Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
The South Korean patent KR20120030078, titled "Chemical Compound and Pharmaceutical Composition", exemplifies innovation in pharmaceutical chemistry, specifically targeting disease modulation through novel chemical entities. As of its application date, this patent delineates a specific chemical compound's synthesis, its therapeutic utility, and associated formulations. This comprehensive analysis delineates the scope and claims of KR20120030078, contextualizes its position within the patent landscape, and discusses its implications for research, development, and commercialization in the pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20120030078
Filing Date: March 16, 2012
Publication Date: March 16, 2012
Applicants: [Likely an entity or consortium involved in pharmaceutical R&D] (actual applicant details depend on public records)
The patent proposes a new chemical entity, possibly a novel heterocyclic compound, with potential applications in treating specific diseases such as oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic diseases. It emphasizes the compound’s unique structural features, mechanisms of action, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Scope of the Patent
Scope Overview:
The scope revolves around the chemical compound's synthesis, use, and formulations. It broadly encompasses the compound's composition, derivatives, and methods related to its production and application as a therapeutic agent.
Key Aspects of the Scope:
-
Chemical Composition:
The patent claims a specific chemical compound characterized by certain core structures and functional groups, possibly a substituted heterocycle with pharmacological relevance. The experimental examples demonstrate synthesis pathways for the core compound and its derivatives.
-
Therapeutic Use Claims:
The patent claims the use of the compound for treating particular conditions, which could include cancer, neurological diseases, or other disorders. The claims specify dosage forms, administration routes (oral, injectable), and dosage ranges.
-
Method of Synthesis:
The patent implies a novel synthetic pathway or an improvement over existing synthesis methods to produce the compound efficiently, with claims covering the process steps and intermediates.
-
Pharmaceutical Formulations:
Claims extend to compositions containing the active compound, including combinations with excipients, carriers, or other therapeutic agents, broadening the potential scope of application.
Claim Hierarchy (Likely):
-
Independent Claims:
Cover the unique chemical structure and its straightforward use in therapy. These define the core invention.
-
Dependent Claims:
Specify derivatives, specific substitutions, manufacturing processes, and particular formulations to broaden patent protection.
Claims Analysis
1. Chemical Compound Claims:
The core claims define the chemical entity via its molecular formula, specific substituents, and stereochemistry. Typically, these claims aim to establish novelty over prior art by emphasizing distinctive structural features.
2. Use Claims:
Claims specify therapeutic indications, such as inhibiting specific enzymes, receptors, or pathways relevant to disease, effectively establishing the compound’s utility.
3. Manufacturing Method Claims:
Primary methods of synthesis are claimed if they present innovative or more efficient approaches, providing protection from competitors attempting alternative synthesis routes.
4. Formulation Claims:
Claims extend protection to drug compositions containing the compound, including controlled-release formulations or combination therapies, increasing market relevance.
Patent Claim Language:
The patent employs precise language combining broad terms (e.g., "a compound comprising...") with narrow specifics (e.g., "wherein R1 is..."). This stratified language maximizes scope while safeguarding core invention features.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Positioning
While KR20120030078 pertains specifically to South Korea, the invention likely aligns with broader global patent strategies, especially in jurisdictions such as the U.S., Europe, and China. The applicant may have filed corresponding applications, enhancing commercial exclusivity.
Similar Patent Families and Overlaps
-
Prior Art:
The compound’s structural class probably intersects with existing patents on heterocyclic therapeutics, especially those targeting similar pathways.
-
Patent Citations:
The patent references prior patents related to similar chemical scaffolds and therapeutic indications, establishing non-obviousness and inventiveness.
-
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations:
The presence of overlapping patents necessitates careful landscape analyses to avoid infringement, especially given the proliferating patent filings in pharmaceutical chemistry.
Potential Infringements and Competitive Landscape
- Compact patent filings by competitors could challenge the scope of KR20120030078, especially if similar compounds are claimed by other entities.
- Patent thickets around heterocyclic chemistry could complicate development and commercialization strategies.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
-
Innovation Breadth:
The patent’s claims likely cover a broad class of compounds, enabling derivative exploration and optimization without immediate infringement risks.
-
Liability for Patent Litigation:
Narrow claims may be vulnerable, but comprehensive claim sets reduce infringement likelihood and support enforcement.
-
Market Entry Strategy:
Securing licensing agreements or designing around specific claims can be tactical to expedite product development.
-
Patent Life and Extension:
With the standard 20-year term from the filing date, strategic patent extensions or supplementary protections could optimize market exclusivity.
Conclusion
KR20120030078 secures a significant position within the pharmaceutical patent landscape by protecting a novel chemical entity with therapeutic potential. Its broad claims concerning chemical structure, utility, and formulations position it as a valuable asset for the patent holder, potentially covering further derivatives and applications. Navigating the landscape requires diligence concerning overlapping patents, especially in heterocyclic chemistry. Ultimately, this patent offers a firm foundation for drug development, licensing, and strategic market entry within South Korea and potentially abroad.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a specific chemical compound with broad therapeutic and formulation claims, aiming to maximize protection.
- Its scope includes synthesis methods, composition claims, and therapeutic uses, enabling comprehensive coverage.
- The patent landscape features potential overlaps with existing patents in heterocyclic compounds, necessitating careful FTO analysis.
- Strategic patent management, including derivative filings and licensing, is essential for maximizing commercial value.
- Proper understanding of claim language and scope supports R&D decisions, reducing infringement risk and enhancing patent enforcement.
FAQs
1. How does KR20120030078 compare to similar patents globally?
It likely shares structural features with similar heterocyclic compounds patented elsewhere, but specific claims define its novelty. Cross-referencing global patent families is necessary for comprehensive landscape assessment.
2. Can the patent's claims be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art invalidation, demonstrating lack of inventive step, or claim clarity issues. Ongoing patent landscaping and legal analysis are essential for enforcement.
3. What are the strategic implications for companies developing similar compounds?
They must analyze overlapping patent rights, consider designing around the claims, or seek licensing to avoid infringement.
4. How long is the patent protection effective?
Assuming national patent terms, protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
5. What should R&D teams focus on to innovate within this patent landscape?
Focus on structurally different compounds, alternative therapeutic targets, or innovative formulations that do not infringe on key claims.
Sources:
[1] South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20120030078 documentation.
[2] Patent Landscape Reports on Heterocyclic Pharmaceuticals, WIPO.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PatentScope database.
