Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20180023914, filed by a South Korean innovator, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method, held within the framework of South Korea's patent laws. This patent's scope and claims influence the strategic positioning for its holder and the competitive landscape for similar therapeutic agents within South Korea and potentially international markets. This analysis delineates the patent's scope, examines its claims, and sketches the broader patent landscape it sits within, providing insights critical for stakeholders navigating the pharmaceutical patent environment.
Patent Overview
KR20180023914 was published on February 8, 2018, with a priority date likely in 2016 or 2017, depending on application filings (exact filing date remains to be verified for precise timeline assessment). The patent pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention—possibly a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method—aimed at treating or preventing a designated clinical condition. Its patent classification falls under known pharmaceutical A-classifications in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) database.
Scope of the Patent
Legal Scope and Significance
The scope of KR20180023914 is defined by its claims, which determine the boundary of patent protection. The patent's scope typically addresses:
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Chemical Structure or Composition: The claims may encompass a particular chemical compound, analog, or derivative with specified structural features.
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Method of Use: Claims may encompass the therapeutic use of the compound for treating specific diseases or conditions.
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Manufacturing Process: The patent could claim a specific method for synthesizing the compound.
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Formulation or Delivery System: Claims may include novel delivery mechanisms or formulations enhancing efficacy or stability.
The scope appears to focus on a specific therapeutic agent or method, with claims aimed at establishing exclusive rights for a particular chemical entity and its medical application.
Scope Limitation and Narrowness
The specific language of claims varies—broad claims might cover generic classes of compounds or therapeutic methods, while narrow claims specify particular chemical structures or treatment regimens. Given the typical strategic patent drafting, it's probable that the patent aims to balance broad coverage with detailed embodiments to withstand potential challenges.
Claims Analysis
Claim Types
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Independent Claims: These are broad, standalone claims establishing the core of the patent's protection. For example, a chemically defined compound with a unique substituent pattern or a method of treating a disease by administering a particular dose.
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Dependent Claims: These build upon independent claims, adding specific features, such as specific salt forms, formulations, or dosing regimes.
Sample Claim Analysis
While the exact wording is unavailable here, typical claims for such patents involve:
- "A compound characterized by the following chemical structure..."
- "A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound..."
- "A method of treating [disease], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound..."
The claims are likely designed to encompass not only the molecule itself but also its variants, formulations, and uses, providing strategic breadth.
Claim Strength and Vulnerabilities
The strength depends on claim novelty and inventive step over prior art. If the chemical structure enters a crowded patent landscape, the claims may be narrowly crafted, focusing on unique substituents or specific uses. Conversely, if the invention is novel and non-obvious, broad claims could establish a strong competitive positioning.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
Existing Patent Grants
Within South Korea, the patent landscape for pharmaceuticals is highly active, with several patents covering similar chemical classes and therapeutic areas. The landscape is characterized by:
- Numerous patents on small-molecule drugs, biologics, and delivery systems.
- Active competition among domestic and international companies.
- A dynamic patenting environment, with frequent filings and litigation.
Key Competitors and Prior Art
Judging by the chemical class or therapeutic target, the landscape includes:
- Similar chemical compounds protected by prior Korean patents.
- International patents from major pharma companies, especially those filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), influencing Korean patentability considerations.
- Pending applications that may challenge or complement KR20180023914, affecting freedom-to-operate.
Strategic Implications
The patent's narrow or broad claims influence its resilience in litigation or invalidation proceedings. The strategic importance involves:
- Potential for licensing agreements.
- Defensibility against patent challenges.
- Expansion into international markets, leveraging the Korean patent as a foundation.
Legal and Commercial Significance
KR20180023914's strength hinges on:
- The robustness of its claims over prior art.
- Its position within the evolving Korean and global patent landscapes.
- Its alignment with commercial R&D strategies for market exclusivity.
Patent validity may face challenges if prior art disclosures are extensive. Conversely, a well-drafted set of claims with credible inventive step can secure durable protection.
Key Takeaways
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The scope of KR20180023914 likely covers a specific chemical compound and its use for therapeutic purposes, with claims tailored to balance breadth and defensibility.
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Strategic drafting of claims to include compositions, methods, and formulations enhances protection and mitigates around-the-claim vulnerabilities.
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The patent landscape for pharmaceuticals in South Korea is highly competitive, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and sophisticated IP strategies.
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The patent's strength and value depend heavily on claim wording, prior art references, and the novelty of its inventive features relative to existing patents.
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This patent forms a foundational IP asset, enabling licensing, collaborations, or international expansion, provided its claims withstand legal scrutiny.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20180023914?
Pharmaceutical patents generally cover chemical compounds, their formulations, specific methods of treatment, or manufacturing processes. The scope is defined by claim language, which can be broad (covering classes of compounds) or narrow (covering a specific molecule).
2. How does the patent landscape in South Korea influence the value of KR20180023914?
A crowded patent landscape with similar inventions can limit claim scope and increase risk of infringing existing rights. Conversely, a unique compound or method can provide stronger protection and market exclusivity.
3. What strategies can patent holders use to strengthen their claims?
Drafting claims to emphasize inventive steps, encompassing various embodiments, and strategically including both composition and use claims can enhance patent strength and enforceability.
4. How does this patent impact competitors in South Korea?
It potentially restricts competitors from developing and commercializing similar therapeutic agents without licensing or risk of infringement, thus shaping the competitive dynamics.
5. Can this patent be extended or strengthened through international filings?
Yes, filing under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and subsequently entering national phases in key markets can extend protection beyond South Korea.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Database.
[2] WIPO Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] M. R. Kratochvil, "Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies," Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2020.
[4] Korean Patent Act and Regulations.
