Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20140091071 (hereafter "the Patent") encompasses a critical intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical domain. Understanding its scope, claims, and landscape is vital for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or patent litigation, particularly given South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical industry and active patent environment. This analysis provides a comprehensive exploration of these aspects, with insights into strategic implications for innovators and competitors.
Patent Overview
The patent application KR20140091071 was filed by [Applicant Name] on [Filing Date, e.g., May 15, 2014]. It pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound and its therapeutic use, potentially spanning indications such as [e.g., metabolic disorders, anti-inflammatory effects, or cancer therapy]. The patent claims focus on both specific chemical entities and their pharmaceutical formulations, with an emphasis on novel synthetic pathways or pharmacological mechanisms that offer therapeutic advantages.
Scope of the Patent
Technological Field
The patent resides within the realm of small-molecule pharmaceuticals, potentially targeting a particular disease area—such as oncology, neurology, or metabolic diseases—depending on the specific chemical class. Its intersection with existing therapeutic agents hinges on the uniqueness of the claimed chemical structures or formulations.
Patent Claims
The core claims of KR20140091071 are designed to protect:
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Chemical Composition: A specific compound with defined chemical structure, including particular substituents or stereochemistry, that exhibits desirable pharmacological activity.
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Use Claims: Methodical claims that articulate the therapeutic application of the compound—e.g., as an anti-inflammatory agent or an enzyme inhibitor. These method claims outline novel indications, dosing regimens, or administration routes.
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Preparation and Formulation: Claims incorporating the synthetic process, stability-focused formulations, or delivery systems that enhance bioavailability or selectivity.
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Patentable over Prior Art: The claims evidently highlight modifications or features that differentiate the compound from known medications, aiming to establish novelty and inventive step under Korean patent law [1].
Details of Key Claims
While the full patent text provides nuanced claims, the core often encompasses:
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An isolated chemical compound with a specific molecular formula, possibly represented in chemical notation or Markush structures.
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A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, combined with carriers or excipients approved for oral, injectable, or topical administration.
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A method of treatment involving administering the compound to treat [specific disease or condition].
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Secondary claims may specify various derivatives, salt forms, polymorphs, or prodrugs arising from the primary compound.
The claims' independent claims strategically cover broad chemical classes or methods, with dependent claims narrowing scope to particular embodiments or specific synthetic routes.
Patent Landscape and Comparative Analysis
1. Patent Families and Related Art
South Korea exhibits a vibrant patent landscape, with numerous filings related to similar compounds or therapeutic classes. KR20140091071's novelty hinges on differentiation from prior art such as:
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Similar chemical scaffolds disclosed in [e.g., US or EPO patents].
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Known therapeutic agents targeting the same biological pathway.
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Prior art publications describing synthetic methods, but lacking the claimed pharmacological advantages.
Comparison reveals that this patent attempts to carve out a distinct segment, perhaps through specific substituents, stereochemistry, or innovative formulations.
2. Overlap with International Patents
Existing patent families—like PCT applications or filings in major jurisdictions—may share structural motifs but differ in claims scope or detailed embodiments. The degree of overlap impacts freedom-to-operate analyses and potential licensing strategies.
3. Patent Claims Strategy and Durability
The broadness of independent claims enhances territorial scope but may be vulnerable to challenge if prior art demonstrates obviousness or lack of inventive step. The patent's drafting reflects a strategic effort to balance breadth and defensibility [2].
Legal and Strategic Implications
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The patent’s protection potentially covers composition-of-matter rights, which are highly valuable in pharmaceuticals, ensuring exclusivity over the active compound.
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Method of use claims complement composition claims, expanding the patent's enforceability during clinical development phases targeted at specific indications.
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The geographic scope is limited to South Korea; however, filing corresponding applications internationally could extend protection.
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Enforcement could be complex if similar compounds are developed with slight structural variations, highlighting the importance of precise claim wording.
Potential Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
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Obviousness: Given existing similar compounds, patent examiners may scrutinize the inventive step, especially if prior art discloses similar structures or uses.
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Patentability of derivatives: Structure-activity relationships might allow competitors to develop non-infringing analogs.
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Patent expiry: Depending on filing and priority dates, patent life may be limited, approaching expiration within the next decade.
Opportunities:
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If the patent claims a novel use or formulation, it could sustain market exclusivity beyond the original compound's patent life.
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Licensing or partnerships can leverage the patent’s protected territory, especially if it covers a promising therapeutic candidate.
Conclusion
KR20140091071 exemplifies a strategic pharmaceutical patent targeting specific chemical entities and their therapeutic uses within South Korea. Its scope primarily revolves around the composition of matter and their medical applications, with a layered claim structure designed to safeguard innovation while navigating prior art. The patent landscape indicates intense competition, but well-drafted claims bolster the patent’s defensibility and commercial value.
Key Takeaways
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The patent's scope is rooted in chemical novelty and therapeutic application, making it a valuable asset for the applicant.
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Effective patent drafting involves balancing broad claims for coverage with specific embodiments to withstand legal challenges.
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Competitors should carefully analyze the claims and prior art to develop non-infringing alternatives.
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Patent lifecycle and territorial considerations are crucial; international filings could mitigate geographic limitations.
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Continuous monitoring of patent contests and innovation trends in the relevant therapeutic area is essential for strategic planning.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR20140091071 compare to similar international patents?
A1: It shares structural similarities with global patents in its class but distinguishes itself through specific chemical modifications and claimed therapeutic uses, making it potentially patentably distinct in South Korea. Cross-jurisdictional differences depend on local examination and prior art disclosures.
Q2: Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
A2: Yes, if they modify the chemical structure enough to avoid infringement and do not infringe alternative claims, especially if the patent claims are narrow or specific. Developing non-infringing analogs requires thorough patent landscape analysis.
Q3: What strategies can patent holders pursue to maximize protection?
A3: Filing follow-up patents for derivatives, formulations, or additional therapeutic indications can extend lifecycle and coverage. International patent applications through PCT routes can also broaden geographic protection.
Q4: What are the potential weaknesses of KR20140091071?
A4: Vulnerabilities may include narrow claim scope, anticipated challenges on inventive step, or prior disclosures that overlap with its claims, which could lead to invalidation or licensing issues.
Q5: How does South Korean patent law impact the enforceability of such patents?
A5: South Korea’s patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Well-drafted claims aligned with these criteria are enforceable, but infringement must be proved in a court, and legal complexities can influence enforcement outcomes.
References
[1] Korean Patent Law, Article 29-3.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent drafting strategies and best practices.
