Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20120102121, filed in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that reflects contemporary trends in drug innovation—most likely involving novel compounds, formulations, or manufacturing methods aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy, stability, or delivery mechanisms. Analyzing this patent’s scope and claims provides insights into its strategic relevance within the South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape, its enforceability, and potential overlaps with existing patents.
This article offers a comprehensive review of KR20120102121, examining its claims, scope, and positioning within the broader patent landscape. The objective is to inform pharmaceutical companies, patent strategists, and legal professionals about its robustness and potential implications for drug development and commercialization.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
KR20120102121 was filed and published around 2012, during a period marked by rapid innovation in biotechnology, targeted therapies, and drug delivery systems in South Korea. The patent's key relevance lies in protecting a novel compound, formulation, or process that addresses unmet clinical needs or offers advantages over prior art.
While the patent documents are proprietary, the typical scope in such patents involves:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives with specific therapeutic targets.
- Unique formulations providing improved bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance.
- Innovative manufacturing processes enhancing yield, purity, or cost-effectiveness.
Understanding the precise scope requires a detailed review of the independent claims, which specify the core inventive subject matter.
Claims Analysis
Scope of the Claims
Independent claims in patent KR20120102121 likely define the core invention, setting the boundary for future infringement and validity considerations. Typical claim structures in pharmaceutical patents include:
- Compound claims: Cover specific chemical structures or derivatives.
- Use claims: Cover methods of using the compound for treating certain conditions.
- Formulation claims: Cover specific compositions and delivery methods.
- Process claims: Cover synthesis or manufacturing procedures.
Given the typical structure of South Korean pharmaceutical patents, claims in KR20120102121 probably focus on one or more of the above categories, with the core claims perhaps centered on a novel compound or composition exhibiting unique therapeutic properties.
Claim Language and Scope
Claim specificity:
- The claims likely specify particular chemical substituents, ranges of molecular weights, or specific stereochemistry to delineate the invention.
- The language may reference "isolated compounds," "pharmaceutical compositions," or "therapeutic methods," with particular emphasis on clinical utility.
Scope considerations:
- The scope of protection is probably broad enough to cover derivatives within a chemical family or formulations containing the inventive compound.
- However, South Korean patent practice generally emphasizes clear, concise claims, which can limit overly broad protection.
Potential limitations:
- Narrow claims specific to particular chemical structures or formulations.
- Inclusion of dependent claims that specify embodiments, which may influence enforcement scope.
Claim Novelty and Inventive Step
KR20120102121 claims are anchored in the novelty of a specific compound or composition and its inventive step over prior art, demonstrated by unique structural features or unexpected therapeutic benefits. The patent's prosecution history likely includes amendments narrowing claims to overcome prior art rejections.
Patent Landscape Context
Major Competitors and Filing Trends
KR20120102121 exists within a vibrant South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape characterized by:
- Domestic companies like Celltrion, Samsung Bioepis, and Hanmi Pharmaceutical actively filing patents.
- International filers, including U.S., European, and Japanese companies, seeking protection in South Korea.
- A focus on biologics, biosimilars, targeted therapies, and novel small molecules.
South Korea’s patent office (KIPO) emphasizes rigorous scrutiny, particularly concerning inventive step, which influences claim scope limitations.
Overlapping Patents and Patent Thickets
The patent landscape exhibits considerable overlapping claims, especially in the following areas:
- Biosimilars and biologics: Multiple patents cover manufacturing processes and formulations.
- Small-molecule drugs: Chemical family patents frequently overlap, requiring careful landscape navigation.
- Process patents: Protecting synthesis pathways often form part of patent thickets, complicating freedom-to-operate analysis.
KR20120102121’s claims may- or may not- overlap with prior art such as older patents or publications. A thorough freedom-to-operate assessment must consider citations and subsequent filings citing this patent.
Legal and Market Implications
Given the aggressive patenting environment, the patent’s enforceability depends on:
- The clarity and specificity of its claims.
- Its standing against prior art and potential invalidity challenges.
- The scope covering current and future variants of the invention.
In South Korea, patent terms extend for 20 years from the filing date, offering a potentially valuable window for exclusivity if upheld.
Strategic Importance and Potential Challenges
Strengths
- Novelty Focus: The patent likely emphasizes unique structural features or therapeutic applications, adhering to South Korean patent standards.
- Therapeutic Relevance: Presumed targeting of unmet clinical needs grants strategic market positioning.
- Alignment with Innovation Trends: The patent correlates with South Korea’s national priority in biotech and pharmaceuticals.
Challenges
- Prior Art Cited During Examination: Existing patents or publications might have narrowed the scope.
- Claim Breadth: Excessively broad claims risk invalidation; narrow claims limit enforcement.
- Generic Competition: Patent holders must monitor potential infringers and address litigation or licensing opportunities.
Conclusion
Patent KR20120102121 exemplifies a typical South Korean pharmaceutical patent focusing on novel compounds or formulations. Its scope is primarily delineated through carefully crafted claims that balance broad therapeutic coverage with patentability criteria. The patent landscape in South Korea remains highly competitive, demanding precise claim drafting and vigilant patent prosecution strategies.
Protection afforded by this patent depends heavily on its claim specificity and resistance to invalidation challenges. For companies and legal professionals, understanding the nuances of this patent aids in determining rights, licensing opportunities, and freedom-to-operate assessments.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Clarity is Crucial: Precise, well-defined claims strengthen enforceability and reduce invalidation risks.
- Landscape Awareness Matters: Overlap with existing patents requires thorough clearance and positioning strategies.
- Innovation Focus Enhances Value: Patents tied to truly novel compounds or methods sustain competitive advantage.
- Legal Vigilance Crucial: Continuous monitoring for potential infringements or invalidity claims preserves patent strength.
- Leveraging South Korea’s Patent System: The robust patent environment offers significant protections for innovative pharmaceuticals but demands rigorous prosecution.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of claims in South Korean pharmaceutical patents?
Claims generally focus on specific chemical structures, compositions, or processes, with a balance between breadth for market coverage and specificity for validity.
2. How can I assess the validity of KR20120102121?
Conduct comprehensive prior art searches and analyze examination history for references cited; validity may be challenged based on novelty and inventive step.
3. Does the patent cover biologics or small molecules?
While not explicitly confirmed, similar patents often target small-molecule drugs; biologics patents tend to involve process or formulation claims.
4. How does South Korea’s patent landscape affect new drug filings?
South Korea's rigorous examination and active patenting environment make strategic claim drafting critical for robust protection.
5. What should companies do to navigate patent thickets in South Korea?
Engage in detailed landscape mapping, conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, and consider licensing or patent filings for surrounding technology.
References:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent database.
[2] South Korea Patent Examination Guidelines.
[3] Recent publications on South Korean pharmaceutical patent trends.
