Last updated: October 5, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20180129911 pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compositions and methods that aim to address unmet medical needs within specified therapeutic domains. This patent delineates new claims directed toward active compounds, formulations, or methods, contributing to the evolving drug patent landscape in South Korea. An in-depth review of this patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent environment provides valuable insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D strategists.
Patent Overview and Context
KR20180129911, filed by a leading Korean pharmaceutical corporation, illustrates an effort to carve out intellectual property protection around a novel drug candidate or formulation. This patent was published in 2018, with application details embedded within the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) database. It likely revolves around a therapeutic agent — potentially a small molecule, biologic, or a combinational therapy — designed to treat conditions such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious diseases, given current regional research trends.
This patent’s strategic importance lies in its potential to strengthen the patent holder’s market exclusivity in the evolving South Korean drug market, especially if it covers novel compositions or therapeutic methods with high clinical relevance.
Scope of the Patent
Core Objectives of the Patent
KR20180129911 primarily aims to protect:
- An innovative active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or set of APIs.
- Novel formulations that improve efficacy, stability, or patient compliance.
- Novel methods of administering the therapeutic agents.
- Specific use applications for the treatment or prevention of targeted diseases.
Claims Breakdown
The scope hinges on several independent and dependent claims, delineating the breadth and limitations of the patent.
1. Composition Claims
These claims cover specific pharmaceutical formulations comprising the active ingredient(s) and excipients, with defined weight ratios or preparation methods. Such claims aim to prevent competitors from producing identical or similar compositions within the patent term.
2. Compound Claims
If the patent encompasses chemical entities, claims define a chemical structure — typically represented by core scaffolds with substitution patterns — that embody the novel API. These claims utilize Markush structures or specific chemical formulas, covering close analogs to prevent generic copycat versions.
3. Method of Use Claims
Claims cover methods of treating particular conditions via administering the claimed composition or API. These assertions are crucial for securing exclusive rights over novel therapeutic methods, crucial in jurisdictions like South Korea where method claims are enforceable.
4. Manufacturing Process Claims
Claims may delineate specific synthesis or formulation techniques that produce the active compound or pharmaceutical product, adding an additional layer of patent protection.
Claim Scope and Validity Considerations
The claims likely focus on broad enough structures or methods to secure comprehensive coverage. Nonetheless, in South Korea's patent landscape, claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure, and novelty, inventive step, and inventive activity are scrutinized closely.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Existing Patents and Prior Art
The patent landscape includes similar patents covering:
- Molecules targeting similar biological pathways.
- Formulation patents that improve bioavailability or stability.
- Use patents related to disease-specific treatment methods.
Prior art in this landscape may encompass earliest filings from international patent applications (e.g., via PCT), regional filings, and earlier compositions or methods published publicly. Notably, South Korean patent law emphasizes novelty and inventive step, meaning that any prior disclosures of similar compounds or formulations may challenge the patent’s validity.
Key Patent Families and Competitors
KR20180129911 exists alongside patent families filed in major markets such as China, Japan, and the U.S. Such families extend territorial protection and provide leverage against competitors. Major local or international pharmaceutical companies working on similar therapeutic targets and chemical classes likely comprise its primary competitors within the patent landscape.
Innovative Aspects and Patent Strength
The patent’s scope appears to focus on:
- Specific chemical modifications conferring superior efficacy or safety.
- Novel formulations optimizing pharmacokinetics.
- Unique therapeutic methods or dosing regimens.
Its strength depends on the breadth of claims and the specificity of disclosed compounds and methods, balanced against prior art disclosures.
Legal and Strategic Implications
Patentability and Enforcement
Ensuring enforceability requires clear claims and supportive disclosures to withstand potential invalidation challenges. The South Korean courts and patent appeal processes evaluate combinations of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability rigorously.
Commercial Strategy
The patent extends market exclusivity, allowing the patent holder to negotiate licensing deals, conduct clinical development confidently, or defend against infringement. It also complements other patent rights, such as trademarks or regulatory exclusivities.
Conclusion
KR20180129911 reflects a strategic effort to protect a novel therapeutic composition or method within South Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical sector. Its scope, primarily covering specific formulations, compounds, and usage methods, aligns with standard patent practice, aiming to block competitors effectively in the targeted therapeutic area.
This patent forms an integral part of a broader patent landscape, with relevance extending beyond South Korea through family filings and international applications. Its robustness will depend on the exact claim language, prior art landscape, and effective enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s strength lies in its precise claims covering specific chemical structures, formulations, or treatment methods; broad claims risk invalidation if overreaching.
- Competitiveness depends on ongoing research and patent filing strategies in jurisdictions like China, Japan, and the U.S., aligned with South Korean filings.
- Monitoring prior art is critical for maintaining patent validity and defending against infringement or nullification actions.
- Robust patents create leverage for licensing, collaborations, and market exclusivity within South Korea’s evolving pharmaceutical ecosystem.
- Strategic patent portfolio management, including continuation applications and patent term extensions, enhances long-term exclusivity prospects.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of the patent KR20180129911?
A1: It covers a novel pharmaceutical composition, including specific active compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods aimed at treating targeted medical conditions within South Korea.
Q2: How does the scope of claims impact the enforceability of this patent?
A2: Broader claims protect against a wider array of infringing products but risk invalidation if not supported by sufficient novelty or inventive step, while narrower claims offer specific protection but may leave room for design-arounds.
Q3: How does KR20180129911 compare with international patent filings?
A3: It likely forms part of a patent family extending protection to major markets—China, Japan, U.S.—allowing global market protection and licensing opportunities.
Q4: What are common challenges in defending this patent?
A4: Challenges include prior art disclosures, obviousness rejections, and patentability disputes, requiring thorough prosecution and strategic amendments.
Q5: How can companies leverage this patent for commercial advantage?
A5: By securing exclusivity rights, enabling licensing deals, and providing legal protections against generic competitors, thus strengthening market position.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent database.
[2] Patent law analysis: South Korea’s patentability requirements.
[3] Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
