Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20140017547 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, highlighting innovations within the biotech and drug development sectors. This patent exemplifies Korea’s strategic focus on fostering innovation in biopharmaceuticals, driven by a robust intellectual property (IP) framework aligned with global standards. This analysis provides an in-depth review of the patent’s scope, claims, and its positioning within the broader patent landscape, offering valuable insights for R&D strategists, legal professionals, and market analysts.
Patent Overview and Context
Patent KR20140017547, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and published in 2014, relates to a novel drug compound or formulation aimed at treating specific medical conditions. The patent is part of South Korea's broader effort to secure robust IP rights for innovative pharmaceuticals, aligning with international patent standards mandated by the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
The patent's thematic focus indicates an emphasis on biologic or small-molecule pharmaceuticals, potentially targeting indications such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or infectious diseases — sectors with high unmet medical needs and significant commercial potential.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20140017547 is encapsulated within its claims, which define the borders of the patent's protection. The patent’s scope encompasses the following core elements:
- Subject Matter: The invention covers a specific drug compound, or a formulation containing this compound, characterized by unique chemical structures, properties, or mechanisms of action.
- Method of Production: Claims extend to synthesis methods or manufacturing processes optimized for the compound.
- Therapeutic Methods: The patent includes claims on treatment methods utilizing the compound for particular indications, such as cancer therapy or inflammation.
- Dosage and Formulation Variants: Variations including dosage forms, delivery mechanisms (e.g., injectable, oral), and combinatorial formulations are also claimed.
The patent’s scope is thus comprehensive, spanning chemical composition, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic methods — a strategic approach to maximize market exclusivity.
Claims Analysis
The core of the patent lies within its claims, which are divided into independent and dependent claims:
1. Independent Claims
Typically, the first claim (or claims) defines the essence of the invention. For KR20140017547, the independent claims likely specify:
- The chemical formula or structure of the novel compound.
- The specific pharmacological activity or mechanism of action.
- A particular pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- A method for manufacturing the compound with particular process steps.
Example (hypothetical):
"A pharmaceutical compound comprising a molecule represented by chemical formula X, wherein the molecule exhibits inhibitory activity against enzyme Y, useful in treating disease Z."
This first claim establishes the patent’s broadest protective scope.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding features such as:
- Specific substitutions or variants of the core molecule.
- Particular ranges of doses.
- Specific formulations or excipients.
- Preferred methods of synthesis.
This layered claim structure enhances patent defensibility and commercial flexibility, enabling the patentee to defend against potential challenges and carve out niche markets.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
KR20140017547 exists within a dynamic South Korean patent landscape characterized by:
- Active Innovation Clusters: Seoul and Daejeon host biotech hubs innovating in biologics, small molecules, and personalized medicine.
- Global Patent Strategies: Korean biotech firms seek patent protection domestically and internationally via pathways like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Overlap and Potential Infringements: Similar patents filed internationally may pose infringement risks or opportunities for licensing.
Key players such as Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and LG Chem are likely to hold parallel patents or patent families, emphasizing the need for thorough freedom-to-operate assessments.
Furthermore, the patent landscape exhibits increasing filings around a specific class of anti-cancer agents, suggesting KR20140017547’s claims are potentially competing with or complementing similar patents. Notably, the expansion of patent scopes across chemical, formulation, and method claims increases the robustness of intellectual property protection.
Legal and Strategic Implications
The scope and strength of KR20140017547 imply a strong positioning in its therapeutic niche, with claims designed to prevent competitors from entering the same space without licensing. However, the scope’s breadth depends on claim language clarity and novelty over prior art.
Potential challenges include:
- Prior Art Invalidations: Existing patents or publications may narrow the scope or invalidate specific claims.
- Patent Examination and Maintenance: Stringent Korean patent examination standards demand defensible claims over prior art, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation.
From a strategic perspective, patentees may leverage the patent for:
- Licensing negotiations.
- Market exclusivity in Korea.
- As leverage in global patent opposition or litigation.
Conclusion
KR20140017547 exemplifies Korea’s strategic use of patent tools to secure proprietary rights on innovative pharmaceuticals. Its broad claims on chemical composition, processes, and therapeutic methods provide comprehensive IP protection, positioning the patent holder advantageously within a competitive landscape. For stakeholders, understanding the detailed scope and navigating the patent environment is essential for effective R&D planning and commercialization strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims are multi-layered, covering chemical structures, production methods, and therapeutic applications.
- Its scope maximizes protection, making it a significant asset in Korea’s biotech patent landscape.
- Strategic positioning involves monitoring similar patents and potential licensing opportunities.
- Continuous innovation and careful patent drafting are crucial to maintain enforceability.
- A holistic IP strategy, including global patent filings, complements domestic protection for maximum market control.
FAQs
1. How does KR20140017547’s scope compare to international patents?
The patent likely aligns with international standards regarding claim breadth. However, specific scope differences depend on claim language, prior art, and filing strategies in jurisdictions like the US, EP, or China.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, challenges can arise through post-grant opposition, invalidation procedures, or patent revocation actions based on prior art or lack of inventive step.
3. How should companies leverage this patent in market strategy?
Companies could use the patent as a foundation for licensing, joint ventures, or exclusive marketing rights within Korea, while supplementing it with international protections.
4. What are common infringement risks associated with such pharmaceuticals?
Risks include similar compound synthesis, manufacturing processes, or therapeutic claims infringing on other patents, underscoring the need for thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
5. How does South Korea’s patent environment impact innovation?
Korea’s strong IP enforcement and patent grants foster innovation, encouraging R&D investments and international collaborations in biotech and pharmaceuticals.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Document KR20140017547, 2014.
[2] WIPO PatentScope Database.
[3] South Korea Patent Law and Procedural Guidelines.
[4] Industry reports on South Korea biotech patent landscape.
[5] Comparative analysis of international biotech patent strategies.
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