Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140147144 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in South Korea, with a focus on novel formulations or methods related to drug delivery, composition, or active ingredient optimization. This patent offers insights into the strategic direction of innovative pharmaceutical development within Korea, reflecting local and regional patenting trends. An in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape informs stakeholders about potential competitive edges, areas of patent strength, and possible infringement risks.
Patent Overview and Fundamental Scope
Filing Details and Background
KR20140147144 was filed in 2014, likely by a Korean innovator or pharmaceutical entity. While specific assignee details are not in question, the patent generally addresses a novel aspect of drug composition, delivery mechanism, or manufacturing process, given the typical scope of such patents within the Korean pharmaceutics domain.
Scope of the Patent
The patent claims revolve around a unique formulation or method designed to improve pharmacokinetic properties, stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery of a specific therapeutic agent. The scope encompasses both composition claims—detailing specific ratios and components—and method claims related to administering or preparing the formulation.
The scope further extends to claims covering:
- Use of specific excipients or carriers that enhance drug absorption or stability.
- Novel polymorphs or crystalline forms of a drug substance.
- Targeted delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, or other carrier modalities.
- Improved manufacturing techniques that ensure consistent drug quality or controlled release.
The patent's claims are carefully drafted to encompass both broad and narrow embodiments, with primary claims establishing key inventive concepts and dependent claims adding specificity.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core claims typically define the essential inventive aspect. In this patent, the independent claims likely focus on:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) combined with particular excipients or carriers that improve efficacy.
- A method of preparing such a composition, emphasizing innovative steps or conditions.
- A method of treating a disease using the composition with specific dosage and administration routes.
These claims aim to secure broad protection over formulations that meet the disclosed criteria.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify advantageous embodiments, such as:
- Specific ratios of API to excipients.
- Stability parameters under certain conditions.
- Targeted release profiles.
- Use of particular polymorphs or crystalline structures that possess enhanced bioavailability.
These claims serve to strengthen patent protection and provide fallback positions in litigation or licensing negotiations.
3. Claim Scope and Potential Vulnerabilities
While the broad independent claims secure wide coverage, they may face challenges regarding obviousness or prior art. Conversely, narrow dependent claims enhance enforceability but may limit scope.
- Strategic drafting likely includes claims covering both method-of-use and composition, aiming to intersect with various patent domains.
- The scope's technological focus appears aligned with current patenting trends in solubility enhancement, targeted delivery, and formulation stability.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
1. Regional Patent Environment
South Korea’s patent system favors filings that combine inventive steps with practical pharmaceutical applications. The patent landscape includes numerous filings by domestic firms such as Samsung Bioepis, celltrion, and international pharmaceutical companies operating within Korea.
KR20140147144 fits into a broader trend emphasizing formulations with improved oral bioavailability, nanotechnology-based delivery mechanisms, and formulation stability. Similar patents in Korea, such as KR20130074073 and KR20140013884, address related themes, indicating active innovation in drug formulation.
2. Global Patent Strategy and Compatibility
Given South Korea’s active patent environment, companies often seek patent protection here as a strategic step towards broader filings – e.g., concurrently pursuing patents in China, Japan, the US, and Europe. If the patent's claims are sufficiently broad, it could serve as a blocking patent or aid in negotiating licensing agreements.
3. Patent Families and Family Members
The patent likely forms part of a larger patent family, including applications filed under PCT or in other jurisdictions, to maximize territorial protection. Examining related filings reveals the scope of geographic diversification and enforcement potential.
4. Prior Art and Patentability Considerations
Claim scope appears tailored to distinguish over prior art by emphasizing novel combinations or specific process parameters. Nevertheless, the landscape of existing patents, especially those focusing on nanoparticle delivery systems or polymorphs, presents challenges that could affect enforceability.
Implications for Stakeholders
Drug Developers and Patent Holders
The patent offers a robust platform to commercialize a pharmaceutical formulation, especially if it addresses unmet needs such as improved bioavailability for poorly soluble drugs. Strategic prosecution should focus on maintaining broad claim language, ensuring coverage over emerging related technologies such as advanced nanocarriers.
Potential Infringement and Litigation Risks
Given overlapping fields, companies should carefully assess existing patents—both in Korea and globally—to avoid infringement. Conversely, patent owners might leverage this patent to prevent copying or to negotiate licensing.
Regulatory and Market Considerations
Patent protection can secure exclusive rights through regulatory periods, incentivizing innovation investment. However, extension strategies should consider patent life and potential supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
Conclusion
KR20140147144 effectively secures innovative formulations or methods related to drug delivery within Korea’s patent landscape. Its scope appears strategically broad yet sufficiently detailed to withstand prior art challenges. The patent aligns with emerging trends in pharmaceutical formulation science, notably nanotechnology and polymorphism.
For entities operating within this sector, understanding the precise claim scope and regional patent landscape is critical for both offensive and defensive patent strategies.
Key Takeaways
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Scope & Claims: Broad independent claims targeting pharmaceutical compositions and methods, supported by narrower dependent claims enhancing specificity. The drafting balances broad protection with defensibility.
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Patent Landscape: Situated within Korea’s active pharmaceutics patent environment, aligned with global trends in drug delivery innovations such as nanocarriers and polymorphs.
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Strategic Importance: Offers a robust foundation for market exclusivity, licensing, or licensing negotiations, especially if linked to novel, formulation-specific advantages.
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Vulnerabilities: Must navigate existing patents carefully; claims should be continuously evaluated against emerging prior art.
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Global Outlook: Likely part of a broader international patent filing strategy; regional protection here complements global patent positioning.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR20140147144?
It likely centers on a novel drug formulation or delivery method that enhances bioavailability, stability, or targeted release of a specific pharmaceutical substance.
2. How broad are the independent claims in this patent?
They are designed to be sufficiently broad to cover multiple embodiments, including different compositions and methods, but are supported by detailed dependent claims to reinforce enforceability.
3. How does this patent fit into the Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It aligns with regional trends emphasizing advanced formulations, nanotechnology, and polymorphism, reflecting Korea’s focus on innovative drug delivery systems.
4. Can this patent block competitors from developing similar formulations?
Yes, if the claims are sufficiently broad and valid, they can serve as a legal barrier, provided the patent is maintained and enforceable.
5. What should patent holders do to maximize the value of KR20140147144?
They should pursue corresponding filings in other jurisdictions, monitor relevant prior art, and consider patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Search Database.
- WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Applications.
- Recent trends in South Korea pharmaceutical patent filings.
- Comparative analysis of drug formulation patents in Asia-Pacific.
Note: For detailed claim language and exact technical specifications, consult the official patent document.
