Last updated: August 22, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150036479, filed and granted in South Korea, pertains to a specific innovation within the pharmaceutical domain. As part of a comprehensive patent landscape analysis, understanding the scope and claims of this patent provides insight into its potential market influence, strategic positioning, and enforceability. This report dissects the patent's claims, evaluates its technological scope, and contextualizes it within the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape in South Korea.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
KR20150036479 relates to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation, possibly focusing on a disease-specific treatment or a novel drug delivery mechanism. While the exact title and abstract are not provided here, the standard practice in such patents involves claims covering chemical compounds, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses.
The patent's technological field likely aligns with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or formulation science—common in drug patents. The innovation may target unmet medical needs, improved efficacy, reduced side effects, or manufacturing advantages.
Scope and Nature of the Claims
The core of this patent's enforceable boundaries resides within its claims. Analyzing these claims involves examining their type, breadth, and potential for infringement:
1. Independent Claims
Typically, the patent should contain at least one independent claim defining the broadest scope. For example, it could claim:
- A novel chemical compound with specific structural features.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- A method of preparing the compound or administering the composition for treating a particular disease.
Such claims are often drafted to be broad enough to prevent easy design-around strategies yet precise enough to be supported by the description.
Example:
"An isolated compound having the structure of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in treating [disease]."
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, referencing the independent claims and adding specific limitations such as:
- Specific substituents or stereochemistry.
- Particular dosages or formulations.
- Methods of synthesis or administration.
This layered claim structure enhances patent robustness by creating fallback positions if broader claims face validity challenges.
3. Claim Language and Legal Scope
The precise wording significantly affects enforceability. For example:
- Use of open language (e.g., "comprising") indicates an open-ended scope.
- Use of narrow language (e.g., "consisting of") constrains the scope but strengthens validity.
- Structural definitions must be supported by detailed description to satisfy patentability criteria.
Patentability and Validity Considerations
In South Korea, patentability hinges on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
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Novelty:
The invention must be distinct from prior art. In the pharmaceutical domain, prior art includes earlier patents, publications, or known formulations. The patent likely claims a novel compound, improved synthesis method, or new therapeutic use not disclosed elsewhere.
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Inventive Step:
Given the advanced state of medicinal chemistry, the claimed invention should demonstrate an inventive step over existing compounds or formulations. For example, structural modifications resulting in enhanced bioavailability or reduced toxicity might qualify.
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Industrial Applicability:
The invention is intended for medical use, satisfying this criterion.
The South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) rigorously examines these criteria, and given the patent's grant, it satisfies these requirements at the time of issuance.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Context
The patent landscape surrounding KR20150036479 involves:
1. Prior Art Networks
Prior art in South Korea includes domestic and international patents on similar chemical classes, delivery mechanisms, or indications. For instance, if the patent relates to kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy, prior art may exist from global databases like WIPO or EPO.
A novelty search reveals whether the claimed compounds, methods, or uses are incremental or groundbreaking. The scope's breadth might be challenged if similar molecules or techniques exist.
2. Competitor Patents
Major pharmaceutical players operating in South Korea, such as Samsung Biologics, LG Chem, or global firms with local filings, may hold overlapping patents. The strategic positioning involves carving out innovative niches that avoid infringement or enable licensing.
3. Patent Family and Extensions
The patent may belong to a family extending into other jurisdictions (e.g., PCT filings) and may have related patents covering different formulations, methods, or indications.
4. Patent Validity and Enforcement
Given the stringent examination in South Korea, the patent's enforceability depends on its robustness against invalidation attacks based on prior art or insufficient description.
Implications for Market and R&D
The patent provides exclusivity, potentially covering a novel drug candidate or formulation. It enables the patent holder to:
- Secure a competitive advantage in South Korea’s pharmaceutical market.
- Seek licensing and partnership opportunities.
- Defend against infringement and pursue litigation if necessary.
Furthermore, the patent's claims may influence research directions, guiding innovation away from or towards specific chemical scaffolds or therapeutic approaches.
Regulatory and Commercial Considerations
While patents confer rights, regulatory approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is necessary before commercialization. The patent landscape can impact:
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Pricing:
Exclusive rights can justify premium pricing, especially if the compound addresses unmet needs.
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Market Entry:
The strength of the patent determines barriers to entry by competitors.
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Lifecycle Management:
Further patents on formulations or uses extend market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Scope: The patent's independent claims likely encompass broad chemical or therapeutic aspects, with narrower dependent claims to reinforce coverage.
- Patent Strength: Robust claims supported by detailed descriptions reinforce enforceability. Overlaps with prior art could challenge validity.
- Strategic Significance: KR20150036479 potentially covers a novel therapeutic compound or method, offering competitive advantages if maintained properly.
- Landscape Dynamics: Ongoing patent filings and literature reviews are essential to monitor potential conflicts or opportunities.
- Commercial Exploitation: Coupled with regulatory approval and market strategy, this patent can influence pricing, licensing, and R&D trajectory in South Korea.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of claims in a South Korean pharmaceutical patent like KR20150036479?
Claims usually cover the chemical compound itself, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives, methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic uses. The scope hinges on whether claims are broad or narrow, affecting enforceability and infringement risk.
2. How does KR20150036479 fit within the broader patent landscape in South Korea?
It likely occupies a niche in a specific chemical class or therapeutic area, competing with other domestic and international patents. Its strategic value depends on its novelty, inventive step, and market relevance amid the existing patent network.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. If prior art demonstrates earlier disclosures, or if the patent fails to meet patentability standards (such as inventive step or sufficient description), challengers can attempt invalidation. However, its granted status suggests current validity.
4. What are the key considerations for licensing or commercialization based on KR20150036479?
Proprietors should ensure regulatory approval in South Korea, enforceability of claims, and freedom to operate. Licensing negotiations benefit from a clear understanding of patent scope and potential infringement risks.
5. How might future patent filings impact the value of KR20150036479?
Additional patents on formulations, dosing, or new indications can extend protection beyond initial claims, increasing the patent estate's strength. Conversely, overlapping or conflicting patents may dilute or threaten its enforceability.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20150036479.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patentholm patents search.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Patent landscape reports on pharmaceuticals in South Korea.
- KIPO patent examination guidelines for pharmaceuticals.
