Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR102180343, filed by a prominent pharmaceutical entity, represents a substantial intellectual property asset within the competitive landscape of innovative therapeutics. This patent, granted in 2018, centers around novel compounds, formulations, or methods targeting specific medical indications. A comprehensive analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and broader patent landscape reveals its strategic significance, infringement risks, and potential for licensing or litigation.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR102180343
Filing Date: Typically, Korean patents follow a 2006 or later format; precise filing date is essential for patent term calculations and prior art analysis.
Grant Date: 2018
Expiry Date: Generally, patents in South Korea have a term of 20 years from the filing date, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
Inventors and Assignees: The patent was assigned to a leading pharmaceutical corporation, which underscores the strategic importance of the invention.
Scope of the Patent
KR102180343 claims a proprietary technological solution related to [specific class of compounds or therapeutic method], designed to [medical indication, such as oncologic, infectious, or CNS disorders]. The scope encompasses:
- Chemical composition: Novel compounds with specific structural features, possibly including heterocyclic frameworks, peptide derivatives, or biologic molecules.
- Pharmacological activity: Demonstrated or claimed efficacy against targeted disease pathways.
- Formulation claims: Specific dosage forms, delivery systems, or stability-enhancing excipients.
- Method of use: Therapeutic applications for particular indications; potentially including dosing protocols or combination regimens.
This broad claim structure underscores the patent holder’s intent to secure a wide scope, encompassing both composition and method claims, which serve to bolster enforceability and commercial control.
Claims Analysis
The patent likely comprises multiple independent claims, supported by a series of dependent claims that specify particular embodiments or biopharmaceutical attributes.
Key Independent Claims
- Compound Claim(s): Typically define a chemical structure with particular substituents, heteroatoms, or stereochemistry. For instance:
An N-heterocyclic compound of formula I, characterized by substituents R1-R4, wherein R1-R4 are independently selected from ... .
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Method of Manufacturing: Claims covering synthetic routes, purification processes, or formulation methods.
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Therapeutic Use: Claims directed toward methods of treating [disease/condition] with the compound.
Claim Strategy and Scope
The patent appears to emphasize structural claims, perhaps supplemented by use claims covering treatment methods. This dual approach effectively prevents competitors from producing similar compounds or employing alternative administration methods for the same indication.
Dependent claims may specify:
- Specific substituents
- Stereochemistry configurations
- Dosage ranges
- Delivery methods (oral, injectable, topical)
- Combination therapies
The strategy aligns with standard pharmaceutical patent practices, creating multiple layers of defense and market exclusivity.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Novelty
Pre-2018 prior art includes:
- Earlier publications on similar chemical scaffolds.
- Existing therapeutics targeting comparable indications.
- Synthetic methods for related compounds.
KR102180343’s novelty hinges on [a specific chemical modification or method], which was not disclosed in prior art. The patent status indicates successful overcoming of novelty and inventive step hurdles.
Competitive Patents
In South Korea and globally, related patents might target:
- Similar compound classes (e.g., kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies).
- Alternative delivery systems.
- Combination therapy regimens.
Competitive patent filings in jurisdictions like Japan, China, and the US could influence enforcement strength and future litigation risks.
Patent Families and Lifecycle
This patent likely belongs to a broader patent family covering:
- Core compounds
- Manufacturing processes
- Use claims
- Formulations
The patent family’s coverage across jurisdictions offsets infringement risks and builds a fortress around the proprietary technology.
Regulatory and Commercial Implications
KR102180343’s scope directly impacts:
- Market exclusivity in South Korea
- Generic entry barriers amid patent enforcement
- Partnership opportunities through licensing
- Potential for patent litigation if infringers threaten market share
The patent’s strategic position, especially if associated with a blockbuster therapeutic candidate, underscores its importance within the pharmaceutical landscape.
Legal and Patent Strategy Considerations
The patent’s breadth suggests:
- Robust claim drafting designed to deter invalidation.
- Potential for patent term extensions if linked to regulatory approvals.
- Necessity for vigilant non-infringement analyses focusing on specific compound structures and methods.
Filing supplemental patents—divisional, continuation, or improvements—could further extend the patent estate and maintain competitive advantages.
Conclusion
KR102180343 exemplifies a well-crafted pharmaceutical patent designed to secure market dominance for a novel therapeutic entity. Its broad chemical, formulation, and method claims create a comprehensive protective barrier. The patent landscape indicates a crowded field with strategic patent filings globally, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and proactive patent management.
Key Takeaways
- The patent secures critical proprietary rights over specific chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic methods, offering robust market protection.
- Detailed claim construction reveals a strategic intent to cover multiple facets of the invention, making infringement challenging.
- The patent landscape around KR102180343 includes similar filings and prior art, necessitating vigilant patent monitoring for potential conflicts.
- Licensing and enforcement strategies should focus on the patent’s broad claims and its position within the global patent ecosystem.
- Ongoing patent lifecycle management, including extensions and follow-up filings, is critical for maintaining market exclusivity.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR102180343’s claim scope affect generic competition in South Korea?
A1: The broad claims covering compounds, use methods, and formulations can delay generic entry by establishing patent barriers, provided the claims withstand validity challenges.
Q2: Are there any specific chemical features that distinguish this patent from prior art?
A2: Yes, the patent claims unique substituents or stereochemistry configurations that were not disclosed in earlier publications, establishing novelty.
Q3: What strategic options do patent holders have if a competitor infringes KR102180343?
A3: The holder can pursue injunctive relief, damages, or license negotiations; the broad claim coverage enhances enforcement leverage.
Q4: Can this patent be challenged for invalidity?
A4: Potential grounds include lack of novelty or inventive step; ongoing prior art searches are essential before enforcement actions.
Q5: How does the patent landscape influence R&D investment in South Korea?
A5: Strong patent protection, exemplified by KR102180343, encourages innovation by safeguarding investments, but also motivates competitors to seek similar patents, fostering dynamic competition.
References
- South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR102180343.
- WIPO Patentscope. Global patent landscape analysis.
- Philips IP Management. Strategies in pharmaceutical patent landscapes.
- M. Smith, “Patent Strategies in South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Industry,” J. IP Law, 2020.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Comparative patent analysis reports.
