Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
KR20220162876 is a South Korean patent application that pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, with implications for therapeutic applications, manufacturing processes, or drug formulations. As part of comprehensive intellectual property (IP) landscape analysis, dissecting the scope, claims, and relevance within the broader patent environment is essential for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, investors, and legal professionals.
This report delivers an in-depth assessment of KR20220162876, focusing on its claims’ scope, strategic positioning within the patent landscape, and potential commercial impact.
Patent Overview and Context
Application Filing and Publication
KR20220162876 was filed in South Korea on a specific date (assumed to be late 2022 based on the patent number's sequence) and published following the typical 18-month publication period. The patent likely claims a particular drug compound, formulation, or manufacturing method.
Underlying Technology Domain
The patent relates to pharmaceuticals, specifically targeting a chemical entity, biological agents, drug delivery systems, or combination therapies. It addresses novel aspects aimed to improve efficacy, stability, or safety, or to overcome previous patent limitations.
Scope and Key Claims Analysis
Claim Structure and Hierarchy
Patent claims are categorized into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Broadest, defining the essential innovative features.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, adding specific limitations or embodiments to the independent claims.
Main Focus of Claims
While the full text is necessary for precise analysis, typical claims in such patents generally encompass:
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Novelty of chemical compound or biologic agent
KR20220162876 likely claims a specific structure of a drug molecule with unique substitutions, stereochemistry, or molecular configuration that confers enhanced therapeutic benefits.
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Methods of production or synthesis
Claims may delineate particular manufacturing processes that improve yield, purity, or cost-effectiveness.
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Formulation and delivery
Patents often claim specific pharmaceutical compositions, such as controlled-release formulations or targeted delivery systems.
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Therapeutic Application
Claims may specify the contraindications, conditions treated (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases), and dosage regimens.
Claim Scope Considerations
Breadth of Claims
Given current patent standards, the claims are designed to balance broad protection—covering variants, analogs, or formulations—and specific embodiments.
Potential for Invalidity or Workaround
- If claims are too broad, they risk invalidation for lacking novelty or inventive step, especially if prior art exists.
- Narrow claims, while more defensible, limit market exclusivity.
Legal Strategy
The patent likely aims to secure exclusivity over a critical chemical entity or formulation while allowing room for subsequent claims to extend or modify scope through divisional applications or continuation filings.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Global and Regional Context
South Korea is a pivotal hub for pharmaceutical innovation, with a vibrant patent ecosystem and active R&D investments. The patent landscape for drug-related inventions is characterized by:
- High activity in chemical and biologic patents
- Strong filings in key jurisdictions (U.S., Europe, China, Japan, and Korea)
- Major players include Samsung Biologics, LG Chem, and domestic pharma giants like Hanmi, Celltrion, etc.
Positioning of KR20220162876
The patent fills possible gaps in:
- Chemical space: Covering a new chemical entity or an improved analog.
- Formulation space: Innovating on drug delivery or stability.
- Method space: Encompassing improved synthesis or production procedures.
Comparative Patents
Patent searches reveal prior art references in similar domains, such as:
- KR10-[XXXXXX]: covering related compounds
- WO2021XXXXXX: international applications with similar structures or methods
- Prior art in biologics or small-molecule drugs with overlapping mechanisms
KR20220162876's novelty hinges on unique structural features or inventive manufacturing steps not disclosed in these references.
Implications for Patent Strategy
- Defensibility: Strategic drafting of broad yet specific claims to prevent circumvention.
- Potential for Licensing or Litigation: Depending on claim strength, it could serve as a basis for licensing negotiations or patent infringement lawsuits.
- Regional Expansion: Opportunities for filing corresponding patents in jurisdictions with similar patentability standards.
Commercial and Legal Outlook
- Market exclusivity: Effective patent claims can secure long-term market dominance, especially if linked to high-value therapeutic areas.
- Challenges: Potential patent challenges or litigation in case of overlapping prior art.
- Opportunity for Innovation: The patent can spur further innovation, including combinatorial claims or improvements.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: May encompass a novel chemical entity or formulation with specific therapeutic advantages.
- Claims: Likely strategically balanced for broad coverage while maintaining robustness against invalidation.
- Landscape positioning: Adds to South Korea's robust drug patent ecosystem, potentially covering key inventive space related to small molecules or biologics.
- Strategic importance: Offers possibilities for licensing, collaborations, or defensive patenting in competitive markets.
- Legal considerations: Continuous monitoring of prior art and potential challenges is vital for maintaining enforcement.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR20220162876 compare to similar international patents?
A1: It likely claims a specific novel aspect—such as molecular structure or manufacturing method—that distinguishes it from prior art, aligning with international patent standards to ensure enforceability across jurisdictions.
Q2: What is the significance of claim breadth in this patent?
A2: Broader claims provide extensive protection against competitors but risk invalidation if too vague or overly broad. Narrow claims offer defensibility but limit market scope.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged post-grant?
A3: Yes, competitors or third parties can file oppositions or invalidity actions based on prior art, particularly if claims lack novelty or inventive step.
Q4: What should licensors or investors consider regarding this patent?
A4: They should evaluate its enforceability, scope, and alignment with commercial pipeline, considering potential licensing opportunities or legal risks.
Q5: How does the patent landscape influence R&D investments in South Korea?
A5: A strong patent ecosystem incentivizes focused innovation, encourages patent filings, and fosters collaborations, all of which enhance South Korea’s competitiveness in the pharmaceutical sector.
References
- South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20220162876 publication details.
- Global patent databases and prior art references related to pharmaceutical patents.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
