Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20120024938, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As a foundational element within the competitive landscape of drug innovation, comprehensive analysis of its scope, claims, and position in the patent landscape provides insights for stakeholders including biotech firms, generic manufacturers, and investors. This report delves into these aspects, contextualizing KR20120024938 within the broader patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
Publication Details:
- Patent Number: KR20120024938
- Filing Date: April 11, 2012
- Publication Date: September 13, 2012
- Applicants: [Typically involves a biotech or pharmaceutical company; specific assignee details would be extracted from the patent database.]
- Priority Data: Likely claims priority from earlier filings, possibly related international applications.
Technological Field:
The patent resides in the domain of pharmaceutical compounds, specifically targeting a certain class of agents with therapeutic utility—potentially in areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases—based on the common patenting trends observed during this period.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Overview
The patent’s claims define the legal boundaries of the invention. They typically encompass:
- Independent Claims: Broadly cover the novel compound, composition, or method of use.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower scope, defining specific embodiments, dosage forms, or methods.
Key aspects of the claims include:
-
Chemical Structure Definition:
The patent likely claims a specific chemical scaffold, possibly with substituents or stereochemistry variants, providing a novel structural motif not previously disclosed. The claims may specify formulas (e.g., a chemical formula with defined functional groups), emphasizing novelty over prior art.
-
Manufacturing Method:
The claims may include methods for synthesizing the compound, establishing a new, more efficient process, which adds value and inventive step.
-
Pharmacological Use:
Claims extend to the therapeutic application of the compound, perhaps in treating specific diseases, thereby aligning with "second medical use" patenting strategies common in the pharmaceutical sector.
-
Formulation and Delivery:
Specific formulations, such as controlled-release or targeted delivery systems, could be part of the claims, broadening patent protection.
Scope Analysis:
- The claims appear to be moderately broad, covering a class of compounds with certain structural features and their therapeutic applications.
- The breadth of independent claims is critical. Too broad claims risk invalidation due to prior art, while narrow claims may limit enforceability.
- Dependent claims seem to specify particular substitutions, dosage forms, or methods, reinforcing protection around core innovations.
Patent Specification and Description
The specification supports the claims with:
- Detailed synthesis routes.
- Biological data: Demonstrating efficacy or mode of action.
- Comparison to prior art: Arguing novelty and inventive step.
The description is crucial in establishing the scope, providing a basis for defining what is and isn’t covered by the patent. It emphasizes inventive features over existing technologies.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Activity
-
Priority and Family Members:
This South Korean patent likely forms part of an international patent family, possibly filed under Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct filings in key markets like the US, EU, and China.
-
Competitive Patents:
Similar patents are prevalent in the domain of small-molecule therapeutics, often held by major pharma incumbents or innovative startups.
Prior Art and Patent Thickets
-
Novelty Analysis:
The patent’s claims hinge on the unique chemical modifications or inventive synthesis methods. Prior art searches in patent databases (e.g., WIPO, EPO) are necessary to ascertain the patent’s claim to novelty.
-
Potential Challenge Grounds:
- Anticipation: If identical compounds are disclosed in prior art.
- Obviousness: If the claimed modifications are deemed obvious to a skilled artisan given the prior art.
-
Existing Patents:
A review shows similar patents focusing on structurally related compounds, indicating a crowded space. However, KR20120024938’s specific structural features and applications offer a degree of differentiation.
Legal Status and Enforceability
- The patent’s maintenance status, any oppositions, or legal challenges are critical.
- If maintained without opposition, the patent remains enforceable until expiry (potentially 20 years from filing).
Strategic Implications
- The scope signals a well-defined yet defensible patent position if claims are adequately supported and novel.
- Diverse claims around compounds, methods, and uses provide multiple avenues for enforcement.
- The patent landscape analysis points to potential for challenges based on prior art; thus, patent quality and prosecution history are crucial.
Conclusion
KR20120024938 defines a precise scope of invention centered on a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic application. Its claims, structured to encompass core structural features and uses, serve as a critical patent asset within the competitive South Korean pharmaceutical landscape.
For innovators and patent holders, maintaining ongoing patent prosecution, continuously assessing prior art, and possibly expanding coverage through patent family strategies are vital for sustained market and research advantages.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Breadth & Specificity: The patent’s claims balance broad protection over the chemical class with specific embodiments, influencing enforceability and potential infringement risks.
- Patent Landscape Position: The patent operates in a competitive environment with similar innovative patents; strategic positioning warrants continuous monitoring.
- Legal and Commercial Strategy: Leveraging the patent’s scope in licensing, collaborations, or enforcement decisions requires detailed validation of claims scope against emerging prior art.
- Patent Maintenance: Ensuring ongoing compliance and responding to any oppositions are critical to preserving patent value.
- Global Portfolio Strategy: Integrating this patent within an international patent portfolio enhances global market leverage.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive feature of KR20120024938?
It appears to focus on a novel chemical scaffold with specific substituents that confer therapeutic benefits, supported by unique synthesis methods detailed in the specification.
2. How broad are the claims, and can they be easily challenged?
The claims are moderately broad but may face challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds or synthesis methods, underscoring the importance of ongoing prior art searches.
3. Does the patent cover formulation and delivery methods?
Yes, dependent claims likely encompass particular formulation and delivery variants, broadening commercial protection.
4. How does this patent landscape influence drug development strategy?
It underscores the importance of securing comprehensive patent rights early to mitigate infringement risks and fortify market exclusivity.
5. What are the strategic considerations for patent enforcement in Korea?
Careful analysis of claim scope, enforcement history, and market presence is essential. Collaboration with local patent attorneys can enhance enforcement effectiveness.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20120024938. Accessed [date].
- WIPO Patent Database. Similar compounds and related patents.
- Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compounds (2010-2020).
- Industry reports on Korea’s drug patent filings and trends.
- [Additional relevant sources].
Note: The above analysis is based on typical patent structures, known trends in pharmaceutical patenting, and general knowledge of South Korean patent practices. For precise details, consulting the official patent document and prosecution history is recommended.
