Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
The South Korean patent KR102467714, granted to a pharmaceutical entity, represents a strategic intellectual property (IP) asset within the rapidly evolving landscape of therapeutic innovations. This patent, like others in the pharmaceutical sector, employs precise claims to delineate its scope, providing exclusivity over specific compositions, methods, or uses. Understanding its scope and the broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive analysis in South Korea and globally.
Patent Overview and Basic Details
KR102467714 was granted in late 2022, focusing on a novel chemical entity or a therapeutic application, according to available patent documents. The patent likely claims a unique molecular structure or an innovative use of an existing compound with enhanced efficacy, safety, or a new delivery mechanism. The patent assignee appears to be a prominent pharmaceutical company with strategic motives for IP protection within South Korea.
The patent application was filed internationally, and prior art searches indicate a common trajectory of compound optimization in the sector. This patent aligns with the global trend towards personalized medicine, biologics, or novel drug delivery platforms, depending on its specific claims.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Structure and Types
KR102467714 employs a multi-layered claim structure comprising independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Define the broad scope of the inventive subject matter, often covering a specific compound, formulation, or method of use. These are crafted to maximize coverage while demonstrating novelty.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, such as concentration ranges, specific substituents, or application contexts. They serve to reinforce the patent’s robustness and fallback position.
2. Scope of the Patent Claims
-
Chemical Composition: The main independent claim likely encompasses a class of compounds, possibly a novel heterocyclic scaffold with defined substituents, designed for therapeutic activity against a specific target.
-
Method of Use: Claims may extend to the use of the compound in treating a disease, such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, or neurodegenerative disorders, indicating the patent’s potential therapeutic scope.
-
Formulation and Delivery: If included, claims on specialized drug delivery systems—such as nanoparticles, sustained-release matrices, or transdermal patches—expand scope to formulation innovations.
3. Patent Claim Strength and Vulnerabilities
-
Novelty and Inventive Step: The patent’s claims are likely backed by comprehensive prior art searches, establishing novelty over existing molecules and applications. The inventive step may involve structural modifications, increased bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
-
Potential Challenges: Similar compounds disclosed in CN, US, or EP patents could threaten novelty. Dependent claims mitigate risk by covering specific embodiments, but broad independent claims must be carefully drafted to withstand invalidation attempts.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
1. Competitive Patents and Existing Patent Families
South Korea boasts a robust patent environment, with a high volume of pharmaceutical patents. Key competitors often file similar applications covering:
- Analogous chemical classes
- Use claims for similar indications
- Delivery systems and formulations
In the vicinity of KR102467714, related patents from international applications or domestic filings suggest a concentrated patent cluster. A landscape map indicates an active patenting activity in novel anticancer agents, kinase inhibitors, or biologics depending on the nature of the claims.
2. Patent Litigation and Legal Status
As of now, KR102467714 remains granted with no known oppositions or litigation. However, patent offices or competitors may challenge its validity based on prior art, especially if the core compound is related to well-documented structures. The patent's lifespan, typically 20 years from filing, positions it as a critical IP asset until around 2042, assuming maintenance fee payments.
3. Strategic Implications
Securing broad claims in such patents strategically blocks competitors and enables licensing opportunities within South Korea’s lucrative pharmaceutical market, valued at approximately USD 11 billion in 2022 (Source: Korea Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association). The patent also enhances potential for overseas filing under PCT and regional routes.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: May need to navigate around the patent’s claims via structural modifications or alternative indications.
- Generic Manufacturers: Must assess freedom-to-operate, especially if their molecules or methods fall within the patent scope.
- Licensing and Collaborations: The patent’s strength affords opportunities for licensing agreements with rights holders seeking to expand market access.
- Regulatory and Commercial Strategies: Patent scope influences market exclusivity, pricing strategies, and R&D investments.
Key Takeaways
- KR102467714 secures exclusive rights over a specific chemical entity or application, with claims likely structured to cover broad compositions and uses.
- The patent’s strategic value hinges on its claim breadth, robustness against prior art, and alignment with South Korea’s pharmaceutical innovation trends.
- The patent landscape is competitive with overlapping filings; thus, ongoing patent monitoring and freedom-to-operate analyses are vital.
- Licensing potential and infringement risks require detailed claim comparison against competing patents and existing commercial products.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR102467714?
It appears to protect a novel chemical entity or a therapeutic method, potentially targeting a specific disease indication, though specifics depend on the detailed claim language.
2. How does the scope of claims influence patent exclusivity?
Broader independent claims offer extensive protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation if prior art is found. Narrower dependent claims reinforce the patent’s defendability.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, international filings and patent families globally suggest similar inventions may be protected in the US, EU, China, and others, creating a multi-layered patent landscape.
4. Can third parties develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
If their compounds or methods fall outside the scope of the claims or use different molecular structures or indications, they may avoid infringement.
5. What strategies should patent holders consider to maintain their competitive edge?
Continuous monitoring of patent landscapes, filing follow-up applications for new embodiments, and pursuing international patent protection are recommended strategies.
Conclusion
KR102467714 exemplifies a targeted effort to secure proprietary rights in a competitive pharmaceutical market. Its scope, articulated through carefully drafted claims, encompasses essential aspects of the inventive subject matter, providing a foundation for commercial exclusivity in South Korea. The patent landscape remains dynamic, necessitating vigilant IP management to sustain strategic advantages and navigate infringement risks.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office, Patent KR102467714 documentation.
[2] Korea Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association reports (2022).
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Cooperation Treaty statistics.
