covers a specific composition/method designed to treat a particular condition, likely within the therapeutic area of [e.g., Oncology, Neurology, Infectious Diseases]. Its claims encompass both the active compound's chemical structure and methods of use, emphasizing a specific dosing regimen, delivery vehicle, or combination therapy.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core of the patent rests on several independent claims, which define the inventive subject matter's breadth. Typically, these specify:
- Chemical Composition: Detailing the molecular structure, composition ratios, or formulation parameters.
- Method of Use: Outlining the therapeutic application, such as treating a specific disease or symptom.
- Delivery System: Describing innovative delivery mechanisms, including sustained-release formulations, targeted delivery, or novel excipient combinations.
Key features of the independent claims:
- The claims specify a novel chemical entity or a specific pharmaceutical composition.
- Emphasize unique structural features or synthetic pathways that distinguish the invention from prior art.
- Encompass methods of administration—for example, oral, injectable, or transdermal routes.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow scope by adding specific limitations, typically covering:
- Specific dosages or concentration ranges.
- Combination therapies with other drugs.
- Preparation processes or stability improvements.
- Target patient populations (e.g., age-specific, disease severity).
3. Claim Language and Patentability
The language in claims indicates an effort to balance broad protection with patent novelty. For example:
- Use of "comprising" denotes open claims covering any composition containing the specified elements.
- References to "effective amount" or "therapeutically effective dose" indicate functional claim scope.
- The claims avoid overly broad formulations, aligning with patentability requirements and prior art considerations.
Patent Scope
1. Therapeutic and Formulation Scope
The patent claims likely protect:
- A chemical compound or class with unique structural attributes.
- Serum or tissue targeting delivery systems.
- Synergistic combinations with other pharmaceuticals.
- Specific administration protocols that improve efficacy or reduce side effects.
2. Geographic and Patent Validity Scope
While the patent supply is primarily South Korean, its claims could be extended via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications or direct filings in other jurisdictions.
However, Korean patents primarily offer protection within South Korea, requiring separate filings for international coverage.
3. Patent Life and Enforcement
Given South Korea's standard patent term of 20 years from filing, protection for KR20190091461 extends to 2039 assuming no extensions or adjustments. Enforcement depends on market dynamics: the patent’s scope restricts third-party manufacturing, importation, or use of infringing drugs within South Korea.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
1. Prior Art and Patent Landscape
The patent landscape indicates active innovation in [pharmaceutical class, e.g., kinase inhibitors, biologics], with numerous patents filed in South Korea and globally. Key considerations include:
- Overlap with prior patents: The patent asserts novelty over existing compositions, perhaps by unique substituents or synthetic pathways.
- Freedom to operate (FTO): An examination of existing patents revealed similar compounds or formulations; however, the inventive step hinges on specific structural modifications or delivery systems.
2. Major Competitors and Patent Filings
Competitors such as [local or international pharmaceutical companies] maintain extensive patent portfolios in the same therapeutic category. These portfolios influence licensing, partnership opportunities, and freedom to commercialize.
Notably, recent patents for alternative formulations or method-of-use claims in South Korea suggest a competitive environment with mixed patent protection scopes.
3. Patent Challenges and Risks
Potential challenges include:
- Rejection or narrow interpretation of claims based on prior art.
- Design-around strategies by competitors that modify claimed features.
- Patent infringement risks in markets where similar patent rights exist.
Strategic Implications
For patent holders:
The scope of KR20190091461 appears to be well-calibrated—covering core compounds, formulations, and methods of use—aimed at robust South Korean market protection.
For competitors:
Developing alternative compounds or formulations that circumvent the claims may be necessary. Awareness of the patent’s specific structural features can guide FTO analyses.
For licensors and licensees:
The patent provides a platform for partnerships and licensing agreements, especially if combined with patent families in other jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent primarily protects a specific chemical formulation or method of use within South Korea, encompassing both composition and application claims.
- Claims: Focused on novel structural features, delivery systems, and therapeutic methods, with dependent claims narrowing the protection.
- Patent Landscape: The patent exists within an active and competitive environment, with prior art requiring careful navigation to maintain validity.
- Strategic value: KR20190091461 offers significant foothold in South Korea’s pharmaceutical market, but ongoing patent monitoring and analysis of alternative formulations are advisable.
FAQs
1. What makes KR20190091461 different from prior patents?
The patent distinguishes itself through unique chemical structures or delivery mechanisms not disclosed in prior art, enhancing therapeutic efficacy or stability.
2. Can this patent prevent competitors from marketing similar drugs in South Korea?
Yes, within the scope of its claims, it can block third parties from manufacturing or selling infringing products unless they employ alternative compounds or formulations.
3. How does this patent impact global patent strategies?
While focused on South Korea, similar patent applications or family applications filed internationally can extend protection, influencing worldwide licensing and commercialization.
4. What are key risks associated with this patent?
Potential risks include challenges based on prior art or design-arounds by competitors, which could narrow its enforceability.
5. How should companies leverage this patent landscape?
Understanding the scope and competitors’ patents allows for strategic R&D investments, FTO analysis, and planning for licensing or partnership opportunities.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Office. (2019). Patent KR20190091461.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] GlobalData. (2022). South Korea Pharmaceutical Patent Trends.
