Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140048349, filed in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation that potentially addresses therapeutic needs within a specific medical domain. As with any patent, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is critical for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and legal entities aiming to navigate intellectual property rights or develop similar or complementary products.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the patent's scope and claims, evaluates the landscape within South Korea, and considers relevant global parallels to inform business strategy and R&D direction.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
Patent KR20140048349 likely covers a novel chemical compound, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a method of treatment, aligned with the typical scope of med-chem patents filed in South Korea. Its technical field broadly intersects with pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and therapeutic method patents, although the precise scope hinges critically on the claims.
While the full description (specification) elaborates the inventive concept, the core patent claims delineate the legal scope. The patent's priority date and filing history influence the breadth and territorial relevance of its claims.
Claims Analysis
Claims define the legal bounds of patent protection. They are categorized as independent or dependent claims.
- Independent claims establish the broadest scope, often encompassing the compound or method by itself.
- Dependent claims refine or add specifics, such as particular chemical substitutions, methods of use, or formulations.
Scope of the Claims
Based on typical formulations, assessments, and available patent family information, KR20140048349 appears to encompass:
- Pharmaceutical compounds with specific chemical structures or subclasses, perhaps including novel heterocyclic structures, analogs, or derivatives.
- Methods of treatment targeting specific diseases, which could involve administering the compound in a particular dosage form or regime.
- Formulations designed to enhance stability, bioavailability, or reduce side effects.
- Targets could include enzymes, receptors, or genetic markers relevant to diseases such as oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases, consistent with Korean patent trends and scientific focus areas.
Key aspects of the claims include:
- The chemical structure defining the scope, including substitutions, stereochemistry, or linker groups.
- Variations that cover broader classes of analogs.
- Specific uses, such as treatment regimes for particular indications.
- Composition claims that combine the compound with carriers or adjuvants.
Legal scope considerations:
Given the typical strategic scope in Korean pharmaceuticals, the claims likely balance broad coverage — preventing competitors from making minor modifications — with sufficient specificity to withstand validity challenges.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
National Patent Filing Trends
South Korea's patent system actively encourages pharmaceutical filings, with the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) processing numerous patents annually. The pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by:
- High-volume filings related to anticancer, antiviral, and neurology treatments.
- Strategic claims involving both compounds and methods.
- Continuously evolving patent family strategies to extend protection, with multiple filings in key jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China.
Competitive Patent Environment
In the same therapeutic area as KR20140048349, several patents are typically filed by both domestic entities (e.g., SK Bioscience, Hanmi Pharm) and international pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Novartis, Roche). Patent overlapping and potential patent thickets complicate freedom-to-operate analyses, emphasizing thorough freedom-to-practice reviews for new entrants.
Legal Status and Recent Patents
Most patents from 2014 onward in South Korea tend to have a lifespan of 20 years, with adjustments for patent term extensions in some cases. The status of KR20140048349 through its prosecution process—whether granted, opposed, or challenged—is a significant factor.
Recent similar patents demonstrate a trend towards broad claims on novel chemical entities combined with method claims for specific diseases. This consolidates the patent landscape as both competitive and innovative.
Global Patent Context and Influences
KR20140048349's scope may intersect with global patent families covering similar compounds or therapies. International Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings often precede or parallel national filings, providing insight into its novelty and inventive step.
Notably, patents in the US (e.g., issued or pending applications), Europe (EPO), and China often mirror South Korea's claims, especially when compounds possess significant commercial value. The landscape encompasses:
- Novelty: The compound must not have been disclosed before the filing date.
- Inventive step: The compound or method must involve an inventive advance over existing art.
- Industrial applicability: Must be capable of practical application.
Licensed patents or prior art references from existing databases offer insight into potential overlaps or limitations.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For patentees: Maintaining broad, defensible claims is vital; preparing for opposition or invalidation proceedings is common.
- For competitors: Thorough mapping of the patent landscape helps avoid infringement and identify gaps for innovation.
- For investors and R&D strategists: Timing of patent grants and extensions influences product pipeline planning and market exclusivity.
Conclusion
Patent KR20140048349 appears to encompass a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method with strategic claims designed to secure a strong position within South Korea’s pharmaceutical market. Its scope likely covers specific chemical structures and their medical applications, reinforced by formulation claims.
The patent landscape in South Korea is robust, with active filings in related therapeutic areas. The global patent environment further influences claim scope and potential prior art considerations.
Effective navigation requires ongoing monitoring of patent statuses, competitor filings, and potential challenges, especially given the competitive and innovation-driven nature of the Korean pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Precision: KR20140048349's scope hinges on detailed chemical and method claims; clear delineation of these claims is crucial for defending or challenging the patent.
- Strategic Positioning: Broad claims protect against minor modifications by competitors but must withstand validity scrutinies.
- Landscape Awareness: Korea's patent environment features dense filings, particularly in oncology, neurology, and infectious diseases.
- Global Context: Parallel applications abroad may impact patent enforceability or licensing strategies.
- Legal Vigilance: Maintaining patent strength necessitates constant monitoring of examiner actions, oppositions, and potential prior art.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of patent KR20140048349?
It primarily relates to a novel pharmaceutical compound and/or its method of use, aimed at treating specific medical conditions, with claims covering chemical structures, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
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How broad are the claims in KR20140048349?
The independent claims are likely broad, encompassing key chemical entities and perhaps methods of treatment, with dependent claims adding specificity regarding structural variations, dosage, and formulations.
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What is the significance of the patent landscape in South Korea for this patent?
The dense patent landscape around similar therapeutic classes indicates fierce competition. Understanding existing patents helps delineate freedom-to-operate and identify opportunities for innovation or licensing.
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How does KR20140048349 compare with international patent filings?
It probably has corresponding international applications (e.g., PCT filings), which extend protection globally. Similar patents in the US, Europe, and China influence its validity and enforcement in those jurisdictions.
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What should a company consider before developing a product in this space?
Conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses considering KR20140048349, monitor ongoing patent proceedings, and evaluate potential infringement risks, coupled with strategic patent filing to secure protection.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Office Public Database. Patent KR20140048349.
[2] WIPO PatentScope Database. International applications related to pharmaceutical compounds.
[3] Korean Intellectual Property Strategy Agency Reports. Trends in pharmaceutical patent filings.
[4] Patent Law of South Korea and typical claim strategies.
[5] Comparative patent analysis reports on pharmaceutical compounds.
