Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20120034631, filed on March 2, 2012, and published on September 19, 2013, pertains to innovations in pharmaceutical compounds and their methods of use. This patent exemplifies Korea's strategic focus on developing novel therapeutics, especially within the infectious disease and oncology sectors, reflecting a burgeoning biomedical innovation environment. A comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape illuminates its significance for patent strategies, competitive positioning, and R&D investments.
Patent Overview
KR20120034631 is classified under the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent classification system primarily related to pharmaceuticals, medicinal preparations, or compounds. The core of the patent involves novel chemical entities with specific therapeutic attributes, potentially including indications such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic conditions.
While detailed claims are proprietary, typical claims encompass:
- Compound claims: Novel chemical molecules, possibly derivatives or analogues.
- Use claims: Methods of treating specific diseases using the compounds.
- Process claims: Preparative methods for synthesizing the compounds.
The patent’s priority and priority documents suggest focuses on optimizing bioavailability, reducing side effects, or targeting specific molecular pathways.
Scope of Claims
1. Chemical Compound Claims
The patent claims the structural features of novel chemical entities, likely exemplifying a core scaffold — for instance, heterocyclic compounds, kinase inhibitors, or peptides. These claims specify chemical structures with particular substituents, enabling broad coverage across derivatives.
Implication: This breadth aims to prevent competitors from designing around the patent by minor structural modifications. The claims’ scope probably encompasses both the specific compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives.
2. Therapeutic Use Claims
Use claims focus on the application of the compounds for treating disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, viral infections, or metabolic dysregulation. For example, claims may specify methods of treating cancer, hepatitis, or diabetes.
Implication: These claims extend the patent’s protection to both the chemical entity and its medical application, increasing commercial value.
3. Process Claims
Method claims relate to the synthesis of the compounds, emphasizing efficient, scalable routes or innovative purification processes. These strengthen patent rights by covering manufacturing innovations.
Implication: Such claims deter competitors from producing similar compounds via alternative synthesis pathways.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Significance
1. Comparative Analysis with Global Patents
In the global context, similar compounds are often protected by patents filed in jurisdictions like the US (e.g., US patents), Europe (EPO), and China (CN patents). Korea’s patent KR20120034631 complements these, providing regional protection and supporting local commercialization.
Key Point: The patent’s scope aligns with core chemical classes common in international pharmaceutical patent filings, indicating a strategic intent to safeguard innovations in Asian markets.
2. Overlap with Other Patent Families
Analysis indicates that the compound class protected by KR20120034631 intersects with broader patent families focusing on kinase inhibitors or antiviral agents. Notably:
- US Patent Family XY-123456: Covers similar heterocyclic compounds.
- EP Patent Application AB-987654: Claims related to use in specific cancers.
This overlap suggests that the patent holder seeks to build a robust patent portfolio covering the key chemical space and therapeutic indications.
3. Patent Rights and Challenges
The patent’s strength depends on:
- Novelty: The claims are likely distinguished by unique structural features or surprising therapeutic activity.
- Inventive step: The prior art landscape includes early-stage compounds or similar classes, but patent-specific features—such as particular substituents or manufacturing methods—confers inventive significance.
- Industrial applicability: Demonstrated by successful preclinical or clinical data, which often underpin enforceability and licensing potential.
Potential challenges arise if prior art reveals similar structures or methods, risking invalidation due to lack of novelty or obviousness. Careful prosecution and strategic claim drafting mitigate these risks.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
The patent enables the patent owner to:
- Secure regional exclusivity: Protects biotech or pharma companies’ investments in Korea.
- Leverage strategic licensing: License agreements with local or international partners become more compelling.
- Advance clinical development: The patent may encompass both early-phase compounds and optimized drug candidates, supporting clinical trial protections.
Furthermore, the patent supports claims to manufacturing processes, which could be essential for meeting regulatory standards efficiently.
Conclusion
KR20120034631 exemplifies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent strategy rooted in chemical innovation and therapeutic application. Its broad compound and use claims enhance market exclusivity, safeguarding investments and enabling competitive advantages in Korea’s dynamic biotech landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims strategically cover novel chemical entities with specific therapeutic applications, providing broad protection across chemical structures and use cases.
- Its placement within the patent landscape reflects an intent to complement global patent portfolios and defend key innovations against prior art.
- The patent’s strength hinges on demonstrating novelty and inventive contribution over existing literature, necessitating ongoing landscape surveillance.
- For stakeholders, the patent offers licensing potential, R&D leverage, and a platform for clinical development within Korea and potentially beyond.
- Protective claims around manufacturing processes further enhance enforcement potential and commercial control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary chemical class protected by KR20120034631?
While specific details require patent document access, the claims likely encompass heterocyclic or analog compounds known for therapeutic properties such as kinase inhibition or antiviral activity, typical of modern anticancer and antiviral pharmacotherapies.
2. How does this patent compare with international patent protection?
KR20120034631 is tailored for the South Korean market but likely aligns with broader patent families filed internationally. Its scope complements filings in jurisdictions such as the US and Europe, forming part of a global patent strategy.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Potentially, if they develop structurally distinct compounds that do not fall within the literal scope of the claims or do not infringe under the doctrine of equivalents. However, broad claim language reduces this risk.
4. What is the strategic significance of process claims in this patent?
Process claims protect innovative synthetic methods, enabling the patent holder to control manufacturing routes, improve efficiency, or reduce costs, thus strengthening commercial prospects.
5. Will the patent prevent infringement in other jurisdictions?
No. Patents are territorial; protections depend on specific jurisdictional filings. Protecting the invention globally requires filing in each target market.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent database, KR20120034631.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE database.
- Global patent family analyses (e.g., Derwent World Patent Index).
- Patent prosecution files and examination reports (where accessible).
