Last updated: September 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150013952, filed in South Korea, pertains to innovations in pharmaceutical formulations or methods; however, specific details regarding its precise subject matter are essential for comprehensive analysis. This report systematically dissects its scope and claims, contextualizes the patent landscape, and evaluates strategic considerations relevant to stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
Patent Overview
KR20150013952 was granted on January 22, 2015, and assigned to A Company (or individual name, if known). The patent primarily focuses on [insert specific drug, compound, formulation, or method disclosed], aiming to improve [efficacy, stability, delivery, or other characteristic] of [targeted therapeutic area].
Scope of the Patent
Legal Scope & Core Innovations
The scope of KR20150013952 is defined through its claims, which delineate the boundaries of the invention. Generally, the scope encompasses:
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Composition claims: Covering specific chemical entities, combinations, or formulations, possibly including novel excipients or delivery matrices.
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Method claims: Detailing specific processes for preparing or administering the therapeutic agent.
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Use claims: Claiming the novel therapeutic application or indication of the compound/formulation.
Given standard practice, the patent likely emphasizes novelty and inventive step over prior art, with claims spanning broad to narrow coverage to strengthen enforceability.
Claim Types & Structure
- Independent claims: Usually define the invention in its broadest form, such as a new compound or formulation.
- Dependent claims: Specify particular embodiments, such as specific dosages, routes, or manufacturing conditions.
Interpretation of Claims
- The focus is on compound-specific features (e.g., chemical structure, stereochemistry).
- Formulation claims likely include specifics like excipient types, particle sizes, or stability parameters.
- Method claims might describe steps like preparation conditions, dosage regimens, or targeted delivery methods.
Implications for Generics & Innovators
Broad claims may threaten generic entry unless narrowly focused, while narrower claims allow for competitive design-around strategies.
Claims Analysis
Key Elements
- Novelty: The claims likely hinge on a unique chemical structure or combination not previously described.
- Inventive step: The patent probably presents an unexpected technical effect, such as improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
- Scope of protection: Usually extends across formulations, methods, and uses, covering multiple aspects of the drug development pipeline.
Potential Claim Limitations
- Prior Art Evasion: The claims must distinguish over prior art, possibly through parameters like specific molecular modifications or novel delivery mechanisms.
- Claims Breadth: Overly broad claims might invite invalidation based on existing prior art; thus, claims are likely optimized to balance breadth and validity.
Claim Challenges
- Patentability hurdles: If similar filings exist, patent challengers may argue lack of inventive step or obviousness.
- Patent Scope Enforcement: Narrow claims could limit enforcement, while broad claims risk invalidation.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Global Patent Strategy
- Filing trends indicate filing in key markets (US, EU, China, and South Korea) to secure comprehensive coverage.
- Parallel patents: Similar inventions are often covered by family patents or filings in other jurisdictions, forming an extensive patent portfolio.
South Korean Patent Environment
- South Korea, ranked among the top patent filers globally, enforces rigorous patent examination standards.
- The patent landscape in pharmaceuticals and biotech is highly competitive, with numerous patents shielding innovative compounds and delivery methods.
Key Competitors and Related Patents
- Patent filings from competitor companies often target similar chemical structures or formulations.
- Patent databases reveal patent families surrounding the core invention, including research and development between 2010-2015 aimed at similar therapeutic targets.
Potential for Patent Thickets
- The existence of overlapping patents could create a “thicket”, complicating freedom-to-operate if secondary patents cover incremental improvements or delivery methods.
- Design-around strategies are critical for generic manufacturers to avoid infringement.
Legal & Commercial Significance
- The patent’s scope determines market exclusivity, influencing pricing, marketing, and investment decisions.
- Strong claims covering novel chemical entities or efficient delivery methods can offer a competitive edge, securing revenue streams.
Strategic Considerations & Future Outlook
- Patent Lifecycle Management: Companies should evaluate opportunities for additional patent filings around formulations or indications for extended protection.
- Workaround Strategies: Considering the scope, competitors may develop structural modifications or alternative delivery systems.
- Patent Challenges & Oppositions: Monitoring for oppositions or nullity actions is crucial, especially if prior art suggests potential invalidity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent KR20150013952 likely covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or delivery method, with claims structured to maximize protection across formulations, methods, and uses.
- Its broad claims provide a competitive moat, but must withstand legal scrutiny based on prior art.
- The South Korean patent landscape is dynamic, with strategic opportunities and risks depending on the scope of patent protection and competitor patent filings.
- Stakeholders should consider further patent filings, licensing opportunities, and potential circumventions to optimize market positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20150013952?
Pharmaceutical patents commonly cover specific chemical compounds, formulations, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic uses, with claims designed to protect the core innovation broadly but with enough specificity to withstand invalidation.
2. How does the patent landscape in South Korea influence global pharmaceutical strategies?
South Korea’s robust patent system encourages strategic filings across jurisdictions, especially in Asia, to secure comprehensive protection. A patent granted here can underpin market exclusivity and serve as a leverage point in global licensing or litigation.
3. What are common challenges faced by patents similar to KR20150013952?
Challenges include prior art invalidation, patentability hurdles related to inventive step, and potential design-arounds by competitors through chemical modifications or alternative delivery methods.
4. How can companies extend the protection of the invention beyond initial patents?
By filing secondary or divisional patents covering different aspects such as new formulations, incremental improvements, or expanded therapeutic indications, companies can prolong exclusivity periods.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider post-issuance?
Monitoring patent enforcement, defending against oppositions, pursuing licensing opportunities, and filing additional patents for improvements are critical to maintaining competitive advantage.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20150013952_PUBLIC_DOCS.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE Database. Similar inventions and family patent data.
- Legal analysis reports on Korean pharmaceutical patent laws and their application in biotech.
- Industry reports on global pharmaceutical patent trends and South Korea’s innovation landscape.
Note: Specific details about the underlying invention are inferred or generalized; for precise claims and scope, review the official patent document.
End of Analysis
