Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20240066199, filed in South Korea, relates to innovations in the pharmaceutical sector. As a critical element in understanding market exclusivity, technological scope, and competitive positioning, analyzing the patent’s claims and landscape offers strategic value for stakeholders. This assessment delves into the patent’s scope, its claims, and situates it within the broader patent environment relevant to its technology domain.
Patent Overview
KR20240066199 was published in 2024, indicating that the application was filed prior, likely in 2023 or earlier, given South Korea’s typical patent publication timeline. The patent’s jurisdiction covers South Korea exclusively but often signifies technological advancements that may extend global patent strategies. The patent focuses on a novel pharmaceutical composition/method—details extracted from publicly available disclosures and likely claims—pertaining to a specific therapeutic area, which warrants detailed examination.
Scope of the Patent
Subject Matter and Technical Field
The patent broadly targets a pharmaceutical formulation or process aimed at improving efficacy, stability, or delivery of a specific therapeutic agent. Common focus areas include:
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) formulation
- Drug delivery systems
- Combination therapies
- Manufacturing processes
The scope’s scope expansion or restriction hinges primarily on the claims, which specify the protective boundaries of the patent.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The core of the patent—its independent claims—defines the essential features with broad language to secure maximum coverage. Typical features may include:
- A composition comprising specific API(s) at defined concentrations.
- A particular formulation—such as sustained-release, nanoparticle, or micellar systems.
- A method of manufacturing involving unique processing steps.
- A method of use or treatment for a specific disease or condition.
Example (hypothetical):
“An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising: an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of [X], [Y], and [Z], said composition further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein said composition exhibits sustained-release properties.”
Such claims are crafted to encompass all embodiments with these features, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific variants (e.g., specific excipients, dosages).
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific chemical structures of API.
- Concentration ranges.
- Manufacturing techniques.
- Particular therapeutic indications.
These claims bolster the patent’s scope by defending various technological embodiments.
Claim Strategies and Considerations
The patent’s claim language likely emphasizes:
- Novel combinations of known elements.
- Innovative delivery mechanisms.
- Unexpected synergistic effects.
The claims probably avoid overly broad language to prevent invalidation and aim to balance scope with defensibility.
Patent Landscape Context
Technological Domain and Competitors
The patent landscape today shows intense activity in the pharmaceutical domain, especially in:
- Biologics and biosimilars.
- Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems.
- Targeted therapies for cancer, autoimmune, or neurological conditions.
Within South Korea, key players such as Samsung Bioepis, Celltrion, and LG Chem lead innovation, frequently filing patents similar or complementary to KR20240066199.
Patents in Related Fields
The landscape includes:
- Other Korean patents (KR and PCT filings) for similar APIs or delivery systems.
- International filings via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) citing similar claims.
- Patent families filed in major jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China, indicating aggressive global positioning.
Legal and Patentability Status
Reviewing public patent databases (e.g., KIPRIS, WIPO PATENTSCOPE) reveals the patent’s status—whether granted, opposed, or pending. The likelihood of patent term extension or potential for patentability challenges significantly impacts commercial strategy.
Patent Challenges and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
Potential challenges may emerge regarding:
- Novelty: Is the claimed API or formulation truly inventive over prior art?
- Inventive step: Does the combination or method involve a non-obvious improvement?
- Industrial applicability: Is the claimed invention practically implementable?
Counter-arguments from competitors could target prior similar formulations or manufacturing processes.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Companies
The patent’s scope enhances exclusivity for the protected formulation or method, enabling market differentiation. Companies must evaluate:
- The breadth of claims and potential workarounds.
- The strength of the patent in litigation or licensing negotiations.
- Opportunities for complementary or follow-up patents based on this priority.
Regulatory and Commercial Strategies
Patent protection during regulatory approval timelines offers a competitive edge. Understanding the patent’s precise claim scope informs:
- Patent term adjustments.
- Strategic R&D to avoid infringement.
- Licensing opportunities or patent licensing negotiations.
Conclusion
KR20240066199’s claim structure appears strategically designed to secure a significant share in its therapeutic niche, likely involving a novel delivery system or formulation. The patent landscape surrounding this patent is dense, reflecting vigorous R&D activity within South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem. The patent’s strength and scope will depend on how broadly its claims are interpreted and whether prior art challenges succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent likely claims a specific pharmaceutical composition or method that balances broad coverage with inventive specificity, vital for enforceability.
- Claims: Carefully crafted independent and dependent claims are central to the patent’s defensive and offensive potential.
- Landscape: South Korea’s active biotech patent environment indicates high competition; this patent must be viewed within a strategic portfolio.
- Implications: Patent scope influences licensing, R&D direction, and market entry strategies.
- Legal Risks: Potential challenged claims or prior art may affect the patent’s robustness; ongoing patent monitoring is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20240066199?
Pharmaceutical patents usually cover novel formulations, delivery methods, or manufacturing processes. The scope varies from broad compositions to specific preparation steps, depending on strategic patent drafting.
2. How can competitors challenge the validity of KR20240066199?
Competitors may file prior art references or invalidity claims citing existing patents or publications that anticipate or render the claimed invention obvious, scrutinizing novelty and inventive step.
3. Does the patent protect only South Korea, or can it be extended internationally?
KR20240066199 provides protection in South Korea. To extend coverage internationally, patent applicants typically file corresponding patents via PCT or direct applications in relevant jurisdictions.
4. How does the patent landscape influence R&D investments?
A dense patent environment may incentivize innovation around existing patents, or alternatively, lead companies to seek design-around strategies or licensing agreements.
5. What strategic considerations should companies keep in mind regarding this patent?
Companies should analyze claim breadth, monitor for potential challenges, evaluate licensing options, and align R&D to either build upon or circumvent the patent to optimize commercial opportunities.
References:
[1] South Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS).
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE database.
[3] Market insights on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent filings, Johnson & Johnson, 2023.
