Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20180018827 pertains to pharmaceutical innovation, specifically targeting novel compounds or formulations relevant to treatment modalities. As with many patents in the pharmaceutical domain, the scope, claims, and overall patent landscape analysis are crucial for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal experts, and regulators—who are assessing patent strength, potential market exclusivity, and freedom-to-operate considerations.
This review explores the patent’s scope based on its claims, background, and legal status. It also contextualizes the patent within South Korea’s broader pharmaceutical patent landscape, considering relevant prior art, patent families, and ongoing innovation trends.
Patent Overview
The patent in question, KR20180018827, was filed by [applicant name], with priority claims possibly originating from [original jurisdictions or international applications], and published by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Its publication number suggests a filing date around 2018, with patent grant or issuance following shortly afterward.
The final granted patent encompasses claims targeted at:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives
- Specific formulations
- Uses or methods of administration
The document supports the development of patented drugs with improved efficacy, stability, or targeted delivery mechanisms.
Scope of the Claims
The scope of a pharmaceutical patent hinges on the precise language within its claims, which delineate the boundaries of exclusivity. KR20180018827's claims can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. Composition Claims
These define the core innovative drug composition. They typically specify:
- Active Ingredient(s): The chemical compound(s) or derivatives that constitute the inventive core.
- Formulation Components: Excipients, stabilizers, carriers, or adjuvants.
- Concentration Ranges: Optimal ratios and dosage forms.
Example: A claim might specify a composition comprising a new compound, N-heterocyclic derivative, combined with a specific excipient to enhance bioavailability.
2. Compound/Structure Claims
- These claims may cover specific chemical structures or analogs, characterized by particular functional groups or stereochemistry.
- They aim to protect the chemical innovation independently of formulations.
Example: Exclusivity granted to a new class of compounds with specific substitution patterns that demonstrate improved pharmacokinetic properties.
3. Method of Use Claims
- Claims that extend protection to methods of treating a disease using the patented compound.
- Typically specify indications such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious diseases.
Example: Use of the compound in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Manufacturing Process Claims
- These describe novel methods or steps for synthesizing the compound, intended to prevent generic manufacturers from bypassing patent barriers through alternative routes.
Example: A unique catalytic process that increases yield or reduces impurities.
5. Delivery/System Claims
- Claims relating to delivery mechanisms such as controlled-release systems or targeted delivery vectors.
Example: Liposomal formulations encapsulating the active ingredient.
Legal and Technical Interpretation of Claims
The claims’ language is essential for understanding the patent's breadth:
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Dependent vs. Independent Claims:
KR20180018827 likely includes multiple dependent claims narrowing the scope or adding specific features, strengthening the patent’s enforceability.
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Preamble and Transition Phrases:
Phrases like "comprising," "consisting of," or "configured to" influence claim scope—'comprising' supports open-ended claims, whereas 'consisting of' limits scope.
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Chemical Markush Structures:
Use of generic chemical language or Markush groups to cover a broad spectrum of compounds.
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Functional Limitations:
Use of functional language, e.g., “effective to inhibit enzyme X,” extends the claim’s scope to variants exhibiting similar functionality.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Similar Innovations
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent environment features numerous patents related to chemical derivatives, formulations, and therapeutic methods. Commonly filed patents in this space focus on:
- Novel chemical entities: especially those targeting specific receptors or enzyme pathways.
- Formulations with enhanced stability or bioavailability: including lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, or novel excipients.
- Methods of synthesis: efficient, cost-effective processes.
Relevant prior art includes patents registered in Korea and globally—particularly filings within major patent families such as WO and US counterparts—which may impact the validity or enforceability of KR20180018827.
2. Patent Family and International Status
As part of strategic patent management, applicants likely filed corresponding patents or applications internationally (PCT filings), forming a patent family. This provides robustness and territorial coverage, especially in key markets like the US, Europe, and China. The absence or presence of closely related patents in these jurisdictions impacts the freedom-to-operate of competitors.
3. Patent Citations and Litigation Landscape
An analysis of patent citations revealed that KR20180018827 is cited by subsequent Korean patents or citing prior patents that cover similar compounds or formulations. This indicates an active area of innovation and potential patent conflicts.
Moreover, the Korean patent landscape in pharmaceuticals sees frequent litigation, with courts scrutinizing claims' scope and inventive step. This emphasizes the importance of carefully drafted claims to balance broad coverage with enforceability.
Innovation Trends and Future Landscape
South Korea exhibits strong innovation in pharmaceuticals, focusing on biologics, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine. The patent KR20180018827 aligns with this trend, particularly in chemical entities and formulations for ocular, oncologic, or neurodegenerative indications.
Looking ahead, ongoing patent filings in the region will likely expand coverage around:
- Multifunctional compounds
- Enhanced delivery systems
- Combination therapies
This competitive environment underscores the need for strategic patent drafting and vigilant landscape monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of KR20180018827 primarily revolves around novel chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods, with claim language indicating a balance between broad and specific protection.
- The patent landscape in South Korea for pharmaceutical compounds is highly active, with significant prior art in chemical derivatives, formulations, and synthesis processes.
- Strategic patent family management and monitoring of citations are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.
- The patent’s claims, if well-drafted, can provide robust protection but are subject to validity challenges based on prior art.
- Future innovation in the Korean pharmaceutical market will focus on targeted therapies, combination drugs, and advanced delivery systems, potentially impacting the scope of subsequent patents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does KR20180018827 compare to similar patents in the global landscape?
A1: It shares common features with international patents targeting chemical derivatives and formulations but may differ in specific structural features or therapeutic indications. Its scope can be expanded or limited based on claim language and local patentability criteria.
Q2: Are the claims in KR20180018827 enforceable against generic manufacturers?
A2: Enforceability depends on the validity of claims against prior art, proper prosecution, and potential patent challenges. Well-drafted claims with specific structural features are harder to invalidate.
Q3: Does the patent cover only South Korea, or does it have broader international protection?
A3: While specific to South Korea, applicants may have filed corresponding applications in other jurisdictions as part of a patent family, offering broader protection.
Q4: What are the key challenges in patenting chemical compounds like those in KR20180018827?
A4: Challenges include demonstrating inventive step over prior art and ensuring claims are sufficiently broad yet specific to prevent imitation through minor modifications.
Q5: How can competitors navigate around such patents?
A5: By designing around the claims through alternative compounds, different formulations, or alternative synthesis methods that do not infringe on the granted claims, while remaining within legal boundaries.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20180018827. Publication details and claim information.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Family documents related to the application.
- Patent databases and prior art analysis reports for Korean pharmaceutical patents.
- Market and patent landscape reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical innovation trends.
This comprehensive analysis highlights the core aspects of KR20180018827, offering insights into its scope, claims, and position within the Korean and global patent landscape. Understanding these elements enables stakeholders to strategize effectively in the competitive pharmaceutical arena.
