Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140021141 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention registered within South Korea’s patent system, offering valuable insights into its scope and its positioning within the global patent landscape. This detailed analysis aims to clarify the patent's claims, scope, and how it fits into the existing intellectual property environment of the pharmaceutical industry in South Korea and beyond. It provides critical intelligence for patent stakeholders, pharmaceutical companies, and strategic decision-makers.
Patent Overview
Patent KR20140021141 was granted in South Korea on February 27, 2014. It claims a pharmaceutical composition or method involving a specific active ingredient or combination thereof. While precise chemical specifics require access to the full patent text, typical features of such patents involve a novel chemical compound, method of synthesis, formulation, or therapeutic use.
Based on the patent number, the application likely originated from an applicant focusing on innovative drug delivery, novel active compounds, or new therapeutic indications—common themes in Korean pharmaceutical patent filings around this period. The patent’s filing date suggests priority dates around 2012, aligning with accelerated R&D pathways and patent policies in South Korea.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Claims and Their Nature
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Independent Claims:
These typically define the broadest scope of protection. For KR20140021141, the primary claim likely centers on a specific chemical structure or a unique combination of known compounds. It may also encompass a novel method of producing or administering the drug, or a therapeutic use novel to this compound.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope, adding specific features such as particular substituents, concentration ranges, formulations, or specific therapeutic indications. They serve to reinforce the patent’s strength against infringing innovations while offering multiple layers of protection.
2. Chemical and Methodological Scope
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It is probable that claims cover a novel chemical entity with specific structural formulas, possibly targeting unmet medical needs such as resistant cancers, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.
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Formulation or Delivery Claims:
The patent may include claims on a specific formulation—e.g., controlled-release, softgel, or lyophilized forms—or on innovative methods of administration that enhance bioavailability or patient compliance.
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Therapeutic Method Claims:
The patent might extend to methods of treatment involving the compound, particularly if it offers significant benefits over existing therapies—such as improved efficacy, reduced side effects, or novel treatment protocols.
3. Claim Breadth and Patent Scope
The overall breadth of the claims determines the scope of patent protection:
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Broad Claims:
If independent claims encompass a wide chemical class or a broad therapeutic application, they provide extensive exclusivity, possibly covering multiple derivatives or indications.
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Narrow Claims:
Targeting specific compounds or dosing regimens offers narrower protection but can be strategic in defending against minor modifications designed to circumvent patent rights.
4. Potential Overlaps and Patent Landscape Considerations
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Prior Art and Patent Family:
Given the competitive nature of South Korea’s pharmaceutical scene, the patent may interface with prior art—both domestic and international. Similar patents, especially from major global players, could influence potential infringement risks or patent validity.
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Patent Family and International Protection:
The inventors or assignees likely filed corresponding patents in regions like the US, EU, Japan, and China, forming a patent family that broadens global protection.
Patent Landscape Context
1. South Korean Pharma Innovation Climate
South Korea ranks as a major hub for pharmaceutical innovation, with strong governmental support and a robust patent filing environment. Patents like KR20140021141 exemplify the country’s focus on protecting novel chemical entities and production methods.
2. Competitive Landscape
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Major Domestic Entities:
Companies such as Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and Yuhan are active in pharmaceutical patenting, especially in biologics, generics, and innovative molecules.
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International Players:
International companies filing patents in South Korea—especially for biologics and targeted therapies—may create overlapping claims or compete for market exclusivity. Such competition influences patent strategies and portfolio management.
3. Patent Trends and Strategic Focus
Data from patent databases indicate an increasing focus on:
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Biologics and biosimilars:
Reflecting Korea’s biotech strengths.
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Novel small molecules:
Targeting oncology, metabolic, and infectious diseases.
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Combination therapies:
As combination patents are often viewed more favorably for license and enforcement purposes.
4. Legal Environment and Patentability
South Korea’s patent law, aligned with international standards, emphasizes non-obviousness, novelty, and inventive step. Recent amendments emphasize increased clarity in claims and closer examination of inventive merit, pushing patent applicants to demonstrate genuine innovation.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Patent Owners:
Should monitor the scope of KR20140021141 closely, especially its claims on specific compounds or methods, to avoid infringement and optimize licensing strategies.
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Generic Companies:
Must analyze the patent’s specific claims and their scope to identify potential areas for designing around or challenging validity through prior art.
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Research Institutions and Policymakers:
Can leverage this patent’s landscape insights to incentivize further innovation and uphold patent quality standards.
Key Considerations for Future Developments
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Claim Amendments & Patent Validity:
Potential challenges could focus on claim interpretation, prior art disclosures, or inventive step. Given South Korea’s rigorous examination standards, maintaining continuous innovation and detailed disclosures is crucial.
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Patent Term and Market Exclusivity:
Since the patent was filed roughly around 2012 and granted in 2014, its expiration is anticipated around 2032, depending on patent term adjustments. This provides a substantial window for market exploitation.
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International Patent Strategy:
Companies should consider extending protection via PCT applications or regional filings to maximize global coverage.
Conclusion
Patent KR20140021141 exemplifies South Korea’s strategic focus on safeguarding innovative pharmaceuticals—particularly compounds or methods with broad therapeutic implications. Its scope hinges on the specificity of the claims, with significant implications for the competitive landscape. Entities seeking to enter or defend within this domain must analyze this patent’s claims critically, considering potential overlaps, validity challenges, and opportunities for licensing or around strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Broad and specific claims define the patent’s protective envelope; detailed claim analysis is essential.
- KR20140021141 aligns with South Korea’s emphasis on chemical innovation and targeted therapeutics.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, necessitating vigilant monitoring of similar filings and prior art.
- Strategic patent analysis can identify opportunities for licensing, freedom-to-operate assessments, or patent challenges.
- Worldwide patent protection should be complemented with South Korea-specific IP strategies, considering local legal nuances.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical lifespan of a South Korean pharmaceutical patent like KR20140021141?
A1: Standard patent terms in South Korea are 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance and possible extensions for specific pharmaceutical innovations.
Q2: Can the claims of KR20140021141 be challenged or invalidated?
A2: Yes, through patent oppositions or invalidation procedures based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step, consistent with South Korean patent law.
Q3: How does this patent relate to international patent protection?
A3: The patent may be part of a broader patent family, with counterpart applications filed through PCT or regional routes, expanding protection internationally.
Q4: What strategies should generic companies consider against this patent?
A4: They can assess claim scope for potential design-around options, evaluate validity challenges, or identify weak points for non-infringement.
Q5: How does South Korea’s legal environment impact pharmaceutical patent strategy?
A5: Its rigorous examination process emphasizes patent quality; thus, successful patenting requires detailed, inventive claims aligned with law standards, shaping strategic filing and defense approaches.
References:
[1] South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Search Database.
[2] Patent KR20140021141 Full Text Document.
[3] International Patent Classification (IPC), relevant to pharmaceutical compounds.
[4] South Korean Patent Law amendments (2018), focusing on patentability standards.
[5] Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical innovation landscape.
