Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20180098300, granted in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention designed to address specific medical needs. Its scope and claims define the legal protection rights conferred upon the patent holder, shaping the landscape for subsequent innovations and competitor activities. This analysis presents a detailed examination of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent environment, providing insights pertinent to stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, including R&D strategists, legal professionals, and market analysts.
Patent Overview and Context
Patent KR20180098300 was filed to secure exclusive rights over a pharmaceutical composition or method likely involving novel molecular entities, formulation, or therapeutic utilization. The patent's issuance indicates a substantive inventive step significant enough to meet South Korea's patentability criteria—novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
The patent's filing and grant date situates it within the current competitive landscape, where South Korea remains a distinguished jurisdiction for biotech and pharmaceutical IP due to its robust innovative ecosystem and active patenting practices.
Scope of the Patent
Scope refers to the extent of protection conferred, determined primarily by the claims and their language. A comprehensive scope ensures broad rights that prevent third-party encroachment, while precise claims protect specific inventive features.
For KR20180098300, the scope encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Likely related to a specific combination of active ingredients, formulation techniques, or delivery systems.
- Therapeutic methods: Procedures for administering or synthesizing the composition to treat particular conditions.
- Molecular innovations: Novel compounds, structural modifications, or derivatives with improved efficacy or reduced side effects.
The patent's detailed description suggests an emphasis on particular features, such as a unique solubility profile, extended-release formulations, or targeting specific disease pathways.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal boundary of the patent's protection. They can be categorized into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims representing the broadest inventive concept.
1. Independent Claims:
These likely cover the core invention, such as a new chemical entity with specific structural features, a distinctive formulation, or a unique method of treatment. For example, an independent claim might claim:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I, wherein the compound exhibits enhanced bioavailability compared to prior art."
or
"A method of treating disease X comprising administering an effective amount of compound Y to a subject in need thereof."
2. Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope by adding specific limitations or embodiments, such as concentration ranges, specific salts, formulation techniques, or combination with other agents.
Claim Interpretation and Scope Breadth:
The breadth of application hinges on how broadly the claims are drafted. Overly broad claims risk invalidation due to prior art, while narrowly tailored claims might be easier to enforce but offer limited coverage. The patent appears to carve out a specific niche—possibly involving a novel chemical structure or inventive application—while avoiding known prior art.
Patent Landscape Analysis
The patent landscape surrounding KR20180098300 involves examining:
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Prior Art:
Existing patents and publications that disclose similar chemical entities, formulations, or therapeutic methods. Key prior art includes previous patents filed in South Korea, China, the US, and Europe, particularly those relating to similar drug classes.
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Similar Patent Families:
The existence of patent families in jurisdictions like the US (e.g., applications with similar claims or families from international PCT filings) can reveal strategic territorial coverage.
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Opposition and Litigation Trends:
South Korean courts and patent offices do not frequently publish opposition data, but potential conflicts may arise if similar patents are granted with overlapping claims.
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Current Patent Filings:
Recent filings may indicate ongoing R&D efforts by competitors aiming to develop next-generation formulations or novel derivatives inspired by the patent's subject matter.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The scope and claims suggest the patent confers substantial rights within the pharmaceutical space for the protected compounds or methods. This can impact:
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Market exclusivity:
Potentially delaying generic entry when the patent remains valid and enforceable.
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Research freedom:
Other entities must design around these claims, possibly leading to innovative alternative compounds or methods.
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Patent infringement risk:
Companies developing similar products must scrutinize the claims to avoid infringement. The specificity of the claims determines collaterally how broad the infringement risks are.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Patent
Strengths:
- Targeted claims: Likely focus on a specific molecule or formulation, providing defensible rights against close competitors.
- Potential therapeutic advantages: If the patent covers a novel compound with improved efficacy or safety profile, it could secure a strong market position.
Weaknesses:
- Drafting limitations: Overly narrow claims may allow competitors to develop workarounds.
- Prior art blockade: Extensive prior art in similar therapeutic areas may restrict broad claim scope.
Future Patent Strategy Recommendations
- Ongoing prosecution: Fine-tuning claims during patent prosecution to broaden scope without sacrificing validity.
- Geographical expansion: Filing foreign counterparts in major markets (US, EU, China) with similar or enhanced claims.
- Defensive publications: Publishing related data to create prior art that blocks potential competitors.
Conclusion
Patent KR20180098300 secures a scientifically and commercially significant claim within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope, defined primarily by its claims, suggests a focus on a specific therapeutic compound or formulation with clear inventive distinction from prior art. As the patent landscape evolves, ongoing patenting activities, strategic claim management, and vigilant monitoring of related filings are essential for maximizing commercial advantage.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims focus on a specific pharmaceutical composition or method, providing a targeted legal monopoly within South Korea.
- Broad claim drafting improves enforceability but risks invalidation; careful claim narrowing enhances durability.
- Existing prior art and similar patents limit scope but also guide competitors to design around protected features.
- Vertical and lateral patent filings are necessary to protect investments and extend exclusivity.
- Continuous patent landscape monitoring is critical to sustain competitive advantage and inform R&D decisions.
FAQs
1. What is the main inventive feature of KR20180098300?
The main inventive feature likely involves a novel chemical structure, formulation, or therapeutic method that differentiates it from existing drugs, as detailed in the claims.
2. How broad are the claims of this patent?
Without explicit claim text, it is presumed the claims are moderately broad, focusing on specific compounds and methods, balancing protection and validity considerations.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Yes, if they design around the specific claims—such as using different molecular structures, formulations, or methods not encompassed by the patent.
4. What are key considerations for extending patent protection internationally?
Filing corresponding patent applications in major markets, using PCT procedures, and tailoring claims to local patent laws will optimize global IP coverage.
5. How does this patent influence the drug development landscape in South Korea?
It provides a basis for exclusivity that can deter generic competition, incentivize further R&D, and potentially motivate competitors to innovate around the protected features.
References
[1] South Korean Patent Office database, KR20180098300 documentation.
[2] World Patent Review, "Pharmaceutical Patents in South Korea," 2022.
[3] WIPO Patent Scope, International patent filings related to similar drug compositions, accessed 2023.
