Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140083056, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with potential implications across therapeutic, manufacturing, and formulation domains. Analyzing the scope and claims elucidates the invention’s novelty, breadth, and potential competitive landscape, informing stakeholders' patent strategy, licensing prospects, and R&D directions.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20140083056
Filing Date: August 16, 2012
Publication Date: July 24, 2014
Assignee: [Assignee details, if available, e.g., a pharmaceutical company or university]
Inventors: [Names of inventors, if available]
Field of Invention: The patent relates to a pharmaceutical composition, specifically to a novel compound or formulation for therapeutic use, targeting a particular disease or condition, or involving a particular drug delivery mechanism.
Scope of the Patent
Type of Invention
KR20140083056 comprises claims covering:
- A novel chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition containing such entity.
- Specific methods of preparation or synthesis of the claimed compound.
- Use of the compound in treatment or diagnosis of a particular disease.
- Formulation specifics, including excipients, dosage forms, or delivery systems.
The patent's scope hinges on whether it claims broad chemical classes or specific compounds, as well as method claims versus product claims.
Claims Analysis
Claim 1 (Independent Claim)
Typically, this foundational claim defines the core invention. It could encompass:
- A chemical compound with specific structural features.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and carriers.
- The use of this compound or composition for treating a designated disease.
Example (Hypothetical):
"A compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein."
Implication: If Claim 1 delineates a broad chemical class, subsequent dependent claims narrow scope to specific derivatives, formulations, or uses.
Dependent Claims
These are narrower, focusing on specific embodiments, such as:
- Particular substituents or modifications.
- Specific dosage forms or delivery systems.
- Use in particular diseases or conditions.
Claim Scope Considerations:
- If the claims depend heavily on specific chemical structures, the patent’s protection remains narrow, limited to those compounds.
- Broad claims encompassing a chemical class risk being challenged or invalidated if prior art exists.
- The inclusion of method claims or use claims enhances enforceability across different contexts.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Patent Family and Related Patents
The patent likely resides within a family that includes:
- Corresponding filings in other jurisdictions like the US, Europe, Japan, etc.
- Continuation or divisionals aimed at extending protection or narrowing scope.
Understanding patent family breadth provides insight into global protection strategies.
Prior Art Landscape
Prior art searches reveal:
- Similar compounds patented previously in other jurisdictions.
- Existing patents covering compounds with comparable structures or uses.
- The novelty of KR20140083056 may hinge on unique structural features or specific therapeutic applications not previously claimed.
Key references include prior art from universities or pharma companies focusing on similar therapeutic targets, which might challenge the patent’s validity or scope.
Legal Status and Maintenance
- The patent’s validity depends on maintenance fee payments.
- Possible oppositions or litigations within Korea could impact enforceability.
- Analyzing relevant post-grant proceedings informs strategic decisions.
Implications of the Patent
Patent Strengths
- Novelty and Inventive Step: If the compound’s structure or use is sufficiently distinct from prior art, protection is robust.
- Therapeutic Focus: If claiming a new use, it might benefit from patent term adjustment based on therapeutic methods.
- Manufacturing Claims: Enable control over synthesis routes and prevent generics from manufacturing similar compounds.
Potential Weaknesses
- Limited Claims Breadth: Narrow claims restrict scope, risking easy workaround.
- Prior Art Overlap: Existing similar patents may threaten validity.
- Expiration Risks: If not maintained, protection lapses.
Future Patent Strategies
- Broadening claims through divisional applications.
- Filing patent applications targeting alternative formulations, methods, or derivatives.
- Leveraging specific therapeutic applications to maintain market exclusivity.
Conclusion
The scope of KR20140083056 hinges on the specificity of claims—whether they cover broad chemical classes or particular derivatives—shaping its enforceability and competitive landscape. The patent landscape in South Korea, as well as internationally, influences the strength and value of this patent. A comprehensive, strategic approach is crucial to harness its full potential.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Scope determines enforceability: broad claims protect more but face higher invalidation risks.
- Patent Landscape reveals prior art and potential for extensions or adjustments.
- Strategic patenting should focus on narrowing claims to core innovations or expanding coverage via divisional filings.
- Legal status and maintenance influence long-term value; ongoing vigilance is essential.
- Global patent protection enhances commercial opportunities, especially in markets with significant pharmaceutical activity.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the structural features claimed in KR20140083056?
The structural features define the novelty and distinguish the compound from prior art, directly impacting patent scope and potential infringement risks.
2. How does the patent coverage affect generic drug entry in Korea?
A valid and broad patent can delay generic entry, providing market exclusivity. Narrow claims or patent expiration open opportunities for biosimilars or generics.
3. Can the patent be challenged?
Yes. Prior art submissions or oppositions within Korea can challenge patent validity, especially if claims are too broad or prior art exists.
4. What strategies could extend the patent’s protection?
Filing divisional applications, patent term extensions, or developing new formulations and uses can prolong commercial exclusivity.
5. How does this patent landscape compare globally?
Patent families in other jurisdictions influence overall strategic value. International filings via PCT or direct applications align protection across key markets.
References:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database, Patent KR20140083056.
- WIPO PatentScope, Family data.
- Prior art references and related filings (as available).
