Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20240119197, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention likely associated with a specific drug formulation, manufacturing process, or therapeutic indication. As South Korea's patent system emphasizes robust protection of innovative pharmaceuticals, analyzing the scope and claims of this patent is critical for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, generics producers, and research institutions. This article delineates the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding KR20240119197, providing strategic insights for intellectual property management and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
KR20240119197 was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and published in 2024. While the full application documentation is not publicly disclosed, patent databases and available summaries suggest that the invention focuses on a specific medicinal composition or a method for producing a drug with enhanced efficacy or stability, likely targeting a prevalent disease such as cancer, infectious disease, or metabolic disorder.
Given South Korea's active role in pharmaceutical innovation, the patent landscape is highly competitive, with local and international players vying to secure exclusivity over next-generation drugs and formulations. This patent's strategic importance may lie in its novel approach to drug delivery, chemical structure, or manufacturing method.
Scope of the Patent
1. Patent Type and Coverage
KR20240119197 is characterized as a utility patent, designed to protect functional aspects of the pharmaceutical invention. The scope, as typical for such patents, encompasses:
- Chemical Composition: Claims likely cover a specific chemical entity or a combination of active ingredients with unique pharmacological properties.
- Method of Manufacture: Claims may extend to processes for synthesizing the drug, emphasizing innovative steps that improve yield, purity, or scalability.
- Formulation and Delivery: Claims might also include specific formulations, such as controlled-release tablets, injectable forms, or bioavailability-enhancing excipients.
- Therapeutic Use: The patent may delineate specific medical indications wherein the drug exhibits advantageous efficacy or reduced side effects.
2. Claims Structure and Hierarchy
The patent probably comprises independent claims defining the core novelty (e.g., a new chemical compound or manufacturing process), followed by dependent claims elaborating particular embodiments, such as specific dosage forms, adjuvants, or packaging configurations.
- Independent Claims: Cover broad aspects, asserting exclusive rights to the chemical structure, process, or primary therapeutic application.
- Dependent Claims: Specify narrower implementations, serving to reinforce the scope by covering alternative embodiments or adjunct features.
3. Claim Language and Legal Scope
The claims' clarity and breadth determine enforceability. Broad claims that encompass multiple chemical variants or manufacturing steps provide extensive protection but risk being challenged for lack of inventive step or novelty. Conversely, narrower claims limit scope but enhance defensibility.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
1. Major Competitors and Patent Families
South Korea’s pharmaceutical landscape features prominent players such as Samsung Biologics, SK Bioscience, and multinational corporations like Pfizer and Novartis. Their patent portfolios contain numerous filings targeting similar therapeutic areas or chemical classes, creating a dense patent thicket.
KR20240119197 exists within a complex landscape, with potential overlaps with:
- Patent Families Covering Similar Chemical Structures: Related patents filed in Korea, the US, or Europe may share chemical cores, with claims layered to carve out distinct protection niches.
- Method-of-Use Patents: Other applications may target specific indications, influencing freedom-to-operate considerations.
- Formulation Patents: Similar formulations designed for enhanced bioavailability or stability are prevalent, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
2. Prior Art and Patent Challenges
Patent examiners assess novelty against prior art, including earlier patents and scientific disclosures. For KR20240119197, prior art may include:
- Existing patents on related chemical compounds or formulations.
- Scientific publications describing similar drugs or synthesis methods.
Potential patent challenges could involve arguments of obviousness or lack of inventive step, emphasizing the importance of robust claim drafting.
3. Patent Term and Lifecycle Considerations
The typical patent term of 20 years from filing offers limited window for exclusivity. Strategic patent filing via continuation applications or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) can extend protection, especially where regulatory approval delays erode effective market exclusivity.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
1. For Innovators
The scope of KR20240119197 likely provides a strong barrier against generic entry if the claims are sufficiently broad and well-drafted. Innovators should monitor related patents and ensure their freedom-to-operate for R&D and commercialization activities.
2. For Generic Manufacturers
The densely populated patent landscape necessitates rigorous clearance searches. If KR20240119197 encompasses broad chemical or process claims, it may impede generic development for the covered indications.
3. For Patent Strategists
Prosecuting amendments or divisional filings might be needed to navigate existing art. Additionally, pursuing secondary patents—such as pediatric formulations, different routes of administration, or combination therapies—can carve out additional market protections.
Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations
KR20240119197 exemplifies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent designed to secure exclusivity over a novel drug entity or process within South Korea. Its effective scope, as revealed by claims and overlapping with existing patents, can significantly influence market entry, licensing, and research activities.
Stakeholders must conduct meticulous freedom-to-operate analyses, consider patent landscape mapping, and strategize around claim scope to maximize IP value. Continuous monitoring of national and international patent filings related to the same chemical class or therapeutic use is essential to sustain competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR20240119197 likely protects a specific chemical entity or manufacturing process related to a therapeutically significant drug, with claims structured to balance broad coverage with enforceability.
- The patent landscape in South Korea is competitive, with overlapping patents necessitating detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Claim drafting quality influences patent robustness; broader claims can deter competitors but are more vulnerable to challenges.
- Strategic patent filing and proactive IP management—including secondary filings—can enhance market exclusivity.
- Monitoring global patent filings in similar chemical or therapeutic spaces is vital for maintaining IP strength and avoiding infringement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main innovation behind patent KR20240119197?
A1: While the full details are not publicly available, it likely pertains to a new chemical compound, formulation, or manufacturing process designed to enhance drug efficacy, stability, or delivery.
Q2: How does KR20240119197 compare to other patents in the same area?
A2: It is part of a dense patent landscape with overlapping claims. Its scope depends on claim breadth; broad claims provide extensive protection but face higher scrutiny, while narrower claims focus on specific embodiments.
Q3: Can this patent prevent other companies from developing similar drugs?
A3: If the claims are sufficiently broad and valid, the patent can prevent third parties from manufacturing or selling drugs that infringe its scope during the patent term.
Q4: How can innovators navigate around this patent?
A4: They can analyze claim scope, identify non-infringing alternative compounds or methods, or develop formulations or indications not covered by the claims.
Q5: What strategies should companies adopt concerning this patent?
A5: Conduct thorough patent landscape analyses, pursue secondary patents on novel aspects, and consider licensing or collaboration opportunities if the patent covers a promising therapeutic area.
References:
[1] South Korea Patent Database, KR20240119197 Public Disclosure.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Examination Guidelines.
[4] Patent Scope, World Patent Information.
