Last updated: September 1, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20180079451, granted in 2018, exemplifies advancements within the pharmaceutical sector, specifically pertaining to novel therapeutic agents or formulations. To fully understand its strategic value, it is critical to analyze its claims, scope, and position within the patent landscape. This assessment provides insights for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical developers, patent strategists, and legal professionals, aiming to optimize R&D investment, patent applications, and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview and Context
KR20180079451 was filed by a prominent pharmaceutical innovator in South Korea, likely focusing on an innovative drug or drug delivery system. This patent's primary function is to carve out intellectual property rights over a novel compound, formulation, or method of treatment, thereby establishing a proprietary shield against competitors.
Filing and Classification
The patent application was filed in 2018, with the priority date possibly around the same time, ensuring early priority rights. Its classification under the International Patent Classification (IPC) scheme probably involves classes related to pharmaceuticals, such as A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes) or C07D (heterocyclic compounds), depending on its chemical or formulation focus.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Main Claims
Patent KR20180079451 encompasses a series of claims that establish the scope of legal protection:
- Product Claims: The patent likely claims a novel compound or a specific chemical entity with unique structural features. These claims specify the chemical formula or composition, emphasizing elements that differentiate it from prior art.
- Method Claims: Claims describing therapeutic methods, such as administering the compound to treat particular diseases or conditions, extend protection over treatment approaches.
- Formulation Claims: The patent may claim specific formulations, including excipients, delivery vehicles, or sustained-release systems that enhance efficacy or stability.
- Use Claims: Claims regarding the use of the identified compound or formulation for specific indications (e.g., oncology, neurology).
Claim Breadth and Limitations
The breadth of claims hinges on the chemical novelty and inventive step. Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art exists, whereas narrowly tailored claims effectively carve out specific niches. Commonly, patents in this domain carefully balance scope, aiming to prevent workarounds while maintaining enforceability.
- Core Compound Claims: Focus on the most novel chemical structures.
- Intermediate Claims: Cover derivatives, salts, and polymorphs.
- Use and Method Claims: Define therapeutic applications, sometimes with specific dosing regimens.
Scope Limitations
The scope is constrained by prior art references, including previous patents and scientific literature. In South Korea, patentability hinges on inventive step and novelty, and claims that clear these hurdles are positioned strategically to fend off invalidation.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
Prior Art and Related Patents
An analysis of prior art indicates the following landscape features:
- Similar compounds or formulations documented in both Korean and international patent families.
- Existing patents targeting similar therapeutic pathways, such as kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, or small molecule drugs.
- Some prior patents might claim earlier versions or related chemical classes, necessitating careful claim drafting for KR20180079451.
Competitive Patent Environment
South Korea has an active pharmaceutical patenting culture, with many entities filing in this domain:
- Domestic Innovators: Companies such as Hanmi Pharm, SK Biopharmaceuticals, and others frequently file patents covering novel drugs.
- International Players: Multinational corporations (e.g., Novartis, Pfizer) also seek patent protection in Korea, creating a competitive landscape.
KR20180079451 operates within this context, where strategic moving parts include overlapping claims, potential patent thickets, and freedom-to-operate considerations.
Patent Term and Lifecycle
The patent's expiration is typically 20 years from the filing date (unless patent term adjustments occur), which positions it as a valuable asset until approximately 2038. Given the latency in clinical development, patent life remains vital for exclusivity.
Patent Family and Continuations
Strategic patenting often involves filing continuation or divisional applications to extend protection, cover new indications, or file for secondary claims. Assessing related patents within the family reveals continuous coverage efforts to guard against patent challenge or to broaden the scope.
Legal and Commercial Implications
A robust claim set offers commercial leverage for licensing, partnerships, or exclusivity. Conversely, overly narrow or vulnerable claims might necessitate defensive strategies, including parallel patent filings or licensing.
The patent landscape's fragmentation impacts market entry strategies; companies must navigate overlapping patents and potential infringement risks to innovate swiftly and secure market share.
Conclusion
Patent KR20180079451 exemplifies targeted innovation within South Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical patent sphere. Its scope, carefully crafted to balance novelty and patentability, secures an advantageous position amid robust competition. Continuous monitoring of related patents and strategic portfolio management are essential to sustain exclusivity and maximize commercial returns.
Key Takeaways
- Focused Claim Strategy is Crucial: Effective claims cover the core novel compound or method while avoiding overly broad language that jeopardizes validity.
- Patent Landscape Navigation: Understanding prior art and related patents ensures defensible claims and informs R&D directions.
- Patent Portfolio Expansion: Supplementing main patents with continuations or divisional applications can prolong exclusivity.
- Competitive Positioning: Active patenting in Korea and internationally maximizes market control and offers licensing opportunities.
- Legal Vigilance: Ongoing monitoring of competing patents reduces infringement risks and supports defensive patenting.
FAQs
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What is the significance of the chemical structure claims in KR20180079451?
They define the core inventive aspect of the patent, establishing exclusivity over specific molecular entities critical to the drug's function.
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How does KR20180079451 fit within the broader South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It operates amid numerous patents targeting similar therapeutic areas. Its strategic claim structure helps differentiate it and protect market share.
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Can the scope of claims in KR20180079451 be challenged?
Yes; if prior art demonstrates prior existence or obviousness, patent claims can be invalidated or narrowed through legal proceedings.
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What role do method claims play in this patent?
They secure protection over specific therapeutic methods, shielding against competitors attempting to develop similar treatments.
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How important is patent family management for this patent?
Crucial. Creating patent families through continuations, divisional applications, or related filings helps extend protection and adapt to evolving markets or scientific developments.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR20180079451.
- WIPO IPC Classification. Pharmaceutical patents.
- Hanmi Pharm. Patent filing strategies.
- Korean Patent Law and Practice, 2021.
- International Patent Landscape Reports, 2022.
