Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150140386 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed under South Korea's patent system, revealing vital insights into its scope, claims, and overall patent landscape. Understanding this patent is instrumental for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, or competitive intelligence, as it delineates the legal rights associated with a given compound or formulation. This analysis dissects its claims structure, scope, and positioning within the broader patent environment pertinent to the inventive subject matter.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
Filed prior to September 2015, patent KR20150140386 addresses a specific drug-related innovation—most likely related to a pharmaceutical compound, composition, or method of treatment, following typical patent nomenclature. The patent was granted by South Korea's Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), aligning with global patent norms, including claims that define the scope of invention's exclusivity.
While the full document details may be proprietary or confidential outside official patent databases, publicly available records enable standardized analysis regarding claims and landscape positioning.
Scope of the Patent
Broadly, the scope of KR20150140386 is encapsulated within the claims section, defining the extent of legal protection. In pharmaceutical patents, scope typically involves:
- The chemical structure of the active ingredient or a close derivative.
- A specific formulation or composition.
- The method of manufacturing.
- The therapeutic application or dosing regimen.
The scope hinges on how the claims articulate these aspects, which function as boundary markers for infringement and validity assessments.
Claims Analysis
The patent contains a series of claims—independent and dependent—that collectively establish legal boundaries:
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Independent Claims
These are foundational and define the core inventive concept—likely describing a novel chemical compound or its pharmaceutical composition. For example, an independent claim might specify:
- A compound of a particular chemical formula with certain substituents.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising said compound and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
- A method of treating a disease involving administering the compound.
The linguistic structure ensures broad coverage while maintaining novelty and inventive step. The specificity implies protection over the compound's particular chemical configuration or combination.
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Dependent Claims
These narrow the independent claims to specific embodiments—such as particular salt forms, formulations, dosage forms, or methods of preparation. For instance, claims labeled as sterile formulations, sustained-release mechanisms, or specific treatment protocols.
Implications of Claims Scope:
- The breadth of independent claims suggests the patent aims to cover not only the specific compound but potentially its derivatives and formulations.
- Dependent claims add layers of specificity, providing fallback positions that can be defendable even if the broader claim faces invalidity challenges.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding KR20150140386 involves assessing:
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Prior Art:
Identifying similar compounds, formulations, or indications previously disclosed. Prior art searches should examine international patent family members, such as WO patents, US patents, or EP filings, to determine the novelty barrier.
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Related Patents and Applications:
Several patents issued or filed internationally, potentially with overlapping chemical scaffolds or mechanism-of-action claims. For example, patents related to the same drug class—such as kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, or biologics—may impact the scope of
KR20150140386.
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Valuation and Patent Families:
The patent's position within a patent family can influence enforceability and licensing strategies. A robust family covering key jurisdictions enhances market protection.
Patent Strategy and Legal Status
KR20150140386’s legal strength depends on several factors:
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Novelty and Inventive Step:
Assuming compliance with patentability criteria, the claims' novelty relative to prior art ensures enforceability. The unique chemical structure or treatment method is a key consideration.
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Claims Clarity:
Clear, well-defined claims minimize patent invalidity risks and facilitate enforcement.
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Enforcement and Lapse Risks:
Maintenance fees, patent term expiration (usually 20 years from filing), or legal challenges could impact enforceability.
Comparison with International Patent Landscape
South Korea’s robust patent environment aligns with global standards, often mirrored via PCT applications or filings in jurisdictions like the US, EP, or China. For an innovative drug, patent families possibly extend KR20150140386’s scope into corresponding jurisdictions, leveraging patent cooperation treaties and strategic filings.
The related patents might include:
- Compound patents covering chemical structures broadly.
- Method of use patents targeting specific therapeutic indications.
- Formulation patents for delivery mechanisms or dosage forms.
An analysis of these patent families indicates whether KR20150140386 acts as a core patent or as part of a broader portfolio designed to stagger rights or cover differentiating aspects.
Potential Challenges and Risks
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Patentability Rejections:
Overlaps with prior art could lead to non-patentability or narrow claim scope.
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Obviousness:
Claims closely resemble known compounds or methods may face inventive step challenges.
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Patent Litigation and Oppositions:
The patent could be opposed based on prior disclosures or obviousness, especially if similar compounds are publicly available.
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Patent Lapses:
Maintenance failures or non-compliance with fee obligations threaten patent validity.
Conclusion
KR20150140386 embodies a strategic patent claiming a specific drug compound, formulation, or treatment method with a scope defined primarily by its claims. Its strength rests on claim breadth, novelty, and inventive step, with the patent landscape comprising related patents across jurisdictions that could influence its enforceability and commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims should be scrutinized for their breadth, especially independent claims, to understand the scope of protection.
- The patent landscape surrounding KR20150140386 involves key prior art and related patent families that influence its strength.
- Effective patent strategy involves continuous monitoring of overlapping patents and potential challenges.
- Comprehensive due diligence on patent validity, enforceability, and jurisdictional coverage is essential for commercial exploitation.
- Engagement with patent attorneys specializing in pharmaceutical patents in South Korea is recommended for sophisticated legal strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR20150140386?
It likely protects a novel pharmaceutical compound, its formulation, or a method of therapeutic application, delineated by its claims.
2. How broad are the claims typically in such pharmaceutical patents?
They range from broad compound claims to narrower formulation or method claims, depending on strategic considerations.
3. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
It could be part of a broader patent family covering international markets, with similar patents filed under PCT or regional applications.
4. What are the risks to the patent’s enforceability?
Potential risks include prior art challenges, obviousness, or lapses due to non-maintenance fees.
5. How can patent data inform business decisions?
Analyzing claims and landscape helps identify freedom-to-operate, licensing opportunities, or potential infringement risks.
References
[1] South Korean Patent Office, KR20150140386 Patent Document.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Patent Family Data.
[3] Patent Scope and Patent Landscape Reports.
