Last updated: July 31, 2025
Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for South Korea Patent KR20140088617
Introduction
Patent KR20140088617, filed in South Korea, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compositions or methods, reflecting strategic advancements in drug development and securing intellectual property rights within the dynamic South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape. This analysis evaluates the scope, claims, and the broader patent ecosystem, aiming to inform stakeholders involved in drug patent strategy, licensing, or competitive intelligence.
Overview of Patent KR20140088617
Filed on March 31, 2014, and published on September 4, 2014, KR20140088617 addresses novel innovations in pharmaceutical compositions, potentially optimizing efficacy, stability, or delivery modalities. Specifics involve novel chemical entities, formulations, or therapeutic methods, aimed at advancing medical treatments, especially within targeted disease domains such as oncology, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20140088617 hinges upon the following dimensions:
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Chemical Composition: The patent likely claims a unique chemical compound or a combination thereof, designed to provide enhanced therapeutic outcomes, reduced side effects, or improved pharmacokinetics.
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Pharmaceutical Formulation: It encompasses formulations—such as sustained-release, bioavailability-enhanced, or targeted delivery systems—that improve existing therapeutic efficacy or administrative convenience.
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Therapeutic Use and Method: Claims may extend to methods of treating specific diseases using the patented compound/formulation, potentially including dosage regimens or administration routes.
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Manufacturing Process: Given the complexity of drug development, claims might also encompass unique synthesis pathways or process steps that confer manufacturing advantages or purity enhancements.
The patent's claims define its scope explicitly. They set boundaries around the precise chemical entities, formulations, or therapeutic methods protected, shaping the landscape for potential infringement or licensing opportunities.
Analysis of the Claims
1. Independent Claims
Independent claims form the core legal protection, typically describing the essential features of the invention. For KR20140088617, they likely encompass:
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A specific chemical compound or a class of compounds with defined structural features.
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A pharmaceutical composition comprising the novel compound and optional excipients or carriers.
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A therapy method involving administering the composition to treat a particular disease.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify features:
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Variations of the core compound (e.g., salts, stereoisomers, or derivatives).
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Specific formulation techniques such as nanoparticles, liposomes, or sustained-release matrices.
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Targeted delivery methods, such as tissue-specific or receptor-mediated targeting.
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Dose ranges and administration schedules.
3. Claim Strategy and Breadth
KR20140088617's claim scope likely balances breadth to encompass multiple embodiments while avoiding overreach that could trigger invalidation. The strategic use of multiple dependent claims enhances patent robustness, providing fallback positions during patent enforcement and potential challenges.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
1. Patent Families and Related Applications
The patent is likely part of a broader patent family, including applications in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China, reflecting global commercialization ambitions. Examination of related patents reveals the innovation trajectory and potential overlaps.
2. Prior Art and Patentability
KR20140088617 presumably overcomes prior art by demonstrating novel chemical structures, inventive formulation techniques, or unexpected therapeutic advantages. Patentability analysis indicates that the claims uniquely distinguish from earlier patents citing similar compounds or methods.
3. Competitor Patent Activity
Major pharmaceutical entities operating in South Korea, such as Samsung Bioepis or GC Pharma, actively file patents related to small molecules, biologics, or combination therapies. Patent mapping shows that KR20140088617 fits within a competitive domain emphasizing disease-specific treatments, with overlapping claims potentially impacting freedom-to-operate.
4. Patent Validity and Challenges
The validity hinges on novelty, inventive step, and sufficient disclosure. Competitors could challenge the patent based on prior art disclosures or obvious modifications. The robustness of claim language, particularly the specificity of chemical structures and method steps, influences enforceability.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The patent’s scope offers a potential barrier to entry but requires careful navigation to avoid infringement, especially against prior art or overlapping claims.
- For Generic Manufacturers: The scope delineates the boundaries of permissible formulations and methods, informing designing around strategies.
- For Licensing and Collaborations: The patent’s claims define licensing scope and territorial rights. The broadness or narrowness impacts licensing negotiations.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
South Korea’s patent system provides ten years of protection from the filing date, with detailed examination processes ensuring patent quality. The patent’s enforceability relies on clear claim boundaries and validity maintenance. Additionally, clinical development with patented compounds must consider potential patent term extensions or data exclusivity provisions.
Future Outlook
Considering ongoing innovative activity, the patent landscape for pharmaceutical inventions in South Korea remains highly dynamic. The emergence of biosimilars, advanced drug delivery systems, and personalized medicine necessitates continual strategic patent filings. KR20140088617, as part of this ecosystem, must evolve via potential licensing, amendments, or extensions to maintain market relevance.
Key Takeaways
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Scope fidelity: The patent claims are likely centered on specific chemical entities/formulations with therapeutic applications, with the potential for narrow or broad protection depending on claim language.
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Strategic positioning: KR20140088617 fits into a competitive South Korean patent landscape emphasizing novel chemical structures and targeted therapies.
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Legal robustness: Its enforceability depends on claim clarity, prior art landscape, and patent prosecution strategies, including handling potential invalidity challenges.
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Market implications: The patent may serve as a critical asset in product development, licensing, and partnership arrangements, especially in exclusivity-driven markets.
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Global relevance: Fortifying the patent’s claims across jurisdictions can leverage South Korea’s innovation to penetrate international markets and defend against generic challengers.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims typically found in South Korean pharmaceutical patents like KR20140088617?
Claims can vary from very narrow, covering specific chemical structures or formulations, to broader claims encompassing classes of compounds or methods. The scope is carefully crafted to maximize protection while passing patentability criteria.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Potential grounds include prior art disclosures, obviousness, insufficient disclosure, or non-patentable subject matter. Competitors may file invalidation actions if they believe the patent lacks validity.
Q3: How does KR20140088617 influence product development?
The patent provides exclusivity rights on its protected formulations or methods, enabling the patent holder to secure market share and attract investment without immediate generic competition.
Q4: What is the typical lifespan of a South Korean drug patent like KR20140088617?
South Korean patents usually last for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. Effective enforcement and strategic patent prosecution influence the duration of market exclusivity.
Q5: How is the patent landscape evolving in Korea with regard to innovative drugs?
South Korea’s patent system emphasizes fostering innovation through robust patent rights while balancing public health considerations. The landscape is increasingly competitive, with emphasis on biologics, personalized medicine, and advanced drug delivery systems.
Sources:
[1] South Korean Patent Office (KIPO). Official patent document KR20140088617.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent scope and classification data.
[3] Patent analytics reports on South Korea pharmaceutical patents, 2022.
