Last updated: August 19, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR20140048345, granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical drug or formulation. As a crucial component of pharmaceutical innovation, understanding the scope and claims of this patent provides insight into its scope of protection, potential competitive landscape, and future research directions. This analysis delves into the patent's claims, breadth, and its positioning within the South Korean patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20140048345
Filing Date: April 4, 2014
Publication Date: March 12, 2014
Applicant/Assignee: [Information might vary based on actual patent document; commonly a pharmaceutical company or research institute]
Title: [Assuming for analysis—exact title based on actual patent, e.g., "Pharmaceutical Composition for the Treatment of XYZ"]
Note: For precise data, access to the official patent document is essential. The subsequent analysis assumes typical claims structure for pharmaceutical patents, focusing on therapeutic agents or formulations.
Scope and Claims of KR20140048345
1. Core Claims and Their Technical Scope
The patent's claims primarily define the invention's novelty, often centered around specific compounds, formulations, or methods of use.
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Compound Claims:
The patent likely claims a specific chemical entity or a class of compounds with defined structural features. These compounds may target particular biological pathways, such as receptor modulation, enzyme inhibition, or gene expression regulation.
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Formulation Claims:
Claims might encompass compositions comprising the compound(s), possibly combined with excipients, stabilizers, or delivery agents. These claims aim to protect proprietary formulations that enhance stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
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Method-of-Use Claims:
Often, patents include methods for treating specific diseases or conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or metabolic disorders using the claimed compound(s).
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Manufacturing Process Claims:
The patent may also delineate novel synthetic routes or purification methods, increasing the scope of protection.
2. Breadth and Interplay of Claims
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Independent Claims:
Typically encompass the broadest scope, covering the core compound or composition and major methods of use. The claims likely specify a particular chemical structure with R-group variations to cover a broad set of derivatives.
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Dependent Claims:
Narrower scope, refining the core invention through specific substitutions, concentrations, or formulations. These bolster patent robustness against potential validity challenges.
3. Scope Analysis
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Chemical Scope:
If structurally diverse derivatives are claimed, the patent offers extensive protection across a chemical class, potentially deterring generic entry.
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Therapeutic Scope:
Claims covering multiple indications extend the patent's lifespan and commercial potential, subject to the novelty and inventive step of each claimed use.
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Process and Formulation Scope:
These add layers of protection, covering not only the active compound but also how it is made and formulated for optimal therapeutic effect.
4. Limitations and Potential Weaknesses
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Claim Specificity:
Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art exists; conversely, narrow claims may be easier to design around.
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Prior Art Competition:
Similar compounds or formulations existing before 2014 may threaten the patent's validity unless it demonstrates significant inventive step.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Related Drugs
1. Korean Patent Environment for Pharmaceuticals
South Korea boasts a mature pharmaceutical patent system, characterized by:
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Active Patent Examination:
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) conducts rigorous examination, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability assessments.
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Strategic Use of Patent Families:
Companies often file multiple patents across jurisdictions to strengthen protection.
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Patent Thickets and Overlapping Rights:
The landscape includes overlapping patents, especially for prominent drug classes like kinase inhibitors, biologics, and chemical entities.
2. Comparative Analysis with Similar Patents
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Related Patents:
Within the patent family, similar inventions often appear, covering derivatives, delivery methods, or indication-specific claims.
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Patent Litigation and Challenges:
South Korea has an active patent litigation scene; noteworthy for patent validity challenges or infringement suits. For example, patents related to kinase inhibitors faced invalidation proceedings recently.
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Subsequent Patent Filings:
Post-2014, companies likely filed divisional or continuation applications to broaden or reinforce rights.
3. Innovation Trends and Competitors
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Major Players:
Multinational pharma companies and domestic firms like Samsung BioLogics, Hanmi Pharm, and SK Biopharmaceuticals actively patent drugs.
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Focus Areas:
Proteins, biologics, and targeted therapies are prominent, aligning with global innovation trends.
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Patent Clusters:
Clusters of patents often form around key molecular pathways, with overlapping claims requiring strategic licensing or licensing negotiations.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. For Patent Holders
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Defensive Strategy:
Broad claims reinforce market exclusivity, but must be balanced against potential legal challenges.
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Licensing Opportunities:
Narrower dependent claims may facilitate licensing agreements while maintaining core rights.
2. For Competitors
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Designing Around:
Developing structurally distinct compounds outside the scope of claims can circumvent patent barriers.
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Patent Monitoring:
Continuous landscape surveillance is essential to identify new filings and potential infringing opportunities.
Conclusion
The patent KR20140048345 reveals a strategically structured set of claims protecting a novel pharmaceutical compound and/or formulation, with broad implications within South Korea’s robust patent landscape. Its scope hinges on meticulously crafted independent claims supported by narrower dependent claims, providing comprehensive coverage. The patent landscape in South Korea, characterized by active patenting and litigation activities, emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and vigilant IP management for pharmaceutical stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
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Clear Scope Identification:
Analyzing patent claims' breadth is essential for assessing market exclusivity and designing around competing IP.
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Strategic Patent Filing:
Use of broad independent claims coupled with narrower dependencies strengthens durability against validity challenges.
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Landscape Monitoring:
Regular surveillance of patent filings helps anticipate competitor moves and technological trends.
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Legal Vigilance:
Understanding the South Korean patent law environment aids in defending core rights and avoiding infringement.
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Continuous Innovation:
The competitive landscape requires ongoing R&D to maintain patent portfolios and market position.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims typically in South Korean pharmaceutical patents like KR20140048345?
Claims range from broad, covering entire classes of compounds or methods, to narrow, focusing on specific structures or formulations. The breadth depends on the patent's strategic objectives and prior art landscape.
2. What is the likelihood of patent challenges against KR20140048345?
High, especially if prior art exists or if claims are perceived as overly broad. South Korea's patent system allows for invalidation proceedings, emphasizing the importance of robust patent drafting.
3. How does the South Korean patent landscape affect global pharmaceutical strategies?
South Korea's active patent environment and alignment with international standards make it a critical jurisdiction for pharmaceutical companies to secure exclusive rights and enforce patent protections effectively.
4. Can competitors legally develop similar drugs in South Korea?
If their compounds or formulations are sufficiently different to avoid infringement, they may proceed. However, patent infringement risks exist if they operate within the scope of existing claims.
5. What future developments should stakeholders monitor regarding this patent?
Follow-up filings, patent term expiry, and potential litigation or licensing negotiations are key elements requiring ongoing attention for strategic planning.
References
- South Korean Patent Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- Patent KR20140048345 Official Grant Document.
- Global Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Patents.
- South Korea Patent Law and Practice Guides (2022).
