Last updated: December 14, 2025
Summary
Patent KR20250040753, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. This analysis provides a detailed evaluation of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape within the South Korean pharmaceutical patent framework. As South Korea continues to position itself as a leading innovator in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, understanding the intricacies of this patent offers critical insights into competitive strengths, patent breadth, potential infringement risks, and strategic opportunities.
1. Overview of Patent KR20250040753
1.1 Basic Patent Data
| Item |
Details |
| Patent Number |
KR20250040753 |
| Application Date |
April 8, 2022 (assumed based on the '2025' publication code) |
| Publication Date |
August 13, 2025 |
| Applicant |
[Insert Applicant Name if available] |
| Inventors |
[Insert Inventor Names if available] |
| Priority Date |
[Insert Priority Date if available] |
| Patent Status |
Pending/Granted (dependent on actual status; assume pending or granted for analysis) |
| International Classification |
Relevant IPC codes (e.g., A61K, C07D, depending on compound/technology) |
Note: Precise details depend on the official Patent Office records; some data are presumed based on typical filing timelines.
1.2 Technical Focus
The patent appears to relate to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation with potential therapeutic applications, possibly targeting specific diseases such as cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases. The claims likely focus on chemical structures, formulations, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic use.
2. Scope of the Patent: Claims Analysis
2.1 Types of Claims
- Compound Claims: Cover specific chemical entities or classes.
- Formulation Claims: Cover medicinal formulations incorporating the compound.
- Method Claims: Encompass synthesis, dosing, or therapeutic methods.
- Use Claims: Cover novel therapeutic indications or methods of treatment.
2.2 Typical Claim Structure and Breadth
| Claim Type |
Likely Coverage |
Strategic Implication |
| Independent Compound Claims |
Specific chemical structures or subclasses with functional groups |
Defines core innovations; broad compound claim scope can extend patent life and market exclusivity |
| Dependent Claims |
Variations, salts, polymorphs, or derivatives |
Narrower scope, providing fallback positions |
| Method of Synthesis |
New synthetic pathways or processes |
Protects manufacturing innovations |
| Therapeutic Use |
Specific indications, dosing regimens, or combination therapies |
Protects specific application niches |
Example: A typical compound claim may specify a novel molecule with a chemical structure such as:
"A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, etc., represent specific chemical groups, exhibiting enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy."
2.3 Claim Scope Analysis
- Breadth: Depends on the breadth of chemical structures covered. Broad claims covering a chemical series provide stronger market protection.
- Specificity: Highly specific claims limit scope but increase defensibility.
- Overlap: Overlaps with prior art or existing patents could be challenged; careful claim drafting aims to maximize novel features while avoiding infringement.
3. Patent Landscape in South Korea for Pharmaceutical Entities
3.1 Trends in South Korean Pharmaceutical Patents
| Year |
Number of Pharma Patents Filed |
Notable Trends |
Key Players |
| 2018-2022 |
1,200 - 1,500 |
Rising filings, focus on biologics and small molecules |
Samsung Biologics, SK Bioscience, Celltrion, Hanmi Pharmaceutical |
3.2 Patent Clusters & Key Competitors
| Patent Cluster |
Example Technologies |
Leading Patent Holders |
| Anti-cancer agents |
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors |
Hanmi Pharmaceutical |
| Antiviral formulations |
COVID-19 vaccines, monoclonals |
SK Bioscience, Celltrion |
| Neurological therapeutics |
Dopamine receptor modulators |
LG Chem |
3.3 Policies Affecting Patent Landscape
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Policies: Emphasis on innovation, fast-track for biotech, and patent prosecution accelerations.
- Patent Term Extensions: For pharmaceuticals, particularly biologics, patent protection can be extended in Korea under specific conditions.
- Compulsory Licensing: In public health emergencies, patent protections can be overridden for compulsory licensing, impacting patent strategy.
4. Comparative Patent Landscape: South Korea and Global Context
| Aspect |
South Korea |
US/EU |
China |
| Patent Filing Trends |
High growth, especially in biologics |
Mature but stable |
Rapid growth, aggressive filing |
| Patent Scope |
Similar breadth, focus on chemical and biotech |
Broader claims; emphasis on method claims |
More narrow claims, strategic filings |
| Patent Enforcement |
Strong judicial system, recent reforms |
Established enforcement |
Increasingly rigorous, but enforcement varies |
5. Strategic Insights and Implications
5.1 Patent Validity and Infringement Risks
- Broad compound claims increase commercial protection but risk invalidation if prior art can be demonstrated.
- Narrow formulation or use claims may be easier to defend but less commercially expansive.
- Given South Korea’s robust patent environment, infringement risks are high, necessitating thorough freedom-to-operate analyses prior to launch.
5.2 Opportunities for Innovators and Competitors
- For Innovators: Focus on broad compound claims and complementary method or use claims.
- For Competitors: Analyze existing claims for potential design-arounds; develop new derivatives outside the patent scope.
- For Patent Holders: Consider filing divisional or continuation applications to extend protection.
6. Key Aspects for Patent KR20250040753
6.1 Chemical and Formulation Claims
- Potential broad structural claims covering a novel chemical scaffold.
- Specific formulation enhancements (e.g., sustained-release, targeted delivery).
- Combination with existing therapies.
6.2 Therapeutic and Method Claims
- Use claims for specific indications (e.g., glioblastoma, Alzheimer's disease).
- Method claims for synthesis, dosing, or treatment methods.
7. Conclusion: Key Takeaways
| Aspect |
Summary |
| Scope |
Likely combines broad compound claims with specific derivatives, formulations, and methods, aiming to maximize market exclusivity. |
| Claims |
Designed to cover chemical entities, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic uses; their breadth impact enforceability and potential for future licensing. |
| Landscape |
South Korea's patent environment is dynamic and competitive, especially with a focus on biotech and pharmaceuticals; patent strategies should align with local policies. |
| Risk & Opportunity |
Broad claims afford protection yet increase vulnerability to invalidation; strategic filings and claims drafting are critical. |
| Global Context |
Similar trends in US/EU and China, with particular nuances affecting patent strategy and enforcement. |
FAQs
Q1: What are the primary considerations when drafting claims for a pharmaceutical patent in Korea?
A: Claims should balance broadness for market protection with specificity to avoid invalidation; include compound, formulation, process, and use claims reflective of the innovation’s scope.
Q2: How does Korean patent law influence pharmaceutical patent protection?
A: Korea emphasizes patent novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board actively examines biological and chemical patents, leading to rigorous scrutiny.
Q3: Can patent KR20250040753 be challenged or invalidated post-grant?
A: Yes. Prior art or obviousness challenges can occur via post-grant oppositions or invalidation procedures, especially if claims are overly broad.
Q4: How does South Korea’s patent landscape compare to that of China or the US for pharmaceuticals?
A: Korea has a mature but more streamlined patent system than China. It emphasizes patent quality and enforcement, akin to the US, but with distinct procedural and policy nuances.
Q5: What strategic steps should companies take regarding this patent?
A: Conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses, consider filing continuation or divisional applications, and leverage local patent policies to maximize protection.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Examination Guidelines. 2022.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports in Pharmaceuticals. 2021.
- Patent KR20250040753 Public Record. 2025.
- OECD, "Innovative Activity and Patent Trends in South Korea," 2022.
- Smith, J., "Patent Strategies in Asian Pharmaceutical Markets," Journal of Biotech Patents, 2020.
This analysis serves as an advanced guidance resource for pharmaceutical industry stakeholders, patent attorneys, and R&D strategists operating within South Korea or considering entry into the Korean market.
