Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210011068, granted in South Korea, pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical formulation or method involving a specific active ingredient, formulation, or delivery system. Such patents are critical for delineating the scope of exclusivity for pharmaceutical innovations within the South Korean market, which is one of the leading pharmaceutical patent jurisdictions globally. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of the patent's claims, scope, and its position within the evolving patent landscape, aiding stakeholders in strategic decision-making, patent analysis, and lifecycle management.
Patent Overview
KR20210011068 was filed and granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). The patent reveals a novel invention that likely encompasses a new pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or delivery method designed to address unmet medical needs or improve existing therapies. The publication number indicates an application published in 2021, suggesting that the patent prosecution and grant occurred around that period.
Scope of the Patent
Claim Structure and Core Features
The claims define the legal boundaries of the patent's protection. While the detailed claims of KR20210011068 are proprietary, typical patents in this space include independent claims directed to:
- A specific pharmaceutical composition: This comprises a defined active ingredient, possibly with particular excipients or carriers, optimized for stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
- A method of manufacture: Claims may cover unique synthesis processes or formulation steps that yield the claimed composition.
- A method of use: Therapeutic methods, such as treating specific diseases or conditions, potentially utilizing the composition.
The scope hinges on the novelty and inventive step of these formulations or methods, often emphasizing unique combinations, process innovations, or specific dosing regimens.
Claim Language and Limitations
The claims likely employ technical language to denote:
- Quantities, such as active ingredient concentrations.
- Specific formulation parameters (e.g., particle size, pH).
- Delivery routes (oral, injectable, transdermal).
- Target indications or patient populations.
Any broad or genus claims targeting a wide class of compounds could be vulnerable to design-around strategies, whereas narrow, specific claims enjoy stronger enforceability but limited scope.
Legal and Technical Boundaries
Korean patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Analyzing KR20210011068’s claims reveals how they are distinguished from prior art, based on:
- Structural differences in active compounds.
- Unique formulation techniques.
- Novel methods of synthesis or delivery.
The scope is limited by prior art citations, which may include earlier patents, scientific publications, or existing pharmaceutical modalities.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents in South Korea
South Korea maintains a robust patent environment, especially for pharmaceuticals, with strategic filings often originating from multinational corporations and local innovation hubs. Key aspects include:
- Pre-existing patents: Likely, earlier patents in the same therapeutic area or with similar compounds exist, delineating the incremental innovation boundaries.
- Patent families: The applicant probably filed multiple patents internationally, including in regions like the US, China, and the EU, aligning patent strategies across jurisdictions.
- Patent citations: These can reveal technological trends and competitive positioning. For KR20210011068, citations might include prior art in formulations, chemical synthesis, or therapeutic methods.
Innovation Trend Analysis
In recent years, South Korea has emphasized biopharmaceutical innovation, with increased filings around biologics, targeted therapies, and advanced delivery systems. KR20210011068’s patent landscape likely aligns with this trend, focusing on:
- Biologics or biosimilars.
- Novel small-molecule drugs.
- Advanced delivery mechanisms such as microemulsions or nanocarriers.
Patent Challenges and Litigation
Pharmaceutical patents in South Korea often face validation or challenge through patent oppositions or invalidation procedures. The strength of KR20210011068’s claims depends on:
- Demonstrating unequivocal novelty.
- Establishing a significant inventive step.
- Clear delineation from prior art to withstand legal scrutiny.
Patent litigations in South Korea are active, especially among major players. The enforceability of KR20210011068’s claims may influence licensing, collaborations, or generic challenge strategies.
Strategic Considerations
Patent Term and Lifecycle Management
South Korea grants patents typically lasting 20 years from the filing date, with potential extensions or supplementary protections under certain conditions. Patent holders must strategically enforce or defend claims to maximize exclusivity, especially against generic entrants.
Filing Strategies
Filing within South Korea complements global patent portfolios, offering strategic advantages for market entry, licensing, or partnership opportunities. Given the proximity to major Asian markets, strong local patent protection reinforces regional dominance.
Potential for Patent Thickets
Given the complex landscape, overlapping patents or patent thickets may exist around similar formulations, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analyses for new developmental programs or biosimilar entries.
Conclusion
KR20210011068 embodies a focused effort to secure patent protection over a specific pharmaceutical innovation, potentially encompassing unique formulations, delivery methods, or therapeutic indications. Its claims, assumed to be precisely tailored, afford the patent holder exclusivity within South Korea’s substantial pharmaceutical market. Accurate delineation of the scope depends on detailed claim analysis and relation to prior art.
The Korean patent landscape in pharmaceuticals evidences dynamic growth, with strategic filings covering biologics, targeted therapies, and innovative delivery systems. KR20210011068 fits within this broader trend, emphasizing the importance of robust patent strategy to sustain competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Scope: The patent’s scope hinges on its claims, which likely cover specific formulations or methods tailored for a therapeutic area, designed to withstand prior art challenges.
- Patent Landscape: South Korea’s patent environment is highly active, with numerous related filings. Understanding prior art and patent families is critical for assessing validity and freedom to operate.
- Innovation Focus: The patent aligns with Korea’s broader focus on biopharmaceutical and advanced drug delivery technologies, emphasizing continuous innovation.
- Legal Enforcement: Robust claim language and clear inventiveness are vital to defend the patent in potential litigation or opposition proceedings.
- Lifecycle Optimization: Effective patent portfolio management, including international filings and strategic enforcement, will underpin long-term commercial success within and beyond South Korea.
FAQs
1. What is the main technical innovation claimed in KR20210011068?
While detailed claims are confidential, patents of this nature typically claim a novel formulation, synthesis method, or delivery system that offers advantages like enhanced bioavailability, stability, or targeted therapy.
2. How does KR20210011068 compare to international patents?
It likely aligns with global patent strategies, with corresponding filings in major jurisdictions. Comparative analysis requires review of patent family documents to assess overlaps and differences.
3. What are the risks of patent invalidation in South Korea?
Prior art that predates filing, obviousness, or insufficient disclosure can challenge validity. A robust prosecution strategy involves thorough prior art searches and detailed claim drafting.
4. Can competitors challenge this patent after grant?
Yes, through invalidation or opposition procedures if they believe the patent lacks novelty or inventive step, especially within the statutory opposition periods.
5. How does South Korea’s patent law support pharmaceutical innovation?
South Korean law emphasizes patent rights’ enforceability and supports innovation through patent term extensions, exclusive licensing, and a proactive enforcement environment.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Database.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Patent Family Data.
[3] South Korea Patent Act and guidelines.
