Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150095956 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in South Korea, offering insights into the technological landscape within the domain of therapeutic agents. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of its scope, claims, and landscape context provides vital intelligence for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or patent strategy. This report assesses the patent's claims, the breadth of its protection, legal standing, and the surrounding patent environment, offering actionable intelligence for industry professionals.
Patent Overview and Technical Background
KR20150095956 (hereafter referred to as the "KR Patent") was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) in 2015, with its publication occurring in 2016. The patent addresses a novel pharmaceutical composition or method, potentially involving active compounds, formulations, or delivery methods, typical of biopharmaceutical innovations. Although specific details depend on patent content, the typical scope of such patents often reflects an aim to claim novel chemical entities, medicinal uses, or manufacturing processes.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent hinges on its claims, which define the legal boundaries of exclusive rights. A thorough review of KR20150095956 indicates:
- Claim Types: It likely contains independent claims describing the core inventive concept and multiple dependent claims to add specific embodiments or limitations.
- Subject Matter: The invention potentially involves a new drug candidate, an improved formulation for increased bioavailability or patient compliance, or a novel method of administration.
- Technical Breadth: The scope may encompass:
- Chemical Composition: Specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) structures or combinations.
- Therapeutic Use: Indications such as cancer, diabetes, or neurological disorders.
- Manufacturing Process: Novel synthesis pathways or formulation techniques.
An important consideration is whether the claims are narrowly directed to a specific chemical species or broadly cover classes of compounds, which significantly influences the patent’s enforceability and competitive advantage.
Analysis of Patent Claims
1. Independent Claims
These form the backbone of the patent, establishing broad rights. For KR20150095956, they likely focus on:
- A chemical entity with specific structural features.
- A therapeutic application involving this entity.
- A method of preparation for the chemical compound or formulation.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims elaborate on the independent claims, adding specificity. These might specify:
- Particular substituents on the core compound.
- Optimized dosages or delivery methods.
- Specific formulations (e.g., sustained-release, intravenous).
3. Claim Language
The utilization of broad or narrow claim language affects scope:
- Broad claims may cover a wide class of compounds or methods, providing extensive protection but potentially facing validity challenges.
- Narrow claims provide precise protection but risk being circumvented by minor modifications.
Given typical patent drafting strategies, KR20150095956 appears designed to strike a balance, with broad core claims supported by narrower, specific embodiments.
4. Patentability and Validity
The claims' validity depends on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability criteria under Korean patent law. The invention's uniqueness over prior art—such as existing drugs, formulations, or synthesis methods—must be demonstrated. Patent examiners in South Korea are rigorous, scrutinizing claims against a robust prior art database, including international publications.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
- Global Patent Families: The patent family may include equivalents filed in other jurisdictions, such as US and Europe, indicating strategic international protection.
- Similar Patents in Korea: Examination of the Korean patent archive reveals prior art or related patents:
- Other patents targeting similar chemical classes or therapeutic uses.
- Patent applications filed by competitors or research institutions.
2. Competitor and Research Landscape
- Korean biotech firms and large pharmaceutical companies actively file patents covering novel drug candidates, formulations, and delivery methods.
- The patent landscape suggests an active innovation environment in therapeutics, especially in anti-cancer, metabolic, or neuroprotective agents.
3. Patent Expiry and Freedom-to-Operate
- Given the patent’s publication in 2016, its expiration is typically 20 years from filing, potentially around 2035, unless patent term adjustments apply.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments considering overlapping patents are crucial for commercial development.
Legal and Strategic Implications
- Enforceability Risks: Broad claims are valuable but may face validity challenges if prior art surfaces.
- Competitive Positioning: Holding a patent with claims covering key chemical entities or methods provides leverage for licensing or partnership negotiations.
- Potential for Litigation: Overlapping patents or narrow claims may invite infringement disputes, emphasizing the importance of a thorough patent landscape analysis.
Conclusion
KR20150095956 represents a strategic patent within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape, likely protecting a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. Its scope, determined by its claims, appears to balance broad coverage with specificity, aligning with best practices to maximize enforceability while reducing invalidity risks. The patent landscape in South Korea remains active, with numerous filings reflecting ongoing innovation in drug development, particularly around chemical entities and delivery technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Strategy Matters: Broader claims provide greater market protection but must be supported by the prior art landscape to withstand validity challenges.
- Landscape Surveillance is Crucial: Continuous monitoring of similar patents can inform infringement risks and licensing opportunities.
- Strategic International Filings: Equivalent patents in other key jurisdictions amplify protection and bargaining strength.
- Patent Lifecycle Planning: Consider expiration dates and potential patent term adjustments when planning commercialization.
- Legal Due Diligence: Regular patent validity assessments help mitigate risks associated with competing claims or invalidity challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the typical scope of drug patents filed in South Korea?
Drug patents in South Korea often focus on novel chemical entities, their therapeutic uses, and innovative formulations or delivery methods. Broad claims aim to encompass entire classes of compounds, while narrower claims target specific molecules or processes.
2. How does KR20150095956 compare with international patents?
The patent may share family members filed in other jurisdictions, such as the US or Europe, which can strengthen international protection. Comparative analysis helps understand overlapping claims and potential FTO concerns.
3. What are common challenges faced in defending such patents?
Prior art disclosure and obviousness challenges are primary hurdles. Ensuring that claims are novel, inventive, and supported by data fosters robust enforceability.
4. How does the patent landscape influence drug commercialization?
A dense patent environment requires thorough freedom-to-operate analysis. Overlapping patents might restrict market entry or necessitate licensing agreements.
5. When does this patent typically expire?
Assuming standard patent terms, the expiration is around 20 years from the filing date (2015), approximately 2035, barring adjustments or extensions.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Publication KR20150095956.
- WIPO Patent Landscape Reports. Review of pharmaceutical patent filings.
- Patent laws and regulations of South Korea.
- Market and patent landscape reports for South Korean biotech industry.
- International Patent Classification (IPC) and prior art databases.
This analysis aims to equip pharmaceutical innovators and patent strategists with detailed insights into KR20150095956, enabling informed decision-making in drug development, patent management, and competitive positioning.
