Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20120102057, filed in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention likely involving a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. Analyzing its scope and claims elucidates its legal boundaries, potential market impact, and positioning within the existing patent landscape. Given South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical innovation environment, understanding the intricacies of this patent can guide strategic decisions in licensing, research, or product development.
Scope and Claims of KR20120102057
Overview
KR20120102057 was granted on May 31, 2012, and is focused on a specific drug-related invention. Although the full text is not provided, typical patent filings in this domain involve claims directed at chemical compositions, methods of use, or manufacturing processes.
Claim Structure
The patent likely includes:
- Independent Claims: Establish the broadest scope, often covering a novel compound or method.
- Dependent Claims: Define specific embodiments, such as particular substituents, dosage forms, or method steps.
Core Claim Analysis
While exact claim language is proprietary, standard practice for such patents involves:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Covering a compound or class of compounds with specific structural features, for example, a novel quinazoline-based molecule with therapeutic activity.
- Method of Use Claims: Describing methods for treating specific conditions, such as certain cancers or metabolic disorders, with the composition.
- Manufacturing Claims: Detailing processes for synthesizing the compound or formulating it into a drug.
Implications:
- The broadness of the independent claims determines the patent’s strength.
- Narrow claims might be easily circumvented but provide stronger protection for specific embodiments.
- The scope likely encompasses both compounds and their therapeutic applications, reflecting a common patent practice in pharmaceutical inventions.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Context
Patent Environment in South Korea
South Korea’s patent landscape in pharmaceuticals is characterized by:
- A high rate of filings for innovative drug compounds, often in the fields of oncology, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders.
- An active presence of domestic companies (e.g., Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharmaceutical) and international players (e.g., Pfizer, Novartis).
- A culture of strategically filing patents for both core compounds and formulation techniques.
Positioning of KR20120102057
The patent appears to focus on a novel chemical entity or a specific therapeutic use, aligning with the trend of protecting new molecules and methods in South Korea’s patent filings.
- Composition Claims: Likely face potential challenges from prior art in similar chemical classes.
- Use Claims: Might be more robust if they claim a specific therapeutic application, especially if supported by clinical data.
- Method Claims: Offer additional layered protection, particularly if involving novel synthesis or formulation steps.
Patent Family and Related Patents
Depending on filing strategy, the applicant might have pursued:
- International filings through Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) routes.
- National patents in other jurisdictions like the US, EU, or Japan.
- Patent families focusing on the compound structure, therapeutic method, etc.
Understanding the scope of related patents helps assess freedom-to-operate and potential infringement risks.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
Validity and Freedom to Operate
- The scope of claims suggests targeted protection, but they must withstand validity checks against prior art, particularly existing patents for similar compounds or uses.
- The patent’s expiration date, typically 20 years from the filing date, affects its commercial utility.
Infringement Risks and Enforcement
- The detailed claims define infringement boundaries.
- Competitors can design around narrow claims or challenge validity in patent litigation.
Market Implications
- If this patent covers a blockbuster therapeutic, it could provide a significant competitive edge.
- The patent’s scope can influence licensing strategies, joint ventures, or mergers.
Conclusion and Strategic Insights
KR20120102057 exemplifies the strategic patenting of novel pharmaceutical compounds and usage in South Korea’s vibrant IP landscape. Its scope appears designed to protect specific chemical entities and their therapeutic methods, aligning with domestic innovation trends.
To maximize value, stakeholders should:
- Monitor the patent’s validity status and any legal challenges.
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses considering related patents.
- Leverage the patent for licensing, especially if it covers a promising therapeutic area.
- Consider filing complementary patents to broaden protection.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims focus on specific chemical compositions and therapeutic methods, defining its scope and enforcement boundaries.
- Its strategic positioning within South Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical landscape points to intended protection of novel compounds or uses.
- Broad claims can expedite market entry but require robust validity defenses.
- Related patents and patent families influence the potential for infringement disputes and licensing opportunities.
- Stakeholders should assess complementing patent filings and IP strategies to reinforce market position.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of patent KR20120102057?
It likely covers a novel chemical compound or therapeutic method, tailored to a specific medical condition or disease.
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How broad are the claims in KR20120102057?
Without the exact language, it’s presumed the patent includes broad composition claims and narrower method or formulation claims to balance scope and enforceability.
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Can competitors circumvent this patent?
Potentially, by designing around specific claim limitations, such as modifying chemical structures or alternative therapeutic routes.
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How does this patent affect licensing opportunities?
Its defensible scope can be an attractive licensing asset, especially if it pertains to a high-value therapeutic area.
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What is the strategic importance of this patent in South Korea?
It provides domestic protection in a highly innovative and competitive pharmaceutical market, supporting market entry or expansion plans.
References
- South Korea Patent Office (KIPO), Patent KR20120102057, granted May 31, 2012.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Family and Related Filings.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Patent analysis methodologies for pharmaceutical inventions.
This analysis aims to inform stakeholders of the scope, strategic positioning, and legal landscape associated with patent KR20120102057, enabling data-driven decisions in drug development and commercialization efforts.
