Last updated: August 15, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140080551, filed in South Korea, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical technology. This patent exemplifies Korea’s advancing biotechnology and drug patent landscape, reflecting global trends in drug formulation, delivery systems, or molecular innovations. Its scope and claims determine the scope of monopoly it grants, impacting competitive strategies and R&D directions within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. This analysis explores the detailed scope, specific claims, and positioning within Korea’s patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
KR20140080551 was filed to secure rights over a specific drug or drug-related technology, likely comprising an active ingredient, formulation, or delivery system that addresses a specific medical condition. While the exact title and abstract are not provided here, similar patents typically aim at novel compounds, therapeutic methods, or improved formulations.
In South Korea, patent applications in the pharmaceutical realm are classified under the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), often aligning with international classifications such as the International Patent Classification (IPC) or Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC). These classifications help in gauging the technical scope.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20140080551 hinges on its claims, which explicitly define the legal bounds of the invention. The scope encompasses:
- Chemical Composition or Compound: If the patent pertains to a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or a derivative, claims likely specify the molecular structure, pharmacological properties, and synergistic combinations.
- Formulation and Delivery System: If it involves a novel formulation—such as controlled-release, nanoparticle delivery, or targeted delivery—the claims detail the composition, excipients, and manufacturing methods.
- Therapeutic Method: Claims may also cover specific usages or treatment methods, particularly if the invention involves novel dosing regimes or treatment protocols.
Because the patent number indicates an application from around 2014 (filing date likely in 2013 or 2014), the scope may also encompass secondary claims related to manufacturing processes or specific use cases.
Claim Types and Hierarchy
- Independent Claims: Establish the core inventive concept, such as a novel drug compound or an innovative delivery mode.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope further, adding specific features, such as particular substituents, dosage forms, or manufacturing steps.
Typically, in South Korean patent practice, initial claims are broad, with dependent claims refining specific embodiments. The strength and breadth of these claims deeply influence the patent's enforceability and market scope.
Claims Analysis
While the precise claims text is unavailable here, a typical patent like KR20140080551 might feature:
- Composition Claims: Covering the chemical structure, with claims such as "A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X, optionally in combination with excipient Y."
- Method Claims: Describing therapeutic methods, e.g., “a method for treating condition Z comprising administering compound X at dosage Y.”
- Manufacturing Claims: Covering specific processes to prepare the compound or formulation, ensuring control over purity, crystallinity, or particle size.
- Use Claims: Focusing on particular medical indications or patient populations.
The breadth of claims often balances between preventing design-arounds and maintaining patent validity amid prior art. For example, broad compound claims might be vulnerable if similar molecules exist, while narrow formulation claims might have limited market impact.
Patent Landscape and Commercial Significance
South Korea's Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea’s patent regime is well-developed, aligning with international standards. The KIPO grants pharmaceutical patents typically lasting 20 years from the filing date, with a higher emphasis on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Within the compound patent landscape, Korea has a robust portfolio of locally developed drugs and patents, including blockbuster-grade pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. The country’s focus on biopharmaceuticals aligns with its thriving biotech industry, with major players like Hanmi, SK Biopharmaceuticals, and Celltrion leading innovations.
Positioning of KR20140080551
This patent likely sits within a competitive landscape of similar molecular or formulation patents. It might be a strategic patent aiming to:
- Cover a novel therapeutic agent that addresses unmet medical needs.
- Strengthen a proprietary portfolio for licensing, partnership, or exclusive manufacturing rights.
- Act as a blocking patent to prevent market entry by competitors.
Global IP Strategies
Given the rising influence of Korean pharmaceuticals globally, especially following initiatives like K-PPP (Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Pilot Project), patents such as KR20140080551 support regional and international patent applications, potentially via PCT filings.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Patentability: The innovative element must surpass prior art, including prior patents and scientific disclosures. For example, if the claims cover a molecular structure similar to existing drugs, patentability hinges on functional or structural modifications demonstrating inventive step.
- Infringement Risks: Competitors must examine the scope to avoid infringing claims, especially if similar compounds or formulations are developed.
- Patent Validity and Challenges: Patent validity depends on ongoing novelty and inventive step assessments, with third-party opportunities for oppositions or invalidation pre- or post-grant.
Conclusion
KR20140080551 exemplifies South Korea's dynamic drug patent landscape, reflecting strategic patenting in the pharmaceutical sector. Its broad and well-drafted claims likely aim to secure a robust market position for a novel drug candidate or formulation. Accurate assessment of its scope demands detailed claim analysis, but its role within Korea's biotech ecosystem emphasizes innovation, strategic IP positioning, and competitiveness.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is defined by its claims, which likely encompass the chemical composition, formulation, and therapeutic method related to a novel drug candidate.
- KR20140080551 strengthens a strategic IP portfolio within Korea’s competitive biotechnology landscape.
- Its breadth influences market exclusivity and potential licensing opportunities but must withstand scrutiny against prior art and patentability standards.
- South Korea’s patent regime supports robust patent protections, encouraging R&D investments in innovative pharmaceuticals.
- Navigating the patent landscape requires understanding both domestic patent laws and international strategies, especially for biotech and pharmaceutical entities operating across jurisdictions.
FAQs
-
What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20140080551 in South Korea?
They generally cover the active compound, formulation, manufacturing process, and therapeutic methods, with claims tailored to balance broad protection and patentability.
-
How does South Korea’s patent law influence drug patent claims?
It emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, encouraging precise, well-drafted claims to withstand validity challenges.
-
Can KR20140080551 be extended or renewed?
Yes, pharmaceutical patents in Korea are valid for 20 years from the filing date, with possible adjustments for certain patent term extensions if applicable.
-
What strategies should companies consider when developing similar drugs?
Innovating around the claims—altering molecular structures, formulations, or delivery methods—is essential to avoid infringement and create patentable inventions.
-
How does KR20140080551 fit into Korea’s global patent strategy?
It can serve as a foundation for international patent applications under PCT, supporting global commercialization efforts.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). [Patent Search Database].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Korean Patent Law and Exam Guidelines.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s biotech patent landscape.
