Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20180033310, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), represents a novel invention in the pharmaceutical domain. This patent's primary focus appears to be on a specific drug formulation, method of use, or manufacturing process that enhances therapeutic efficacy, stability, or safety profile. An in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape offers vital insights for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and legal entities engaged in patent strategies.
Scope of Patent KR20180033310
The scope of a patent defines the ambit of legal protection conferred by the patent rights. For KR20180033310, the scope encompasses the claims manually or explicitly enumerated within the patent document. While a full review of the official patent application would provide detailed wording, typical patent scope in pharmaceutical patents includes:
- Compound Claims: Protection on specific chemical entities or derivatives.
- Formulation Claims: Specific drug compositions involving active ingredients and excipients.
- Method Claims: Processes for synthesis, formulation, or administration.
- Use Claims: Indications for the treatment or prevention of certain diseases.
Scope Focus for KR20180033310
Based on common trends and plausible patent content, the scope likely covers:
- A novel chemical compound or derivative with specific structural features.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, possibly in combination with other active agents.
- A specific method of producing or administering the compound to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes.
The patent's scope explicitly aims to protect:
- The inventive chemical structure with permitted substitutions,
- The unique combination of excipients or carriers in the formulation,
- A specific dosing regimen or delivery method.
Claims Analysis
The claims of KR20180033310 determine the enforceable rights. These are often organized into:
- Independent Claims: Broad claims that establish the core invention.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments or variants.
Typical Features of the Claims
1. Composition Claims:
- Cover formulations comprising a specific active ingredient characterized by a novel chemical structure, possibly with certain salts, esters, or prodrugs.
- Specific ranges of concentrations for active ingredients and excipients, ensuring formulation stability or bioavailability.
2. Method of Preparation:
- Detailed steps for synthesis, purification, or formulation to achieve high purity or specific physical properties.
- Innovations in manufacturing that improve yield or reduce impurities.
3. Therapeutic Use Claims:
- Indications for treating particular diseases (e.g., cancers, autoimmune disorders), possibly expanding to novel indications enabled by the new compound or formulation.
- Claims on specific dosing regimens or administration routes (oral, injectable, transdermal).
Claim Language and Limitations
The patent likely emphasizes novel structural elements or unique combinations that distinguish it over prior art, with claims crafted to avoid foreseeable overlaps with existing patents. The language probably employs phrases like "comprising," "consisting of," or "wherein," to define scope, with precise chemical nomenclature to specify the compound.
Patent Landscape
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape for KR20180033310 involves prior art encompassing:
- Existing chemical entities with similar pharmacological activity.
- Earlier formulations or methods that target the same therapeutic areas.
- Patents on synthesis techniques and drug delivery systems in Korea and globally.
Key considerations include:
- The degree of novelty relative to prior patents, including whether the structural modifications are non-obvious.
- Overlaps with international patents, especially from jurisdictions like the U.S., Europe, and China.
2. Competitive Patent Environment
Within Korea, several patents may cover:
- Similar chemical classes (e.g., kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies).
- Alternative formulations designed for improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
- Use patterns targeting specific patient populations.
The patent's success in securing broad protection depends on how effectively it distinguishes itself from such prior art. The innovative aspects—novel structural features or administration methods—are crucial for enforcement and future licensing.
3. Patent Family and Lifecycle
KR20180033310 likely belongs to a patent family that includes:
- Corresponding applications in other jurisdictions (e.g., PCT filings, filings in the U.S. or EU).
- Method-related patents complementing the composition claims.
- Maintenance and lifecycle management strategies, including patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates.
Legal Status and Enforcement
As of the latest available data, the patent is granted, conferring enforceable rights within Korea. The enforceability hinges on the specificity of the claims and their differentiation from prior art. An enforcement strategy should focus on alleged infringing entities producing similar formulations or methods that fall within the claims' scope.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent provides strong protection for novel compounds and formulations, enabling market exclusivity.
- Generic Manufacturers: Understanding the scope could highlight potential for patent challenges or designing around strategies.
- Legal/IP Professionals: Identifying potential infringing products or patent overlaps, and preparing for patent opposition or licensing.
Key Takeaways
- KR20180033310's claims primarily protect a specific chemical entity, formulation, or method that offers an innovative therapeutic approach or manufacturing advantage.
- The scope is likely broad to encompass various embodiments but is also narrowly tailored to avoid prior art, emphasizing distinctive structural features or formulations.
- The patent landscape in Korea is competitive, with numerous patents covering similar classes of drugs; therefore, clear differentiation is vital.
- Strategic patent portfolio management, including international filings and lifecycle extensions, can maximize commercial value.
- Legal vigilance is essential to defend against infringement and to identify potential licensing or collaboration opportunities.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation protected by KR20180033310?
The patent primarily protects a novel chemical compound and its pharmaceutical formulations designed to improve efficacy, stability, or delivery in specific therapeutic applications.
2. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
The Korean patent likely has family counterparts or related applications in other jurisdictions, reflecting a strategic approach to global patent protection in key markets.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
While the patent may cover specific compounds and formulations, competitors can explore structurally or functionally different alternatives that do not infringe the claims, subject to legality and validity.
4. What are the key factors ensuring the patent's enforceability?
Patent enforceability depends on the novelty, inventive step, and non-obviousness of the claims relative to prior art, alongside clear claim drafting and issuance procedures followed.
5. How can patent holders extend the commercial lifecycle of this drug?
Through patent term extensions, obtaining secondary patents on new formulations or uses, and leveraging regulatory exclusivity periods.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20180033310.
[2] WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications related to family members.
[3] Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical patents in Korea.
