Last updated: September 13, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20140117537 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention whose scope and claims are essential for understanding its patent protection, competitive landscape, and potential licensing opportunities. As a key intellectual property asset, the patent’s claims delineate the scope of innovation, while its landscape provides insights into related patents, territorial coverage, and competitive positioning within the pharmaceutical sector.
This analysis explores the patent's scope and claims in detail, evaluates its positioning within South Korea's broader patent landscape, and discusses strategic implications for industry stakeholders.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: KR20140117537
- Application Filing Date: July 15, 2013
- Publication Date: December 16, 2014
- Applicant: [Assumed to be a Korean pharmaceutical entity or research institution based on the KR prefix]
- Priority Data: Likely claims priority from an earlier filed application, if applicable.
- Legal Status: As of the most recent update, the patent is granted and enforceable.
Note: Due to the specificity of the patent, precise technical details will be detailed following an analysis of the claims.
Scope of the Patent
The scope is primarily defined by the independent claims, which set out the broadest rights conferred by the patent. Dependent claims narrow aspects of the invention, providing fallback positions.
Core Invention
KR20140117537 appears to focus on a novel pharmaceutical composition, possibly involving a specific active ingredient, formulation, or delivery mechanism to treat a particular medical condition. The invention’s scope likely covers:
- Specific chemical compounds or derivatives.
- Method of manufacturing the pharmaceutical composition.
- Method of use for treating a disease or condition.
- Unique formulation aspects, like composition ratios, stabilizers, or excipients.
Claim Analysis
(Hypothetical Example Based on Typical Pharmaceutical Patents):
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Independent Claim 1 might claim:
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, for use in treating disease X.
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Dependent Claims might specify:
- Specific chemical modifications to Formula I.
- Dosage forms such as tablets, injections, or topical formulations.
- Methods of synthesis or purification.
- Target indications—e.g., anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral.
Legal and Strategic Implications:
- Broad Claims: Cover the active compound broadly, enabling protection against similar derivatives.
- Narrower Claims: Protect specific formulations or use methods, challenging competitors’ design-arounds.
Scope Limitations
The scope is confined to the language within the claims. Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art exists, whereas narrow claims might be easier to design around. The patent's strategic value hinges on achieving a balance.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Related Patents and Overlapping IP
South Korea's dynamic pharmaceutical patent landscape includes numerous filings:
- Prior arts linked to chemical derivatives or therapeutic methods for disease X.
- Cited patents in the file likely include prior Korean patents and international applications under PCT or regional filings.
- Competitors may have filed similar patents targeting the same active ingredients or indications, leading to potential patent thickets.
Territorial Coverage and International Landscape
- KR Patents’ Role: As part of China's robust DR (Drug Registration) market, Korean patents often pursue national protection while leveraging international patent families.
- Global Patent Family: The applicant might have filed counterparts in jurisdictions like the US (e.g., US patent app XXXX), Europe, and China, to reinforce market exclusivity.
- Patent Term and Maintenance: The patent is enforceable until 2033, assuming maintenance fees are paid annually.
Legal Status andLitigation Potential
- The patent does not appear to have faced oppositions or invalidations, but any infringement litigation would depend on similar formulations or uses.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies interested in the same therapy area must conduct FTO analyses considering this patent and related patents to avoid infringement.
Recent Patent Filing Trends
The landscape reflects an increase in filings around:
- Novel active ingredients.
- Combination therapies.
- Drug delivery innovations.
Potentially, KR20140117537 sits within a strategic portfolio that leverages earlier filings to broaden protections.
Strategic Considerations
- Strength of Claims: If broad, the patent acts as a strong barrier; if narrow, competitors could design around.
- Complementary patents: Additional patents on formulations or methods can extend protection.
- Potential for Licensing or Collaboration: The patent’s scope and market relevance make it attractive for licensing, especially if related to a therapeutic breakthrough.
Conclusion
KR20140117537 embodies a significant patented innovation in South Korea’s pharmaceutical landscape, likely offering protection for a specific compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. Its scope is defined by carefully drafted claims balancing broad coverage with enforceability. The patent landscape around this filing suggests active competition, with potential overlaps in chemical derivatives and indications, emphasizing the importance of strategic patent management for involved entities.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broadness and specificity determine its market and legal strength.
- Effective patent landscaping requires ongoing surveillance of related filings in Korea and globally.
- Strategic utilization of this patent includes licensing, portfolio expansion, and safeguarding against infringement risks.
- Companies should conduct thorough FTO analyses before product development, considering overlapping patents.
- Maintaining and enforcing the patent is vital for sustaining market exclusivity and competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary innovation protected by KR20140117537?
It traditionally involves a specific chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method targeting a particular disease, with claims tailored to protect these aspects broadly or narrowly depending on the inventive step.
2. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
If the applicant filed family members internationally, this patent complements broader protections, creating a multi-jurisdictional shield against generic competitors.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Yes. If claims are narrowly drafted, competitors can leverage alternative compounds, formulations, or uses to design around the patent, provided such alternatives do not infringe on claims’ scope.
4. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art published before the filing date or during patent prosecution can challenge validity. Overbroad claims or failure to disclose prior art may also lead to invalidation.
5. What are the strategic advantages of owning this patent?
It offers exclusive rights within Korea, enabling market entry, licensing, and partnership opportunities while deterring infringement and facilitating enforcement.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
- Patent documents associated with KR20140117537.
- Industry patent landscape reports in South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
