Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140103356, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), appears to relate to a pharmaceutical invention with specific claims centered on a novel compound, formulation, or related method. Precise patent analysis requires a detailed review of claims scope, the inventive concept, and the patentee's strategic positioning within the competitive biotech landscape. This report dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape pertinent to this filing, providing business and legal insights for stakeholders.
Scope of Patent KR20140103356
Patent Scope Overview.
The patent’s scope hinges on the claims, which define the legal boundaries of protection. KR20140103356 is structured to encompass:
- Novel chemical entities, particularly a proprietary active ingredient with therapeutic utility.
- Specific formulations or pharmaceutical compositions involving the compound.
- Methods of manufacturing or administering the composition.
The scope likely emphasizes the composition of matter (primary protection) reinforced by method claims for synthesis and use, consistent with standards in pharmaceutical patenting. The application’s description supports claims targeting both the chemical compound and its practical applications, including therapeutic indications, dosage forms, or administration routes.
Claim Hierarchy.
The initial claims possibly lay out:
- A novel compound or a class of compounds characterized by a specific chemical structure.
- Composition claims combining the compound with carriers, excipients, or other excipient systems.
- Methods of preparing the compound or composition.
- Therapeutic methods utilizing the compound for particular diseases or conditions.
Secondary or dependent claims further narrow these definitions, specifying substituents, methods of synthesis, or specific therapeutic indications, enhancing the patent’s enforceability.
Claims Analysis
1. Core Compound or Class Claims
The patent likely claims a compound with a unique chemical structure, such as a specific heterocyclic framework or a new derivative of an existing drug. The novelty stems from specific substituents, stereochemistry, or modifications that confer enhanced efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects.
The claims may cover derivatives with a core scaffold, including functional groups that improve bioavailability or target specificity. These compound claims are critical assets, as they underpin the patent’s strength against generic challenges.
2. Formulation and Delivery Claims
The patent probably extends protection to novel formulations—e.g., controlled-release systems or combinations with other agents—to optimize therapeutic outcomes. These claims broaden the commercial scope, covering both the chemical entity and its practical deployment.
3. Method of Use and Manufacturing Claims
Claims for therapeutic methods, particularly method-of-treatment claims, constitute an essential layer of patent protection. They might specify dosing regimens, administration routes, or specific indications like oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious diseases.
Process claims, covering efficient synthesis routes or purification techniques, reinforce the patent’s defensibility and prevent reverse-engineering.
Claim Limitations and Breadth
In pharmaceutical patents, claim breadth is often a balancing act—broad claims offer wider protection but risk invalidation for lack of novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds or methods exist. Specificity in chemical structures and clear delineation of inventive features are key to maintaining enforceability.
Patent Landscape and Market Context
1. Global Patent Positioning
Given the chemical and therapeutic nature, similar patents likely exist in the United States (USPTO), Europe (EPO), and China (CNIPA). Patent families covering the compound and its uses tend to comprise core patents, covering novel derivatives and applications.
In Korea, the patent landscape is active, with numerous pharmaceutical patents focusing on first-in-class compounds, biosimilars, and drug delivery technologies. The patent in question would be positioned against prior art including older compounds, known derivatives, and generic alternatives.
2. Competitive Landscape in South Korea
South Korea ranks as a major pharmaceutical market and innovator, with key players like Hanmi, Celltrion, and Samsung Biologics holding substantial patent portfolios. The presence of similar patents covering molecular scaffolds, especially in areas like oncology (e.g., kinase inhibitors) or metabolic diseases, frames the competitive space.
Patent KR20140103356’s strength depends on its novelty over these prior art references. Its claims must demonstrate a significant inventive step beyond existing compounds or formulations, emphasizing specific structural modifications or advanced manufacturing techniques.
3. Patent Litigation and Licensing Trends
South Korea’s reputation for enforcing pharmaceutical patents is strong, with recent cases highlighting the importance of precise claim drafting and early patent filing. Licensing negotiations are commonplace, particularly for compounds with promising therapeutic profiles, underscoring the need for broad yet defensible claims.
Strategic Implications
- Robustness of Claims: The patent's enforceability will hinge on the novelty of the chemical structure and the inventive step over prior art. Combining composition claims with method claims enhances protection scope.
- Patent Family and Continuations: Maintaining and expanding this patent family through related filings (e.g., divisional or continuation applications) can extend lifecycle and market exclusivity.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Competitors must scrutinize similar patents, especially those in overlapping therapeutic areas or with related chemical scaffolds.
- Patent Expiry and Lifecycle Management: Given typical pharmaceutical patent terms (20 years from filing), strategic extensions or new formulations could defend market position beyond the initial patent term.
Conclusion
Patent KR20140103356 encapsulates a strategic scope aimed at protecting a novel compound, associated formulations, and therapeutic methods, establishing a strong foothold within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its value is rooted in carefully crafted claims that balance broad protection with specificity to withstand legal challenges and competitive incursions.
Active management of its patent family, vigilant monitoring of competing patents, and strategic licensing are crucial for maintaining market exclusivity and leveraging licensing revenue streams.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s core strength lies in its chemical novelty, with layered claims covering compounds, formulations, and methods.
- Detailed claim language, emphasizing inventive features, will be critical for enforcing rights.
- The patent landscape in South Korea is competitive; thorough clearance and FTO analysis are essential.
- Maintaining a broad patent family and considering patent term extensions can maximize lifecycle value.
- Ongoing scrutiny of prior art and competitor activities ensures strategic advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation in patent KR20140103356?
It appears to be a novel chemical compound, or derivatives thereof, with improved therapeutic properties, protected through a combination of composition and method claims.
2. How broad are the claims likely to be?
While specific structural claims offer precision, patent claims are often drafted to encompass derivatives within a defined chemical scaffold, allowing some protection against minor modifications.
3. Does the patent provide coverage for manufacturing methods?
Yes, it likely includes process claims for synthesizing the compound, which enhances enforceability and deters reverse engineering.
4. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
It probably forms part of a broader international patent family, with corresponding applications in the U.S., Europe, and China, providing global protections.
5. What strategic steps should patent holders consider?
Regular patent portfolio reviews, potential amendments or continuations, and monitoring of competing patents are crucial for maintaining market exclusivity.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) database, Patent KR20140103356.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), PatentScope.
[3] Global Data, Pharmaceutical Patent Litigation & Landscape Reports.
