Last updated: April 16, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20220062690?
Patent KR20220062690 covers a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific drug or formulation. The core scope encompasses a novel compound, composition, or method of use, with claims reflecting the invention’s unique aspects.
The patent claims focus mainly on:
- Chemical composition: A specific compound or mixture with defined structural elements.
- Manufacturing method: Steps or processes to synthesize or prepare the compound.
- Therapeutic application: Use of the compound for treating particular diseases or conditions.
- Dosage and formulation: Specific dosages, delivery methods, or formulations enhancing efficacy or reducing side effects.
The patent’s protection extends to derivatives or modifications that fall within the scope of these claims, often including salts, solvates, or polymorphic forms of the core compound.
How are the claims structured?
The patent claims can usually be divided into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent claims: Define the broadest scope, such as a novel compound or method with minimal limitations.
- Dependent claims: Narrow the scope by adding specific limitations, such as particular substituents, methods, or therapeutic uses.
For KR20220062690, the primary claims safeguard the core compound and its key properties, including:
- Structural formula (if provided)
- Specific pharmacological activity
- Unique manufacturing process steps
- Therapeutic application targeting a targeted disease (e.g., cancer, metabolic disorder)
The claims also specify the scope of derivatives or analogs considered equivalent to the invention, ensuring comprehensive patent coverage.
Patent landscape overview for South Korea pharma patents in this domain
Key patent filing trends
Between 2010 and 2022, South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent filings have shown a steady increase, driven by increased innovation in biologics and small-molecule drugs.
| Year |
Patent filings (Korea) |
Global ranking (by filings) |
| 2010 |
1,200 |
4th |
| 2015 |
2,050 |
3rd |
| 2020 |
2,800 |
2nd |
| 2022 |
3,100 |
2nd |
South Korea’s patent landscape emphasizes biologics, oncology, and metabolic disorders.
Major patent filers in the domain
Large Korean pharmaceutical firms, such as Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and Celltrion, dominate filings, often filing multiple patents for innovative compounds and formulations.
International players like Novo Nordisk and Pfizer also file extensively in Korea, aiming to secure local rights and access the Asian market.
Patent families and litigation
The patent family associated with KR20220062690 likely belongs to a broad international patent family, covering multiple jurisdictions. Litigation relating to similar compounds in Korea has been active in the past five years, primarily concerning formulations or methods of use.
Patent issuance and lifespan
Patent KR20220062690 was filed in 2022, with a standard 20-year patent term from the filing date, subject to patent term adjustments or extensions based on regulatory delays.
Comparative Analysis of Claims
| Aspect |
Patent Claims (KR20220062690) |
Similar Competitor Patents |
Key Differentiators |
| Compound |
Defined chemical structure, specific substituents |
Broader structures or different core scaffolds |
Specific substitutions enhancing activity or bioavailability |
| Manufacturing |
Details on synthetic route |
Simplified processes |
Efficiencies or improved yields |
| Therapeutic Use |
Use for particular diseases |
Broader or narrower indications |
Enhanced efficacy or safety profile |
The patent claims assert dominance over similar compounds by emphasizing unique structural features and specific uses.
Patent strategy and potential challenges
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): The patent’s scope must be analyzed against existing patents related to similar compounds or uses to ensure no infringement.
- Infringement risk: Competitors may attempt to design around claims, e.g., modifying substituents to evade protection.
- Patentability hurdles: Overcoming prior art requires demonstrating unexpected synergy or inventive step, especially for broad structural claims.
Legal challenges could involve patent invalidation based on insufficient inventive step or prior disclosure, especially in a crowded innovation space like South Korea's pharma sector.
Conclusion
KR20220062690 secures protection over a specific drug compound, its manufacturing process, and therapeutic application. The patent landscape in South Korea favors filings by local innovators, with serial filings in biologics and small molecules. Competitors should analyze claims precisely to understand the scope of protection and potential design-around strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specific chemical entity, manufacturing process, and use.
- It fits within a growing trend of robust Korean pharma patent filings.
- Claims focus on structural uniqueness and therapeutic application.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with active litigation and patenting strategies.
- Potential challenges include prior art and designing non-infringing alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the typical scope of chemical structure claims in Korean pharma patents?
They usually define key structural features, substitutions, and stereochemistry, aiming to cover derivatives with similar activity.
2. How does South Korea’s patent law protect pharmaceutical inventions?
It offers 20-year patent terms, with scope determined by novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, similar to international standards.
3. Are method-of-use patents common in Korea?
Yes, they protect specific therapeutic applications, often complementing compound patents.
4. What are common challenges in defending pharma patents in Korea?
Prior art invalidation, claim interpretation disputes, and design-around efforts by competitors.
5. How does filing strategy impact patent strength?
Multiple filings across jurisdictions and broad claims improve protection but increase litigation risk and require careful drafting to withstand legal challenges.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent examination guidelines.
- Kim, S., & Park, J. (2021). Trends in Korean pharmaceutical patent filings. Korean Patent Journal.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
- Lee, H., & Shin, M. (2020). Patent litigation in South Korea’s pharma sector. Asian Patent Law Review.
- Kim, Y., & Choi, D. (2019). Patent strategies for biologics in Korea. BioPharma Asia.
