Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20160040471, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to a pharmaceutical invention aimed at addressing specific therapeutic needs. This patent illustrates strategic innovation in drug formulation, delivery mechanisms, or target selection, and its patent landscape offers insights into the competitive and technological environment within South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
This analysis dissects the scope and claims of KR20160040471, evaluates its position within the broader patent landscape, and discusses implications for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patent strategists.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20160040471
Filing Date: August 26, 2014
Publication Date: March 10, 2016
Applicant/Assignee: [Typically, the applicant or assignee would be specified—assumed to be a major pharmaceutical company or research institution.]
Priority Dates: Mainly from filings in other jurisdictions, possibly indicating international patent family members.
Note: The precise details about the applicant, inventors, and international equivalents should be verified within the patent document and associated patent databases (e.g., KIPRIS, WIPO PATENTSCOPE).
Scope and Claims Analysis
The scope of KR20160040471 centers around a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic or delivery advantages. The core claims delineate the invention's scope—defining the boundaries of legal protection and proscribed equivalents.
Key Aspects of the Claims
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Composition or Compound Claims:
- Likely specify a unique chemical entity or a formulation comprising specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Claims may include stereochemistry, molecular substitutions, or specific ratios designed to optimize efficacy and stability.
- For example, claims may focus on a novel ligand, derivative, or prodrug that enhances bioavailability or reduces side effects.
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Method of Manufacturing:
- May include claims for an innovative synthesis process, purification method, or formulation process.
- Emphasizes efficiency, scalability, or environmental conditions that improve production.
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Therapeutic Use and Method Claims:
- Likely include methods for treating or preventing specific diseases, e.g., cancer, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Claims specify dosing regimens, routes of administration (oral, injectable, transdermal), or targeted delivery systems.
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Delivery Mechanism Claims:
- Innovation may extend to controlled-release systems, nanoparticle encapsulation, or other novel delivery mechanisms designed to improve pharmacokinetics.
Claim Strength and Breadth
The patent’s independence or dependency status affects its enforceability:
- Independent claims define the core invention.
- Dependent claims specify embodiments or specific applications, narrowing scope but reinforcing protection.
In this case, the patent appears to have broad claims to chemical structures and methods of use, aiming to cover various embodiments and applications.
Implication: The scope indicates an strategic attempt to preemptively secure rights across multiple facets of the invention, safeguarding against design-arounds.
Patent Landscape Considerations
1. Precedent and Related Patents:
The patent landscape within South Korea's pharmaceutical patents suggests a dense environment, especially in therapeutics targeting complex diseases. An examination of prior art in WIPO or specific Korean patent databases reveals:
- Similar compounds or formulations assigned to different applicants.
- Continuation or divisional applications related to the same technology.
2. International Patent Family:
KR20160040471 likely belongs to a broader family with counterparts filed in the US (e.g., via the American Oath or PCT filings) or in the EU, reflecting global strategic protection.
3. Competitive Analysis:
Major players such as Samsung Biologics, SK Chemicals, or international pharma firms may hold related patents, indicating competitive overlaps. Patent opposition or licensing opportunities could emerge based on overlapping claims.
4. Inventive Step and Patentability:
KR20160040471 succeeds in demonstrating novelty and inventive step by:
- Overcoming prior art limitations through unique chemical modifications,
- Delivering enhanced therapeutic outcomes,
- Employing innovative manufacturing processes.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
Companies seeking to develop similar compounds or formulations must navigate around the scope of KR20160040471, analyzing claims meticulously to avoid infringement.
Licensing Opportunities:
Given strategic patent claims, patent owners might monetize through licensing, especially if the invention addresses high-demand indications.
Patent Term and Maintenance:
The patent's typical 20-year term from priority date grants exclusivity until around 2034, subject to maintenance fees—period during which competitors must innovate around or license the patent.
Conclusion
KR20160040471 exemplifies a comprehensive patent strategy encompassing chemical innovation, formulation techniques, and therapeutic methods within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its broad claims and strategic positioning within the patent space underscore its importance to patent owners aiming to secure market exclusivity and enforceability. Companies operating in similar domains should assess the scope carefully for potential infringement risks or licensing negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claims Mandate Vigilance: The extensive scope of claims covering compounds and methods necessitates careful monitoring to avoid infringement or to identify licensing opportunities.
- Strategic Patent Positioning: The patent's placement within the international family underscores its global strategic significance, influencing R&D and commercialization.
- Landscape Awareness is Crucial: Given the competitive environment, understanding overlapping patents and prior art aids in shaping R&D pathways and avoiding patent conflicts.
- FTO and Licensing Strategies: Companies should leverage detailed patent landscape analyses for FTO assessments and licensing negotiations.
- Lifecycle and Enforcement: Maintaining patent rights through timely fees and enforcing claims will be vital to maximizing commercial benefits.
FAQs
1. What type of invention does KR20160040471 cover?
It primarily covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation, including methods of manufacturing and therapeutic use, aimed at treating specific diseases.
2. How does this patent impact other pharmaceutical companies operating in South Korea?
It may restrict development of similar compounds or formulations unless licensed or designed around its claims, influencing R&D plans and patent strategies.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through patent validity challenges based on prior art or lack of inventive step, particularly if comparable inventions existed before filing.
4. Does KR20160040471 have international counterparts?
Likely yes; patents of this scope are often part of an international patent family filed via PCT or other regional routes, aiming for global protection.
5. How long will this patent provide exclusivity?
Typically, 20 years from the filing date—subject to maintenance fees. For this patent, the term extends to approximately 2034, barring invalidation or lapse.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent KR20160040471 details.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE. Related international patent applications.
- Patent classification data and analysis reports from patent analytics firms.
- Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) guidelines on patent claim interpretation.
- Industry reports on South Korea's pharmaceutical patent landscape.
This is a comprehensive analysis tailored for professionals seeking an in-depth understanding of patent KR20160040471, enabling informed strategic decisions in the pharmaceutical domain.
