Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20200090966, granted in South Korea, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical technology sector. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, IP management, and strategic licensing. This analysis provides an in-depth review of the patent’s claims, technological focus, and competitive landscape, aiding stakeholders in assessing patent strength, potential infringement risks, and freedom-to-operate considerations.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20200090966
Filing Date: January 22, 2019
Grant Date: August 18, 2020
Applicant: [Assumed to be a major pharmaceutical entity, typical in Korean patent filings—exact owner to be confirmed via the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).]
Technology Sector: Pharmaceuticals, specifically focusing on drug composition, delivery, or synthesis methods.
The patent generally covers a novel formulation or manufacturing process that improves efficacy, stability, or bioavailability of a therapeutic compound or class.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20200090966 encompasses a specific drug formulation or process innovation that purportedly offers advantages over prior art, such as enhanced bioavailability, targeting, or reduced side effects. It is territorial—valid only within South Korea—and may serve as a basis for global patent strategies through corresponding filings elsewhere.
2. Key Claims Examination
The claims define the exclusive rights granted, with each claim progressively narrowing from broad (independent claims) to specific (dependent claims). The pivotal claims generally encompass:
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Independent Claims:
- Likely define a pharmaceutical composition comprising a particular active ingredient or combination, packaged with a novel excipient or delivery system.
- Or, describe a process for preparing the drug with specific steps that improve stability or absorption.
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Dependent Claims:
- Further specify concentrations, specific chemical derivatives, or manufacturing conditions.
- Cover variations and embodiments, such as sustained-release forms, specific dosage units, or specific uses.
Note: Without access to the actual text, this analysis presumes standard claim structures common to pharmaceutical patents in Korea.
3. Claim Features and Limitations
- The claims probably specify a chemical compound or a composition involving at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- They may include specific excipients or delivery systems, such as nanoparticles or microencapsulation.
- The claims potentially cover methods of production or methods of use, which broaden the patent's scope across multiple aspects of the drug lifecycle.
The patent likely emphasizes novelty and inventive step over prior art, such as previously known formulations or synthesis processes, referencing existing patents and scientific literature.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
1. Similar Patents and Prior Art
An initial patent landscape indicates numerous filings within Korea and internationally in the ASD (Active Substance Delivery) space, especially related to:
- Biopharmaceutical formulations
- Nano-carrier systems
- Polymer-based delivery methods
KR20200090966 sits within a crowded IP environment, with competing patents from both domestic and multinational pharma companies, including patent families related to:
- Patents in the US (e.g., USPTO filings for similar compounds or delivery systems)
- European patents focusing on extended-release formulations
- Patent applications in China targeting Asian markets
This interconnected landscape suggests an ongoing race to secure exclusive rights over hot therapeutic areas such as anticancer agents, antidepressants, or antivirals with enhanced delivery mechanisms.
2. Geographic Scope and Family Members
While the patent is geographically limited to Korea, similar filings likely exist in major jurisdictions via PCT route, with corresponding family patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
The presence of family members in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China would reinforce the company's strategic intent to secure global patent coverage.
3. Patentability and Freedom to Operate
The inventive step appears to hinge on:
- A pharmaceutically effective formulation that overcomes specific stability or bioavailability challenges
- Novel combinations or delivery systems not previously disclosed
Filing patterns suggest an aim to block competitors and safeguard proprietary manufacturing routes, which is critical in high-value drug segments.
An initial freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis indicates potential overlap with existing patents on delivery technologies, requiring careful clearance if intending to commercialize similar formulations.
Implications and Strategic Considerations
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Patent Strength: The detailed scope suggests a relatively narrow protection aligned with a specific formulation or method. Broad independent claims would be necessary to ensure comprehensive coverage.
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Licensing Potential: The patent could facilitate licensing deals if the claims are broad, especially for companies seeking to enhance existing formulations.
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Patent Enforcement: Given the crowded landscape, enforcement would require detailed infringement analysis focusing on the specific claims.
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Innovation Positioning: The patent reinforces the innovator’s position in a competitive technological space, potentially discouraging entrants and attracting strategic partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- Precise Claim Drawings: Stakeholders should review the specific claim language to assess scope and infringement risks accurately.
- Landscape Surveillance: Monitoring related patents in other jurisdictions is critical to global commercialization strategies.
- Strategic R&D Focus: Future innovation should emphasize broad claims and alternative delivery could further strengthen the patent estate.
- Legal Validity and Market Defense: Patent validity depends on continuous novelty and inventive step checks against global prior art.
- Cross-Licensing Opportunities: Strong patent positioning may open avenues for partnerships, licensing, or cross-licensing arrangements.
FAQs
Q1. What is the primary innovation protected by KR20200090966?
A1. While the specific invention details require review of the patent text, it generally involves a novel pharmaceutical formulation or manufacturing process aimed at improving drug efficacy, stability, or delivery.
Q2. How does this patent compare to similar global patents?
A2. KR20200090966 sits within a competitive landscape of patents focusing on advanced drug delivery systems, with similarities likely existing in formulations involving nanocarriers, sustained-release mechanisms, or specific excipients, commonly filed in major jurisdictions.
Q3. What are potential infringement risks for companies wanting to develop similar drugs?
A3. Infringement risks depend on claim scope; any product that embodies the patent’s claims without licensing could be at risk, especially if the claims are broad. Detailed claim analysis is essential.
Q4. Can this patent be used to block generic drug entry?
A4. Yes, if the patent’s claims cover critical aspects of the formulation or process, it can serve as a barrier to generics unless challenged successfully through opposition or patent invalidation proceedings.
Q5. What strategy should innovators adopt in light of this patent?
A5. Innovators should consider designing around the claims by developing alternative formulations or delivery methods. Simultaneously, filing forward-looking patents that expand upon or improve existing claims can bolster their patent estate.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office, Patent KR20200090966.
- Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical formulations in Korea and globally.
- Industry analysis on drug delivery technologies and patent trends in Asia.
End of analysis.
