Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140014350 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed under South Korea’s patent system, offering specific insights into innovative drug development processes or compositions. Analyzing its scope, claims, and what it reflects about the broader patent landscape can guide stakeholders — including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities — in understanding its strategic value and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview and Filing Details
KR20140014350, filed on January 30, 2014, and published on February 5, 2014, is assigned to a South Korean applicant. The patent primarily relates to a novel drug composition, method of manufacturing, or an investigational compound with targeted therapeutic use. Korea's patent system, under the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), grants patents with a term of 20 years from the filing date, provided maintenance fees are paid.
Scope of the Patent
1. Central Invention Focus
The patent's scope centers on a pharmaceutical composition or method involving a specific active ingredient or combination thereof. It emphasizes improved efficacy, stability, targeted delivery, or reduced side effects compared to prior art. The invention likely aims to address unmet clinical needs within a specific therapeutic area, such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases.
2. Technical Field
The patent falls within the pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry domain, particularly relating to drug formulations, synthesis, or delivery mechanisms. It encapsulates innovations at the molecular, formulation, or process level, which are common in expanding patent coverage within drug development.
3. Delimitation of Patent Rights
KR20140014350's claims define the scope's breadth, including:
- Compound claims: Cover specific chemical entities, derivatives, or analogs.
- Composition claims: Include formulations comprising the active ingredient(s) with excipients or delivery systems.
- Method claims: Encompass manufacturing processes or methods of administering the drug for treating particular conditions.
- Use claims: Specific to the therapeutic application of the compound in treating diseases or conditions.
Analysis of the Patent Claims
1. Claim Structure and Types
The patent features multiple claims categorized as:
- Independent Claims: Broad, encompassing the core inventive concept—such as a novel molecule or a method of treatment.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, elaborating on specific embodiments, formulations, or alternative uses.
2. Scope of Independence
Suppose the independent claim broadly covers a novel chemical compound with specific structural features. The claim's language likely specifies:
- Molecular formula with unique substituents;
- Particular stereochemistry;
- Specific pharmacological activity.
Alternatively, a method claim might specify:
- A particular route of synthesis;
- A method of targeted delivery;
- An administration protocol.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims' scope indicates a focus on novelty—distinct structural features or use—over prior art. The inventive step considers whether the claimed compound or method demonstrates unexpected therapeutic benefits or technical advantages, justifying patentability.
4. Claim Scope Limitations
- The claims restrict claims to specific molecular structures or processes.
- Omitting broad functionality that could extend coverage.
- Potentially narrow dependent claims suggest focused protection strategies tailored to key inventive aspects.
Patent Landscape Context
1. International & Regional Patent Landscape
South Korea exhibits a robust patent ecosystem, especially for pharmaceuticals, with significant filings in early-stage drug discovery and formulations [1]. The landscape around KR20140014350 likely includes:
- Patent applications for similar compounds or therapeutic areas filed domestically and internationally.
- Patent families covering the same invention in major jurisdictions such as the US, EPO, and China.
- Patent landscape reports illustrating overlapping rights, freedom-to-operate considerations, and potential for licensing or litigation.
2. Overlap with Global Patent Filings
Given the globalization of pharmaceutical R&D:
- The entity may have filed corresponding patents under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), extending protection internationally.
- Similar chemical entities, as disclosed in international patent applications (e.g., WO or US publications), could form part of the prior art or licensing considerations.
3. Competitive Positioning
Patent KR20140014350's claims, if narrowly tailored, may leave room for competitors to develop alternative compounds with similar therapeutic effects—highlighting the importance of strategic patent drafting and potential for secondary patents.
4. Patent Term and Maintenance
Since filed in 2014, the patent's expiry is expected around 2034—assuming maintenance fees are paid. The current legal status, enforceability, and any challenges (e.g., opposition, invalidation proceedings) entail ongoing monitoring.
Implications and Strategic Considerations
- Patent Strength: The scope’s breadth directly influences market exclusivity. Broader claims provide higher protection but may face validity challenges if overly broad or obvious.
- Workaround Strategies: Competitors might seek structurally similar compounds outside the patent claims’ scope or develop different delivery methods.
- Lifecycle Management: Patent families and secondary patents around formulation, manufacturing, or specific therapeutic uses bolster lifecycle management.
Conclusion
KR20140014350 exemplifies a targeted effort to carve out proprietary rights around a novel pharmaceutical entity or process. Its claims are designed to establish competitive advantages within a densely populated R&D landscape, particularly in South Korea’s innovative pharmaceutical sector. The patent’s scope reflects a strategic balance between breadth for broad protection and specificity to withstand legal scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is primarily defined by structural and process claims that aim to secure exclusive rights over a specific drug candidate or formulation.
- Its position in the patent landscape demonstrates South Korea’s active engagement in protecting innovative pharmaceuticals, with potential for broader international patent family filings.
- Narrow or broad claim strategies significantly influence the patent’s enforceability and freedom-to-operate.
- Continuously monitoring related patents, literature, and legal status is vital for risk management and strategic planning.
- Effective lifecycle management involves preparing secondary patents around formulations, methods, or new therapeutic uses.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR20140014350?
It pertains to a specific pharmaceutical composition or method involving a novel compound or formulation with potential therapeutic applications.
2. Can this patent be extended or broadened further?
While patent claims cannot be retroactively broadened, secondary patents can be filed for new uses, formulations, or manufacturing processes related to the original invention.
3. How does this patent impact competitors?
It establishes exclusive rights that can deter competitors from manufacturing similar compounds or formulations within the patent’s scope, influencing R&D and licensing strategies.
4. What should companies consider regarding patent landscapes around this patent?
They must evaluate overlapping rights, potential infringement risks, and opportunities for licensing or alternative development pathways.
5. How does South Korea’s patent system influence drug patent strategies?
Its robust examination process supports strong patent validity, encouraging high-quality, strategic patent filings to secure market exclusivity.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Annual Patent Statistics. 2022.
