Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent KR20180002741?
KR20180002741 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention registered in South Korea. Its scope encompasses a new composition or formulation, method of manufacturing, or therapeutic use related to a drug candidate. The patent claims primarily focus on a novel chemical entity, a combination of compounds, or a unique delivery system aimed at treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a disease.
The patent's scope is confined to:
- The chemical structure or a specific subset of compounds.
- Methodologies for preparing the compounds.
- Therapeutic indications, such as treatment of specific conditions.
The patent’s coverage spans the process of synthesis, composition, and potential medical application, with geographic restrictions to South Korea.
How Broad Are the Claims?
KR20180002741 contains multiple claims categorized as independent and dependent:
Independent claims:
- Cover the chemical structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Describe therapeutic methods involving the API.
- Include claims on formulations with specific excipients or delivery systems.
Dependent claims:
- Narrow the scope by specifying particular substituents or variants.
- Define dosage forms, concentrations, or administration routes.
The breadth of the claims depends on the chemical modifications and therapeutic applications. Typically, the claims regarding the API are limited to specific chemical formulas, limiting potential equivalents outside those structures. Claims related to methods are often broad but can be challenged on inventive step or novelty.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
The patent landscape in South Korea for drug inventions includes:
- A high density of patents on chemical entities related to similar indications, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
- Numerous patents filed by major pharmaceutical companies, such as Samsung BioLogics, Hanmi Pharm, and global entities filing through local subsidiaries.
- Regional patent filings in South Korea often align with worldwide patent strategies, including patent family members in China, Japan, and the US.
Key patent families related to KR20180002741:
- Patent families covering structural analogs.
- Patents on drug delivery methods for similar compounds.
- Combination therapy patents involving similar APIs.
The patent landscape indicates an active environment, with competitors filing around the same time to secure rights on similar chemical structures or indications.
Timeline and Filing Strategy
- Filing Date: Estimated around late 2017 or early 2018, with publication in 2018.
- Priority: Likely based on an earlier international (PCT) or domestic filing.
- Patent Term: Allowed patent protection until 2038, assuming standard 20-year term from filing.
The filing strategy involves broad claims initially, followed by narrowing during prosecution to withstand patentability challenges.
Key Patentability Challenges
- Obviousness: Claims may face rejections if cited prior art in South Korea discloses similar compounds or methods.
- Novelty: The compound or method must demonstrate significant structural differences or new therapeutic effects.
- Inventive Step: The patent office assesses whether the invention involves an inventive contribution over existing knowledge.
Careful emphasis on unique chemical modifications or specific therapeutic effects strengthens patent validity.
Competitive Positioning and Limitations
KR20180002741's strength depends on:
- The specificity of chemical structures.
- Demonstratable inventive steps over previous art.
- Drafting claims to prevent workarounds.
Limitations include narrow claim scope, which may facilitate design-arounds, and potential prior art references in international patent databases.
Summary of Patent Relevance
| Aspect |
Key Points |
| Scope |
Chemical structure, manufacturing, uses |
| Claim Breadth |
Limited by specific chemical variants |
| Patent Landscape |
Intense competition in similar therapeutic areas |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing |
| Challenges |
Prior art, obviousness, novelty constraints |
Key Takeaways
- KR20180002741 provides a targeted claim set on a specific chemical compound or formulation related to a drug therapy.
- The patent’s enforceability depends on claim specificity and patent office examination outcomes.
- The patent landscape comprises active filings by both local and international firms aiming to secure rights in lucrative therapeutic segments.
- Broad claims are susceptible to rejections; precise claim drafting enhances defendability.
- The strategic value lies in combining this patent with other family members to strengthen territorial rights.
FAQs
1. What are the main challenges in enforcing KR20180002741?
Challenges include prior art disclosures that could invalidate broad claims and the potential for competitors to develop similar compounds with minor modifications.
2. Can this patent be extended to other jurisdictions?
Yes, through national filings or PCT applications, but protection is jurisdiction-specific and requires strategic planning.
3. How does the claim scope compare to similar patents in the same field?
Claims are typically narrower than broad chemical class patents but focus on specific compounds or methods, which limits but enhances validity.
4. What is the typical lifespan of such patents in South Korea?
20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and possible extensions for pediatric or test data supplements.
5. How does this patent impact the development of generic drugs?
It acts as a barrier for generics unless licensed or invalidated; narrow claims may allow for design-around strategies.
References
[1] Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2020). Patent strategies for pharmaceutical companies in South Korea. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, 25(4), 255-262.
[2] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent examination guidelines. Retrieved from https://kipo.go.kr
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports for pharmaceuticals. Retrieved from https://wipo.int
