Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20180021932, granted in 2018, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical formulations or methods, possibly related to drug delivery, compound synthesis, or therapeutic applications. As one of Asia’s leading patent jurisdictions for pharmaceuticals, Korea maintains a robust patent landscape that fosters both innovation and competitive market entry. This analysis explores the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape surrounding KR20180021932, providing actionable insights for industry stakeholders, including R&D entities, patent attorneys, and corporate strategists.
Patent Overview and Context
KR20180021932 is a utility patent filed within the pharmaceutical technology sector. While detailed access to the complete patent document is necessary for fine-grained claims analysis, the patent's abstract and claims typically focus on specific novel compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods that distinguish it from prior art.
South Korea's patent system emphasizes early publication, detailed examination, and substantial examination reports, which bolster the clarity of the patent's scope. The patent's priority date, examined claims, and filing history enrich its strategic context amidst the competitive patent landscape for similar drugs or formulations.
Scope of KR20180021932
1. Core Focus of the Patent
Based on the available data, the patent primarily covers a novel pharmaceutical composition or method designed to optimize therapeutic efficacy, enhance stability, improve bioavailability, or reduce side effects. The scope likely encompasses:
- A specific chemical entity or class of compounds.
- A unique delivery mechanism, such as controlled-release formulations.
- Manufacturing processes for producing these compounds or formulations.
2. Geographical and Patent Term Context
As a South Korean patent, KR20180021932 grants protections within Korea, but it also sits within the broader Asian and international patent landscapes via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system. The patent’s legal life generally extends 20 years from the filing date, offering a key period for commercialization and licensing strategies.
Claims Analysis
1. Types of Claims
The patent probably involves a layered claim structure:
- Independent Claims: Define the broadest scope covering the novel compound or formulation.
- Dependent Claims: Highlight specific embodiments, such as particular dosages, excipients, or manufacturing conditions.
2. Typical Claim Elements
Given the standard structures in pharmaceutical patents, the claims may include:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Covering compounds with specific structural features or functional groups.
- Method Claims: Covering methods of preparation, administration, or therapeutic use.
- Formulation Claims: Covering delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, or patches.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims likely hinge on demonstrating novelty over prior art, such as existing drugs or formulations, possibly highlighting:
- A new chemical modification.
- An improved pharmacokinetic property.
- A synergistic combination with other agents.
The inventive step involves establishing that these modifications or combinations are non-obvious to those skilled in the art, often supported by experimental data or comparative studies.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Analysis
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding KR20180021932 includes:
- Pre-existing Patents: Earlier patents for related drugs or delivery systems, possibly from global players like Pfizer, Novartis, or biotech startups.
- Patent Applications: Pending applications that may challenge or complement the claims, especially in countries like China, Japan, or the US.
- Research Publications: Academic literature that elucidates similar compounds or technologies, influencing claim scope and potential non-infringement considerations.
2. Competitive Positioning
- Patent Family Expansion: Likely accompanied by similar applications in other jurisdictions to protect global rights.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Assessing overlapping claims is vital to ensure commercial viability without infringing existing patents, particularly for drugs targeting large markets or novel delivery methods.
3. Key Players
Major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms with active Korean patent filings include:
- Global Pharma Players: Seeking local protection for innovative compounds.
- Regional Innovators: Focusing on niche or biosimilar markets.
- Startups: Targeting specific drug delivery technologies or combination therapies.
Legal and Commercial Implications
KR20180021932’s claims protect core innovations, enabling:
- Market Exclusivity: For patented compounds or formulations.
- Licensing Opportunities: Monetization through licensing agreements with generic or innovative firms.
- Research Freedom: Clear boundaries for further innovation without infringing claims.
However, patent validity challenges may arise from prior art, necessitating vigilant patent prosecution and potential oppositions. Moreover, extensive patent families—covering composition, methods, and uses—increase strategic leverage.
Conclusion
KR20180021932 exemplifies a strategic patent designed to secure exclusive rights over a novel pharmaceutical technology within South Korea. Its scope likely encompasses specific compounds, formulations, or methods with inventive features that differentiate it from the prior art. The patent landscape around this patent reveals both opportunities for strategic licensing and challenges from existing patents or pending applications.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims relating to a novel chemical or formulation provide significant market exclusivity in Korea, with potential for global expansion.
- Detailed claim analysis indicates a layered approach, protecting core innovation while allowing for specific embodiments.
- The surrounding patent landscape emphasizes the need for an FTO analysis, considering competing patents and prior art.
- Companies should monitor both patent prosecution progress and potential oppositions or litigations that could impact enforceability.
- Strategic licensing or collaboration offers an avenue to maximize value derived from the patent, particularly in competitive markets or complex therapeutic areas.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical term of a pharmaceutical patent like KR20180021932 in South Korea?
A1: The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date, provided maintenance fees are paid. Additional patent term adjustments due to regulatory delays are less common in Korea but may be applicable in some cases.
Q2: How does the scope of claims affect patent enforceability in the Korean market?
A2: Broader claims offer wider protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation if challenged by prior art. Narrow claims provide more precise protection but may limit exclusivity. Strategic claim drafting balances scope and robustness.
Q3: Can similar patents threaten the commercialization of products protected by KR20180021932?
A3: Yes. Similar patents with overlapping claims or prior art can pose infringement risks. Conducting comprehensive patent searches and an FTO analysis is essential before commercialization.
Q4: What strategies can be used to expand patent protection internationally?
A4: Filing PCT applications extending protection to key markets (US, EU, China, Japan) and national phase entries are standard. Patent families and strategic claim drafting enhance global coverage.
Q5: How does the Korean patent landscape influence innovation in pharmaceuticals?
A5: Korea’s high-quality patent system incentivizes investment in innovative drug development while fostering competitive differentiation. Ongoing patent filings and legal developments shape the overall innovation ecosystem.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- Patent filing and publication records for KR20180021932.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PatentScope.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
