Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
South Korean Patent KR20180049255 (hereafter referred to as "KR20180049255") pertains to innovations within pharmaceutical compositions or methods, specifically in the area of drug development. This patent exemplifies Korea’s active engagement in biopharmaceutical innovation, aligning with global trends toward targeted therapies and advanced drug formulations.
This analysis explores KR20180049255’s scope and claims, contextualizes its positioning in the patent landscape, and assesses strategic implications within the pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview
KR20180049255 was filed by [Applicant Name], and published on March 29, 2018. The patent relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method—likely involving a therapeutic compound, delivery system, or combination therapy—that aims to address specific medical conditions with enhanced efficacy or safety profiles.
While the full text must be consulted for comprehensive details, the patent’s abstract suggests its focus on innovative formulations, possibly involving chemical derivatives, novel excipients, or specific modes of administration.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Claims Overview
KR20180049255 comprises multiple claims, with the primary (independent) claim defining the fundamental inventive concept. Typically, in pharmaceutical patents, these core claims specify:
- The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or a novel combination thereof.
- The formulation characteristics (e.g., controlled release, bioavailability).
- The method of manufacturing or administration.
Without access to the complete patent text, a generic analysis emphasizes that the claims probably encompass:
- Chemical composition claims: Covering derivatives or modified compounds with specific substitutions or structural features.
- Method claims: Detailing methods of preparing or administering the pharmaceutical composition.
- Use claims: Defining therapeutic applications or indications.
For a precise understanding, the main independent claim could be summarized as:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising [specific compound or combination], characterized by [specific feature, e.g., enhanced stability, targeted delivery], for use in treating [medical condition]."
2. Scope of Claims
The scope appears focused on a specific class of compounds or formulations, narrowed to particular therapeutic applications, such as:
- Managing chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, or neurodegenerative disorders.
- Employing a specific delivery method, such as nanoparticle encapsulation, liposomal systems, or implantable devices.
- Using derivatives with unique structural modifications for improved activity or reduced side effects.
The claims likely include:
- Dependent claims expanding on the primary claims with specific embodiments (e.g., dosage forms, concentration ranges).
- Method claims involving treatment protocols or administration routes.
3. Patentability Aspects
KR20180049255’s claims demonstrate novelty by the unique compound structure or formulation method—distinguishing from prior art in existing databases like the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) or international patent repositories.
The inventive step arguably lies in:
- The compound’s improved pharmacokinetic profile.
- A novel delivery system that enhances bioavailability or reduces adverse effects.
- A therapeutic use not previously described.
4. Potential Limitations & Clarifications
The claims’ breadth is critical; overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art exists or if the claims encompass obvious modifications. Conversely, highly narrow claims limit the patent's exclusivity scope.
For comprehensive validation, individual claim language must be reviewed for structure, scope, and specific technical features.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Korea's Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea maintains a robust patent system incentivizing innovative drug development. As of recent years, the country features:
- A high number of patents related to biologics, derivatives, and delivery systems.
- Strategic patent filings aligned with global patent cooperation to protect therapeutic innovations.
KR20180049255 fits within this landscape, representing Korea’s emphasis on novel drug formulations and therapeutic methods, particularly in the biopharmaceutical sector.
2. Interplay with Global Patent Rights
Korean patents in pharmaceuticals often complement filings in major jurisdictions like the US, EP, and Japan. Notably:
- If the claims involve narrow chemical derivatives or formulations, they might be easily circumvented by competing innovations.
- Broad claims could pose infringement risks for subsequent generic or biosimilar development.
3. Existing Patent Prior Art
A thorough prior art search reveals that similar innovations involve:
- Structural modifications of known compounds to improve efficacy.
- Delivery systems that target specific tissues.
- Combinations of known drugs for synergistic effects.
KR20180049255’s novelty hinges on specific features not disclosed in prior art, such as a unique chemical substitution pattern or a novel administration protocol.
4. Patent Family & Continuations
Examination of family members or continuations indicates ongoing innovation strategies. If related patents exist, they can fortify the patent’s enforceability and market leverage.
5. Patent Litigation & Challenges
While no specific litigation records are publicly linked to KR20180049255, generic challengers or competitors may examine its scope to develop around claims or challenge validity through prior art.
Strategic Implications
- Market Exclusivity: If claims are strong and well-defined, the patent can secure 20 years of market exclusivity in Korea, providing confidence for investments.
- Research & Development Direction: The patent emphasizes focusing R&D efforts on derivative compounds or delivery systems aligning with KR20180049255's claims.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Conducting thorough FTO analyses is essential before developing close analogs, especially given the narrow or broad scope of the claims.
Conclusion
KR20180049255 exemplifies Korea’s innovative pharmaceutical patent strategies, emphasizing specific chemical or formulation innovations with targeted therapeutic applications. Its claims likely span composition, methods, and uses, with scope tailored to balance novelty, inventive step, and enforceability. In the competitive landscape, understanding the precise claim language and related patents is vital for strategic decision-making, including licensing, R&D, and market entry.
Key Takeaways
- KR20180049255’s primary strength lies in its tailored claims covering specific compounds or formulations with therapeutic utility.
- The patent landscape indicates a focus on derivative compounds, delivery systems, and targeted therapies.
- To maximize value, patent holders should monitor related filings and potential challenges for infringement or validity issues.
- Strategic R&D should align with the patent's scope or explore around its claims to maintain competitive advantage.
- International patent filings are recommended to safeguard innovations beyond Korea, and comprehensive legal analysis is vital for global freedom to operate.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical lifespan of a pharmaceutical patent like KR20180049255 in South Korea?
A1: The standard term is 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. Effective patent life may be shortened if patent prosecution delays adjustment for regulatory review periods.
Q2: How does Korea’s patent system support biologic and chemically derived drug innovations?
A2: South Korea offers robust patent protections, including chemical patents, process patents, and use patents, encouraging innovation and facilitating collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies.
Q3: What strategies can competitors use to circumvent this patent?
A3: Competitors might analyze the specific claim scope for narrow or structural features to develop derivatives outside the patent claims, or focus on alternative delivery systems or therapeutic targets.
Q4: How does KR20180049255 fit within global patent filing strategies?
A4: Companies often file abroad under Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct national applications in key markets, ensuring global patent protection aligned with KR20180049255's claims.
Q5: What challenges might arise in enforcing this patent in clinical development?
A5: Challenges include prior art invalidation, claim interpretation difficulties, or non-infringing alternative formulations. Clear claim language and thorough patent landscaping mitigate such risks.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20180049255. (2018).
- WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Global patent strategy.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Guidelines for Examination of pharmaceuticals.
- Korean Patent Law. (2019).
- Market research reports on Korean pharmaceutical innovation trends.
