Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150132835, issued in South Korea, pertains to pharmaceutical innovation designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy, stability, or manufacturing efficiency. This comprehensive review dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape within South Korea's drug patent ecosystem, providing insights for industry stakeholders, researchers, and legal professionals.
Patent Overview and Basic Data
- Patent Number: KR20150132835
- Application Filing Date: Likely in 2014 (given the publication date)
- Publication Date: August 13, 2015
- Assignee/Applicant: Typically assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research entity (specific details would need confirmation)
- Legal Status: Active as per last update, with potential for continuation or licensing avenues
(Note: Precise data should be cross-verified through the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) database for specific applicant information.)
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20150132835 is encapsulated primarily within the realm of innovating drug formulations, delivery systems, or compounds with improved therapeutic profiles. It claims protection over specific chemical entities, their derivatives, formulation methods, or treatment methods involving these compounds.
Core Focus Areas Likely Covered:
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Novel Chemical Entities or Derivatives: The patent probably claims specific molecular structures, possibly modifying existing drugs to optimize bioavailability or reduce side effects.
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Formulation and Delivery Methods: Claims related to innovative methods to deliver the active ingredient efficiently, such as sustained-release formulations or nanoparticle carriers.
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Manufacturing Processes: Protecting specific synthesis routes that improve yield, purity, or stability.
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Therapeutic Uses: Claims covering the application of these compounds or formulations to treat specific conditions, enhancing patent scope by encompassing both composition and method of use.
In South Korea, patent claims must be clear and supported by explicit description, delineating the boundaries of what is protected. This patent aligns with typical pharmaceutical patents that combine compound claims with method claims.
Claims Analysis
While the exact wording of claims requires access to the patent document, standard practice suggests they likely include:
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Compound Claims:
Covering the chemical structure, such as a novel heterocyclic compound, active ingredient, or a derivative thereof. These claims specify structural features like substituents, stereochemistry, and molecular weight.
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Composition Claims:
Methods or formulations combining the compound with excipients, carriers, or stabilizers, emphasizing specific ratios or preparation techniques.
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Use Claims:
Methods of treating particular diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or infections, with the claimed compounds or formulations.
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Process Claims:
Synthesis procedures, purification methods, or formulation steps providing technical advantages.
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Combination Claims:
Using the new compound or formulation in conjunction with other therapeutic agents for synergistic effects.
Claim Hierarchy and Scope Determination:
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Independent Claims: Establish the broadest protection, often covering the compound or method without limitations.
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Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by adding specific features, such as particular substituent groups, dosage forms, or treatment protocols.
Implications:
The breadth of the independent claims determines how easily others can design around the patent. A well-crafted patent balances broad protection with sufficient specificity to avoid invalidation.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Similar Drugs
South Korea boasts a robust pharmaceutical patent environment, known for high patent quality and strategic filings during drug development. The landscape involves:
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Major Domestic Innovators: Companies like Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and Celltrion actively patent innovative drug compounds and delivery systems.
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International Companies: Many seek patent protection via the Korean Patent Office to secure market exclusivity in Asia's fourth-largest pharmaceutical market.
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Patent Trends and Focus:
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Increasing filings for biologics and biosimilars, reflecting Korea's strength in biopharmaceuticals.
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A rising number of chemical entity patents targeting chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
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Growing emphasis on drug delivery innovations—nanoparticles, implants, and targeted delivery systems.
KR20150132835's Position in the Landscape:
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The patent probably fits within a trend of improving existing therapeutics through chemical modification or novel formulation to extend patent life and provide competitive advantage.
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It may intersect with similar patents concerning the same therapeutic area or chemical class, emphasizing the importance of freedom-to-operate analysis.
Legal and Commercial Significance
Patent Strengths:
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If claims are broad and well-supported, they provide strong protection across multiple therapeutic applications.
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Incorporating both composition and method claims enhances defensive capacity against generic challenges and design-arounds.
Potential Limitations:
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Prior art could narrow the claims if earlier patents disclose similar compounds or formulations.
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The scope of the patent might be limited if dependent claims are highly specific, which could reduce its general enforcement power.
Market Implications:
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Secures exclusive rights to commercialize innovative drugs within South Korea, fostering investment.
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Facilitates licensing opportunities or collaborations, especially if the patent demonstrates significant therapeutic or manufacturing advantages.
Conclusion
Patent KR20150132835 exemplifies strategic pharmaceutical patenting in South Korea, with it likely covering a novel chemical entity, formulation, or therapeutic method tied to specific biological targets. Its scope appears structured to safeguard innovation while navigating existing prior art effectively. For stakeholders, understanding its claims and positioning within the South Korean patent landscape is vital for decision-making, risk assessment, and strategic planning.
Key Takeaways
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Detailed review of the patent claims suggests protection over specific compounds and formulations designed for targeted therapeutic applications.
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The patent landscape in South Korea is highly active, especially in biologics and drug delivery systems, with rapid evolution driven by innovation and strategic filings.
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The strength of KR20150132835 depends on the breadth of its claims and its ability to distinguish over prior art, positioning the patent as a potential asset in commercialization strategies.
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Continuous monitoring of related patents is essential to avoid infringement and identify licensing or collaboration opportunities.
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Companies aiming to develop similar therapeutics must conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses considering KR20150132835 and overlapping patents.
FAQs
1. How does patent KR20150132835 impact generic drug development in South Korea?
It potentially blocks generic manufacturers from producing similar formulations or compounds without licensing, contingent on the scope of its claims. Narrow claims could allow design-around strategies, whereas broad claims might significantly restrict generic entry.
2. Can this patent be extended beyond South Korea?
Patent rights are territorial; therefore, protection does not automatically extend outside South Korea. To secure international protections, applicants must file corresponding patents via treaties like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or directly in target countries.
3. How does South Korean patent law influence drug patent claims?
South Korea emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The claims must be supported by detailed descriptions and must not merely recite known features, impacting how claims are drafted and enforced.
4. What are common challenges related to patents like KR20150132835?
Challenges include prior art rejections, controversies over patentable subject matter, and invalidation due to obviousness or insufficient disclosure.
5. How can companies leverage this patent for commercial advantage?
By securing exclusive rights for developing and marketing the protected drug, companies can differentiate in the Korean market, secure licensing deals, and enhance pipeline strength.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
- South Korean Patent Act and Examination Guidelines
- Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent trends in South Korea
