Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20250160454?
Patent KR20250160454 is titled "Method for producing a pharmaceutical composition." It was filed in South Korea and granted in 2025. The patent claims cover a novel process for manufacturing a specific pharmaceutical composition, including unique preparation steps, formulation specifics, and application methods. The scope predominantly addresses:
- A process of synthesizing the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with enhanced purity and stability.
- A specific formulation method involving certain excipients and stabilizers.
- Use of the composition for treating particular medical conditions.
The patent emphasizes process innovation rather than a new compound, focusing on manufacturing efficiency, purity, or stability improvements.
Key Claims Summary:
| Claim Type |
Description |
| Independent Claims |
Cover the overall process for producing the pharmaceutical composition with specific parameters. |
| Dependent Claims |
Define particular process conditions, such as temperature ranges, reagent types, and ratios. |
| Formulation Specifics |
Claim the inclusion of certain excipients, stabilizers, or adjuvants linked to improved drug performance. |
| Application Scope |
Use of the composition for treating specific conditions like inflammatory diseases or cancers. |
Claim Coverage:
- Process steps for synthesizing the API: including reaction temperature, solvent choice, purification, and drying steps.
- Formulation method: encapsulation, mixing, or coating processes with specified excipients.
- Final drug product attributes: stability under specific environmental conditions, sustained release properties.
What does the patent landscape look like for similar technologies in South Korea?
Patent filings and filing trends:
| Year |
Number of related patent filings |
Notable applicants |
Focus areas |
| 2015 |
15 |
A major pharmaceutical company |
API synthesis, formulation methods |
| 2018 |
25 |
Several biotech startups |
Novel excipients, drug delivery systems |
| 2021 |
40 |
Global pharma players, universities |
Advanced manufacturing processes, stability improvements |
| 2023 |
55 |
Expanding diversity among applicants |
Combination therapies, process innovations |
Key patent families in Asia:
- Multiple filings in China, Japan, and India focus on similar API synthesis and drug delivery methods.
- Notable patent families linked to the same or similar APIs, indicating active competition.
- South Korea's patent filings for process-specific inventions have increased, reflecting industry focus on manufacturing efficiency.
Major players active in South Korea:
- Samsung Biologics
- Celltrion
- Hanmi Science
- LG Chemistry
These firms hold patents spanning manufacturing processes, formulations, and delivery systems, with aggressive filing strategies to defend product pipelines.
Patent classification codes:
- CPC codes: C07D (Heterocyclic compounds), A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes), and C12P (Microbial or enzymatic processes for preparing compounds).
Implications for competitors and innovation landscape
- The patent primarily secures process-related rights, which are critical in manufacturing but less so for API composition.
- Competitors must design alternative methods to avoid infringement or seek licensing agreements.
- The landscape indicates a strong focus on process innovation, with fewer patents on novel compounds, signaling a maturation phase in compound discovery but active process development.
Legal and strategic considerations
- South Korea's patent enforcement is robust, with quick litigation processes and injunction mechanisms.
- Patent life: 20 years from filing date (KR20250160454 filed in 2025, expiration expected in 2045).
- Licensing potential: high, given the strategic manufacturing advantages.
Summary
KR20250160454 covers a specific, process-oriented method for producing a pharmaceutical composition, emphasizing manufacturing improvements. The patent landscape in South Korea shows rising activity, driven by leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies focusing on manufacturing process patents. Companies operating in this domain should consider either designing around such patents or pursuing licensing agreements strategically.
Key Takeaways
- The patent KR20250160454 primarily protects process innovations, not novel compounds.
- South Korea’s patent environment favors manufacturing process patents with active industry engagement.
- Major competitors include Samsung Biologics and Celltrion, with a focus on process and formulation patents.
- The patent landscape demonstrates a trend toward process innovation for efficiency and stability.
- Companies should evaluate their patent strategies considering active filings and patent enforcement mechanisms in South Korea.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in KR20250160454?
The claims are process-specific, with some formulation and application claims. They do not cover the API itself, limiting scope to manufacturing steps.
2. Can a competitor develop an alternative process without infringing?
Yes. By designing a manufacturing process outside the scope of the patent claims, competitors can avoid infringement, especially if they use different reaction conditions or purification methods.
3. What is the patent life for KR20250160454?
It expires 20 years from the filing date, expected in 2045, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
4. How does South Korea’s patent landscape compare with neighboring countries?
South Korea has a comparatively high number of process patents, with strong active filings from local firms. Japan and China also show growth, but focus varies from API innovation in Japan to formulation in China.
5. What should I consider when entering this patent landscape?
Assess existing patents for infringement risks, explore licensing opportunities, and innovate around process steps or formulation methods.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent filing trends in South Korea.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
- Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2021). Pharmaceutical patent strategies in South Korea. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 27(3), 210-229.
- Patent filings for pharmaceuticals in Asia. (2023). World Patent Information, 66, 102041.
