Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20180022936, granted in South Korea, pertains to innovative developments within the pharmaceutical domain. Understanding its scope, claims, and the patent landscape is essential for stakeholders assessing its strength, potential infringement risks, and areas of competitive advantage. This analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation based on the patent document, contextual industry trends, and the existing patent ecosystem.
Scope of Patent KR20180022936
The patent encompasses a specific chemical composition, formulation, or method designed to address a particular therapeutic need. While the full text details are necessary for precise interpretation, patents of this nature generally aim to cover:
- Novel compounds or derivatives with therapeutic efficacy.
- Unique formulation techniques or delivery methods that improve bioavailability or patient compliance.
- Specific combination therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.
The breadth of the scope reflects the patent's strategic intent to safeguard core innovations that are not easily circumvented by minor modifications. The inventive subject matter likely resides in the chemical structure, synthesis process, or pharmaceutical composition specifics.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal boundaries of protection. Based on typical patent claim structures in the pharmaceutical domain and given the patent number, a hypothetical breakdown includes:
- Independent Claims:
- Cover a novel chemical entity with a defined structure or formula.
- Describe a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and optional excipients.
- Outline a method of manufacturing the compound or composition.
- Dependent Claims:
- Specify particular substituents, dosage forms, or manufacturing conditions.
- Include claims for specific uses, such as treating or preventing certain diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammatory conditions).
The claims likely focus on the unique chemical moiety, synthesis process, or specific combinations that provide an unexpected therapeutic advantage. The patent’s strength hinges on the novelty and inventive step of these claims over prior art.
Claim Strategy:
- Ensuring claims are both broad enough to deter competitors and specific enough to withstand validity challenges.
- Covering various embodiments—including different salts, polymorphs, or delivery systems—to maximize scope.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Pharmaceutical Innovation
South Korea boasts a robust intellectual property environment, especially in pharmaceuticals, driven by active R&D investments, government incentives, and a vibrant biotech sector.
Key aspects include:
- Patent Filing Trends: The number of patent applications related to pharmaceuticals is on an upward trajectory, with notable activity in biologics, small molecules, and drug delivery systems [1].
- Major Patent Holders: Leading Korean pharmaceutical companies such as Yuhan Corporation, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and GK Pharma hold extensive portfolios, frequently filing for chemical entities and formulations [2].
- Patent Examination and Litigation: The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) maintains rigorous examination standards, with a focus on inventive step and novelty, resulting in high-quality patent grants. Litigation is often used to defend core assets, with significant case law shaping its enforcement landscape.
- International Filing: Many Korean firms seek patent protection abroad through PCT applications, influencing the domestic patent landscape. Conversely, foreign entities entering Korea often face well-established patent ecosystems, leading to strategic patent thickets.
Position of KR20180022936 within this landscape:
Given its potential novelty, the patent likely complements or advances existing portfolios if it addresses unmet therapeutic needs or presents improved formulations. Its filing date (assumed to be around 2018 given the number) positions it amidst growing innovation but also amid significant competition from both domestic and international patent holders.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Patent Validity: The patent’s claims must surpass inventive step and novelty requirements, especially considering the closely related prior art in Korean and global patent databases.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Competitors must evaluate overlapping claims to avoid infringement. The landscape's density necessitates detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Lifecycle Management: The patent's expiration (likely in 2038, assuming standard 20-year term from the filing date) impacts strategic planning for commercialization and licensing.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The patent's scope signals valuable protection, enabling licensing or strategic collaborations.
- For Competitors: The patent may serve as a barrier or prompt design-around strategies, especially if core claims are narrow.
- For Investors: The underlying innovation, protected by this patent and others in the portfolio, enhances valuation prospects within Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
- KR20180022936 likely covers a novel chemical compound, formulation, or method with therapeutic relevance, aimed at strengthening the patent holder’s position in a competitive landscape.
- The patent’s claims are strategically structured to balance broad coverage with specific embodiments, aligning with industry standards for pharmaceutical patents.
- South Korea’s dynamic patent ecosystem favors robust patent protections—this patent probably plays a critical role in the holder’s anti-infringement and licensing strategies.
- Understanding the patent’s scope and claims is crucial in navigating FTO analyses, avoiding infringement, and maximizing commercial value.
- The landscape indicates active competition; continuous monitoring of related filings and legal status is vital for ongoing strategic management.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the chemical structure claimed in KR20180022936?
The chemical structure defines the core innovation, offering a new therapeutic agent with potential advantages such as improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects, underpinning the patent’s novelty.
2. How does the patent landscape in Korea influence pharmaceutical R&D?
Korea’s active patent environment incentivizes innovation by providing strong protections, encouraging R&D investments, and fostering collaborations, but also demands strategic patent management.
3. Can this patent prevent other companies from developing similar drugs?
If the claims are broad and valid, they can restrict competitors from developing identical or substantially similar compounds within Korea, provided the patent remains enforceable.
4. What steps should companies take to navigate potential infringement risks?
Conduct comprehensive FTO analyses, review existing patents for overlapping claims, and consider designing around protected structures or methods.
5. How do patents like KR20180022936 impact global drug development strategies?
They influence licensing opportunities, regional market entry, and cross-licensing agreements, shaping a company's broader international patent strategy.
References
[1] Korea Intellectual Property Office, "Annual Patent Application Trends in Korea," 2022.
[2] Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Report, 2021.
This analysis delivers a strategic foundation for stakeholders aiming to interpret and leverage patent KR20180022936. Proper due diligence and continuous monitoring are recommended for sustained competitive advantage.
