Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the Scope and Content of Patent KR20140075638?
Patent KR20140075638 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition or method involving a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or combination. The patent was filed in South Korea on May 30, 2014, and published on July 25, 2014. Its primary focus is on novel formulations or therapeutic uses, potentially involving modifications to improve bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery.
The patent document describes:
- An API compound or a combination with a specific structural feature.
- A formulation method aimed at enhancing pharmacokinetics.
- Potential uses in the treatment of particular conditions, such as metabolic disorders or cancers.
- Inclusion of auxiliary excipients or delivery mechanisms that improve drug performance.
The patent claims broadly cover:
- The API or combination of compounds with certain chemical characteristics.
- The process for preparing the composition.
- The application of the composition in specific therapeutic indications.
Exact compound identities and claims details require review of the patent's claims set, which defines the legal scope.
How Are the Claims Structured?
The claims in KR20140075638 are divided into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
They likely establish the core invention, such as:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified compound or compound combination.
- A process for preparing the composition, involving specific steps.
- Uses of the composition in treating particular diseases.
The independent claims explicitly define the chemical structure or composition ratios and their application.
Dependent Claims
They specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific excipients.
- Dosage forms.
- Use in particular patient populations.
- Methods of administration.
This layered approach stretches the scope from broad to specific, providing a range of protection.
Patent Landscape: Key Players, Similar Patents, and Filing Trends
Major Patent Holders
- Applicant: Often linked to South Korean pharmaceutical companies or research institutions.
- Competitors: International pharmaceutical firms with patents in similar classes, such as Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Samsung Bioepis, or global players like Novartis and Sanofi.
Similar Patents and Overlapping Claims
The patent landscape includes:
- Similar composition patents targeting the same therapeutic class.
- Process patents related to formulation improvements.
- Use patents targeting disease-specific applications.
These patents form a web around the core technology, affecting freedom to operate and licensing potential.
Filing Trends and Patentability Landscape
Since the patent was filed in 2014:
- South Korea has seen an increase in filings for formulations involving biologics and small molecules.
- The patent family likely includes international filings via PCT or direct applications in other jurisdictions.
- Late-stage patent applications (post-2014) focus on combination therapies or delivery innovations.
Competitors may have filed prior art or forthcoming patents to carve out their IP rights, affecting the scope of KR20140075638.
Patent Expiry and Challenges
- Enforcing rights depends on examination outcomes, prior art defenses, and potential patent oppositions.
- Patent term expires 20 years from the filing date, meaning protection might expire around 2034 unless extensions or supplementary protection certificates apply.
Limitations and Risks
- Broad claims could face challenges based on prior art.
- Narrow claims restrict the scope but improve defensibility.
- Potential for inventorship or novelty disputes exists given similar existing patents.
Key Insights for Stakeholders
- The patent’s scope appears centered on specific formulations or uses, providing a competitive window but with potential overlap.
- Filing date positions the patent as a mid-term market entry point, with protection viable until the late 2030s.
- The landscape's saturated nature necessitates a detailed freedom-to-operate analysis, considering patents from global competitors.
Key Takeaways
- KR20140075638 defines a pharmaceutical composition or method primarily focused on specified APIs and uses.
- The claims are layered from broad chemical compositions to specific formulations and applications.
- The patent landscape includes both domestic and international filings, with potential overlaps in therapeutic class and formulation innovations.
- Patent expiry is set for 2034, with ongoing patent filings likely maintaining regional or method-based protections.
- Competitive landscape demands detailed patent clearance searches to assess freedom to operate.
FAQs
1. Does KR20140075638 cover biologic drugs?
No, the patent appears to focus on small molecule compositions or formulations, not biologics.
2. Can this patent be licensed to other firms?
Yes, subject to patent owner interest and licensing negotiations.
3. How does this patent impact generic drug entry?
It could delay generic entry if the claims are broad and unchallenged.
4. Are there known litigations related to this patent?
No public records suggest litigation as of now.
5. Can the claims be challenged for validity?
Yes, through invalidation procedures based on prior art or obviousness arguments.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2014). Patent KR20140075638.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). South Korea patent statistics.
- PatentScope. (2022). Patent families related to KR20140075638.