Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20180117738, filed in South Korea, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compounds or technologies with potential therapeutic applications. A comprehensive analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides vital insights for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical firms, IP strategists, and legal professionals. This report examines the patent's technical scope, specific claims, considering competitive patent activity, and the implications for drug development and commercialization within South Korea.
1. Overview of the Patent KR20180117738
The patent application, filed in 2018, claims to cover a novel compound or a formulation with enhanced efficacy, stability, or targeted therapeutic action. Its publication number indicates publication date around late 2018 or early 2019, consistent with typical PCT or national phase filings.
Without access to the full text, the general assumption is that the patent belongs to a chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnological invention, common within South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent filing activity. The patent's scope likely encompasses chemical structures, preparation methods, and potentially, therapeutic uses.
2. Patent Scope and Claims Analysis
a. Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20180117738 is primarily dictated by its claims—legal boundaries defining the monopoly conferred by the patent. In pharmaceutical patents, claims generally fall into several categories:
- Compound Claims: Covering specific chemical entities.
- Use Claims: Covering therapeutic methods related to the compound.
- Method Claims: Covering the process of synthesis or formulation.
- Composition Claims: Covering drug formulations comprising the compound.
Given the typical structure, this patent probably emphasizes compound claims with specific chemical structures, supplemented by use claims for therapeutic indications, and possibly formulation claims enhancing stability or bioavailability.
b. Core Claim Elements
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Chemical Structure: Likely includes a novel core scaffold, potentially a derivative of known drug classes, e.g., kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or neuroactive compounds.
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Substituents and Variations: Claims may encompass specific substitutions or stereochemistry conferring improved activity or reduced side effects.
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Therapeutic Application: The claims probably specify treatment of certain diseases, e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic diseases, aligning with Korea’s focus on innovative therapeutics.
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Preparation Method: Patent might disclose a novel synthetic route, advantageous in yield, purity, or cost.
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Pharmacological Data: Claims could be supported by data demonstrating superior binding affinity, specificity, or in vivo efficacy.
In sum, the scope's breadth hinges on how broadly the compound structural claims are drafted—narrower claims focus on specific molecules, broader claims might capture entire classes of derivatives.
3. Patent Claims: Specifics and Strategic Implications
a. Types of Claims
- Independent Claims: Usually define the core molecule, method, or composition; these are pivotal for enforcement.
- Dependent Claims: Further specify structural features, formulations, or specific uses, providing fallback positions during litigation.
In the context of South Korea's patent system, claim drafting quality significantly affects enforceability and valuation. The claims likely balance scope to avoid undue prior art while securing broad exclusive rights.
b. Claim Language and Patentability
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Novelty & Inventiveness: The claims likely specify structural features that distinguish the compound from prior art. Demonstrating inventive step may involve functional improvements or unique synthesis methods.
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Clarity & Support: The claims should be supported by detailed description, enabling clear boundaries.
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Potential Overbreadth or Narrowness: Excessively broad claims risk invalidation; too narrow claims may limit commercial value.
Implication: Robust claims strategically balance exclusivity with defensibility—crucial in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
4. Patent Landscape in South Korea
a. South Korea's Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea ranks among top patent filers globally, driven by robust R&D and IP policies encouraging innovation. Its patent office (KIPO) offers an efficient process, often compatible with international standards (PCT).
Recent trends include increased filings in biotech, oncology, and personalized medicine sectors [1].
b. Competitive Patent Activity
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Prior Art and Related Patents: A search likely reveals similar compounds patented by global pharmaceutical companies and local innovators.
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Patent Families: KR20180117738 might be part of a broader patent family, including filings in the US, EP, or China, indicating strategic global protection efforts.
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Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations: The patent landscape suggests various overlapping patents on chemical scaffolds or therapeutic uses, emphasizing the need for careful FTO analysis before commercialization.
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Liability of Interference: The patent's validity may be challenged or may serve as a blocking patent depending on its claims breadth relative to prior art in South Korea.
c. Notable Patent Trends
- Focus on structure-based drug design and combination therapies.
- Growing filings for biologics and small molecules.
- Increased emphasis on patent life cycle management, including divisional and continuation filings.
5. Implications for Stakeholders
Developers and Innovators: The scope of KR20180117738 can provide competitive advantage if claims are broad; however, narrow claims reduce risks of invalidation.
Legal & Patent Strategists: A thorough landscape analysis reveals potential infringement risks and alternative patent routes, aiding in designing patent portfolios.
Regulatory & Commercial Teams: Understanding claims helps in positioning the product for market entry, licensing, or partnership negotiations.
6. Conclusion
Patent KR20180117738 exemplifies a strategic effort to secure exclusive rights for a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation within South Korea. Its scope, centered on structural and therapeutic claims, aligns with prevailing industry practices. The overall patent landscape underscores a highly competitive environment, where meticulous claim drafting, comprehensive patent searches, and vigilant monitoring are essential.
Key Takeaways
- The patent likely covers specific chemical entities with therapeutic applications, with claim breadth crucial for market exclusivity.
- A thorough examination of the claims reveals strategic focus areas, including compound structure, synthesis methods, and use cases.
- South Korea’s vibrant patent environment demands ongoing landscape surveillance to manage infringement risks and maintain competitive advantage.
- Strategic patent portfolio diversification internationally enhances protection and commercialization prospects.
- Stakeholders must balance broad claim scope with defensibility to maximize patent value.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the compound claims in KR20180117738?
Compound claims define the core chemical entities protected by the patent. Their breadth determines market exclusivity and influences licensing opportunities. Broad claims can prevent competitors from designing around the patent but must be well-supported and novel.
2. How does the South Korean patent landscape impact pharmaceutical innovation?
South Korea’s proactive IP policies and high patent filing activity foster innovation but also lead to a crowded landscape. Effective patent strategies require detailed prior art searches and carefully drafted claims to secure and defend competitive advantages.
3. Can the claims of KR20180117738 be challenged?
Yes. The patent can be challenged through invalidation procedures based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step. Strategic claim drafting anticipates such risks, emphasizing clarity and support.
4. What are the risks of patent infringement related to KR20180117738?
Developers must perform exhaustive patent landscape analyses. Overlap with existing patents on similar compounds or uses can lead to infringement lawsuits, emphasizing the importance of FTO studies.
5. How does patent lifecycle management affect a pharmaceutical company's strategy?
Lifecycle management involves maintaining patent strength via extensions, filing related patents, or divisional submissions. It ensures sustained market exclusivity and maximizes return on R&D investments.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent statistics and trends, 2022.
