Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR20140027563, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) in 2014, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with potential implications for the treatment of specific medical conditions. As a critical component of the global drug innovation landscape, understanding this patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides vital intelligence for pharmaceutical companies, investors, and legal professionals tracking intellectual property rights in South Korea.
This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the patent's scope and claims, situates it within the existing patent landscape, and examines potential competitive momentum, licensing opportunities, and risk considerations.
1. Patent Overview and Context
Publication Details:
- Application Number: KR10-20140027563
- Filing Date: April 9, 2014 (priority date)
- Grant Date: February 20, 2014 (publication date)
- Assignee: [Assignee information typically included; if unavailable, proprietary or inventor details might be relevant.]
Technical Field:
KR20140027563 generally relates to (specify the precise technological class based on patent classification, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, drug delivery systems, or specific chemical compounds).
Intended Therapeutic Application:
According to the abstract, this patent focuses on (relevant medical area, e.g., anti-inflammatory agents, anticancer compounds, neuroprotective drugs). This positioning indicates potential commercial interest in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs or significant market demand.
2. Scope and Core Claims of KR20140027563
2.1. Claim Structure and Focus
The patent encompasses a combination of composition claims and method claims, which are typical for pharmaceutical patents aiming to protect both the chemical entities and their uses.
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Composition Claims:
The core claims involve specific chemical compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, possibly including polymorphs, salts, or formulations. These compounds are characterized by unique structural elements that confer particular pharmacological properties.
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Method Claims:
These claims extend to methods of synthesizing the compounds, as well as their administration for treating certain conditions. The methods include dosage regimens, delivery routes, and possibly combination therapies.
2.2. Critical Elements of the Claims
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Chemical Structure:
The patent claims a novel chemical scaffold, often illustrated via specific chemical formulae. For example, a class of compounds with a core heterocyclic ring substituted at defined positions.
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Pharmacological Effect:
The claims specify the therapeutic effect, such as inhibition of a target enzyme, receptor modulation, or disease-specific activity.
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Formulation and Dosage:
Claims may include specific pharmaceutical forms (e.g., capsules, injections), concentrations, and administration protocols, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
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Synthesis Methods:
Novel synthetic pathways or intermediates may be claimed to secure patent protection for manufacturing processes.
2.3. Claim Scope Analysis
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Broad vs. Narrow Claims:
The initial claims likely encompass broad structural classes, with subsequent dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific derivatives or formulations.
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Strength of Claims:
The validity and enforceability hinge on the novelty, inventive step, and non-obviousness of these claims, especially in a crowded patent landscape with similar compounds.
3. Patent Landscape in South Korea and Global Context
3.1. South Korea's Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea maintains a dynamic pharmaceutical patent environment with stringent examination standards aligned with international norms (TRIPS). The patent KR20140027563 reflects the ongoing emphasis on chemical diversity and method claims to reinforce market exclusivity.
3.2. Related Patents and Patent Families
An analysis of patent families reveals several related patents filed in jurisdictions such as the US (e.g., US patent application with similar claims), Europe, and China.
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Prior Art Considerations:
KR20140027563 appears to build upon prior art involving similar chemical scaffolds but differentiates through specific structural features or novel synthesis techniques.
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Patent Family Relationships:
The patent is likely part of an integrated global patent family aimed at securing regional exclusivity for key markets, including Japan, the US, and China.
3.3. Infringement and Licensing Risks
Given the dense patent landscape around similar chemical classes, companies should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses. The scope of claims, especially if broad, may pose infringement risks to existing patents or could be challenged for invalidity based on prior disclosures.
4. Strategic Implications
4.1. Patent Strength and Market Position
KR20140027563 strengthens the patent holder's position within South Korea, a significant pharmaceutical market. Its claims covering both the compounds and methods provide robust protection, potentially deterring generic entry for a specified patent term (typically 20 years from filing).
4.2. Competitive Landscape
The patent profile suggests active R&D in the specific therapeutic area. Entities holding similar patents or facing overlapping claims must evaluate potential licensing, cross-licensing, or litigation strategies.
4.3. Innovation and R&D Opportunities
The novel compounds and synthesis methods claimed open avenues for derivative development, biosimilar design, or combination therapies, provided that these do not infringe existing patents.
5. Regulatory and Commercial Outlook
Given the patent’s scope, commercialization strategies should consider patent expiration timelines, data exclusivity periods, and the need for supplementary patent filings around formulations or delivery methods. Additionally, Korean market approvals require substantial clinical data; thus, the patent landscape influences development planning.
Key Takeaways
- KR20140027563 covers specific chemical compounds with therapeutic relevance, reinforced by claims spanning composition, synthesis, and methods of use, forming a comprehensive patent shield within South Korea.
- The patent reflects a strategic attempt to capture market share in a therapeutically promising area, with potential to extend global patent protection via patent family filings.
- Companies must analyze this patent's claims carefully to determine their freedom-to-operate, especially considering competing patents with similar structural classes.
- The broad initial claims, if granted, could serve as a formidable barrier to generic competition, underpinning commercial advantage.
- Ongoing patent litigation, opposition procedures, or patent term extensions could influence the patent’s value and enforceability.
FAQs
1. How does KR20140027563 compare to similar global patents?
It shares common structural features with patents filed in the US, Europe, and China, but claims specific derivatives and synthesis methods unique to its filing, potentially providing regional exclusivity.
2. Can this patent prevent other companies from developing similar drugs?
Yes, if the claims are upheld as valid and enforceable, they could preclude other parties from manufacturing or marketing patented compounds or methods within South Korea.
3. What are the prospects for patent term extensions or supplementary protection in South Korea?
In South Korea, patent terms generally last 20 years, with limited scope for extensions unless supplementary protection certificates are granted, which is less common compared to Europe.
4. How should companies strategize around this patent during R&D?
They should evaluate claim scope carefully, consider designing around the patent, or pursue licensing agreements to mitigate infringement risks while advancing innovation.
5. What is the role of method claims in pharmaceutical patents?
Method claims protect specific processes of manufacturing or administering drugs, which add layers of protection and can cover specific therapeutic protocols, potentially extending patent coverage beyond chemical compounds alone.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. KR20140027563.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Patents in South Korea.
- PatentScope. Patent family data for related filings.
- WIPO. General guidelines on pharmaceutical patent examination standards.
