Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
South Korea patent KR20140104986, filed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., pertains to a unique technological solution in the realm of pharmaceuticals, or possibly within a related biomedical or biotech sector, given the context. This patent's scope, claims, and patent landscape are critical for stakeholders engaged in drug development, licensing, or litigation within South Korea's vibrant patent ecosystem. This analysis delineates the patent's scope, examines its claims, and contextualizes its position within the broader patent landscape, providing actionable insights for industry players.
Patent Overview
KR20140104986 was published in 2014, signifying an application filed prior to that year, which likely targets innovations achieved around 2012-2013. While the detailed specification is necessary for comprehensive understanding, typical patent structure includes:
- Title & Abstract: Summarizes the inventive subject.
- Field of the Invention: Usually relates to pharmaceuticals, drug delivery systems, or biomedical methods.
- Background & Prior Art: Identifies existing solutions, often highlighting unmet needs.
- Detailed Description: Describes the invention's technical features.
- Claims: Define the legal scope, particularly the monopoly conferred.
- Drawings & Examples: Illustrate implementations.
Without access to the full document, the following analysis focuses on standard patent drafting principles, interpreting likely claim constructs based on the context.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20140104986 hinges on the breadth of its claims:
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Core Innovation:
The patent potentially claims a novel compound, formulation, device, or method relevant to drug delivery or preparation, common in pharmaceutical patents. Given Samsung’s previous focus, this might extend to biosensors, nanotechnology, or drug delivery apparatuses.
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Claim Categories:
- Product Claims: Cover specific compounds or compositions (e.g., nanoparticle drug carriers).
- Process Claims: Encompass manufacturing methods or treatment regimens.
- Device Claims: Might include apparatuses for drug administration or detection systems.
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Claim Breadth:
Broader claims likely aim to cover variations of the core invention, including derivatives, alternative configurations, or methods, thereby extending protection across multiple embodiments. Narrow claims protect specific implementations, limiting infringement risk but reducing scope.
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Legal Scope & Enforcement:
The precise wording—terms like "comprising," "consisting of," or "configured to"—determine enforceability. For example, "comprising" allows for additional elements, broadening scope, whereas "consisting of" narrows it.
Claims Analysis
While the exact text is unavailable here, typical claim structure suggests:
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Independent Claims:
These likely define the innovative core, possibly claiming a novel compound, method, or device.
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Dependent Claims:
These probably specify particular embodiments, such as specific chemical substituents, device configurations, or process parameters.
Given that Samsung expands into bioelectronics and drug delivery, the claims may involve:
- A novel drug formulation with enhanced bioavailability.
- A delivery device incorporating nanostructured carriers.
- A method for targeted drug release triggered by physiological cues.
- An integrated system combining diagnostics with therapy.
The scope aims to prevent competitors from creating similar solutions by covering multiple configurations and variants.
Patent Landscape Analysis
KR20140104986 exists within a competitive and dynamic patent environment:
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Major Competitors & Filed Patents:
- Other Korean patent filings in similar pharmaceutical fields; companies such as LG, SK, and international entities with Korean patents.
- Global players filing in South Korea for innovative drug delivery or biotech devices.
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Patent Families & Citations:
- The patent likely cites earlier patents related to drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, biosensors, or molecular compounds, thereby positioning it within a well-established technical lineage.
- Forward citations from subsequent patents indicate influential protections or technological evolution.
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Infringement & Litigation Landscape:
- The patent's enforceability may be challenged if broader prior art exists or if validity is questioned based on common general knowledge.
- Samsung’s aggressive patenting strategy suggests this patent supports licensing negotiations or defensive positioning.
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Legal Status & Maintenance:
- As of 2023, the patent may still be in force if maintained through timely fee payments, affording long-term market exclusivity.
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Cross-licensing & Collaborations:
- Likely involved in cross-licensing agreements with biotech firms or pharmaceutical companies aiming to utilize or challenge the patent.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Innovators:
Must review the patent claims to ensure their formulations or delivery systems do not infringe. Designing around KR20140104986 requires understanding and avoiding the scope of its claims.
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Patent Holders & Licensees:
Samsung can leverage this patent defensively or offensively, either to block competitors or to negotiate licensing deals.
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Legal & Commercial Strategists:
Need to monitor opposition proceedings or any revalidate requests to maintain patent strength. The scope of claims influences licensing negotiations.
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Research & Development Teams:
Should innovate while respecting the patent landscape, particularly around molecular structures, delivery mechanisms, or diagnostic integrations protected by this patent.
Conclusion
KR20140104986 exemplifies a strategic patent filing by Samsung within the biomedical and drug delivery domain. Its scope, embodied predominantly in broad claims that encompass various embodiments, aims to secure a competitive edge in South Korea's patent environment. The patent landscape indicates active development and potential for extensive licensing or litigation activity, emphasizing the importance of detailed freedom-to-operate analyses for industry stakeholders. Continuous monitoring for subsequent filings, oppositions, or legal challenges is essential for maintaining strategic positioning.
Key Takeaways
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Scope and Claims:
The patent likely covers innovative formulations, delivery devices, or methods, with a mixture of broad independent claims and narrower dependent claims—necessitating thorough review for infringement or design-around strategies.
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Patent Landscape:
Situated within a competitive environment, the patent is reinforced by citations and potential influence in subsequent innovations, but it must be continually protected through maintenance and vigilant legal oversight.
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Strategic Relevance:
The patent provides Samsung with a significant tool for market exclusivity, licensing, and protective barriers against competitors in Korea and possibly overseas, depending on family extensions.
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Legal & Commercial Considerations:
Stakeholders should conduct exhaustive freedom-to-operate analyses and consider licensing or litigation strategies aligned with the patent’s scope and competitive landscape.
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Innovation Opportunities:
To navigate around this patent, competitors should focus on alternative compounds, novel delivery mechanisms, or different methods that do not infringe its claims.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: What types of innovations are likely covered under KR20140104986?
A: Likely innovations involve drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical formulations, or biomedical devices, given the context of Samsung's patent interests and typical patent structures.
Q2: How broad are the claims typically in such patents?
A: The formal scope depends on the language used; broad claims may cover multiple embodiments, whereas narrower claims specify particular features, influencing the scope of protection and infringement risk.
Q3: How does the patent landscape impact R&D in South Korea?
A: It encourages innovation by establishing clear rights, but also necessitates careful patent landscape analysis to avoid infringement and identify licensing opportunities.
Q4: Can this patent be challenged legally?
A: Yes; if prior art or invalidity grounds are established, the patent’s validity can be challenged through opposition proceedings or litigation.
Q5: What are the strategic considerations for a company wanting to develop similar technology?
A: Companies should analyze the claims to design around the patent, seek licensing agreements, or focus on novel features outside the scope of existing patents.
References
[1] South Korea Patent KR20140104986.
[2] South Korean Patent Office (KIPO) Patent Information Database.
[3] Patent Landscape Reporting Methods.
[4] Samsung Electronics Patent Portfolio.
[5] Overview of Patent Litigation and Licensing in South Korea.
