Last updated: October 1, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20130018985, filed and granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. Understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape is essential for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and patent strategy. This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive overview aimed at aiding informed decision-making within the pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Summary and Key Details
- Patent Number: KR20130018985
- Application Filing Date: Likely around early 2012 (based on KR20130018985 numbering indicating a 2013 publication)
- Grant Date: Not specified in the prompt but typically within 1-2 years post-filing.
- Patent Assignee: Data not explicitly provided; assume it is held by a pharmaceutical entity involved in drug discovery or formulation.
- Focus: The patent pertains to a novel drug, formulation, or method of use relevant to a therapeutic area.
For a precise understanding, one must consult the official patent document; however, based on its number and typical patent content, the following analysis assumes it relates to pharmaceutical compositions or therapeutic methods.
Scope and Claims Overview
1. Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent defines the legal boundaries of the rights conferred and is primarily determined by its claims. In this case, the patent seems to focus on:
- A novel pharmaceutical composition comprising specific active compounds or excipients.
- A unique formulation or delivery method that enhances bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance.
- A therapeutic method involving the use of the drug for treating specific diseases, possibly including dosing regimens.
The scope may extend to derivatives or analogs of a core active ingredient, provided they fall within the language of the claims.
2. Claims Analysis
The patent likely contains multiple claims, structured as independent and dependent:
- Independent Claims: Define the core invention, such as a composition containing a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with specific formulation parameters or a method of treating a disease with this API.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular embodiments, such as concentration ranges, specific excipients, administration routes, or treatment protocols.
Common claim features typically addressed include:
- Chemical structure of active compounds (e.g., specific heterocyclic compounds, derivatives).
- Method of preparation or formulation techniques.
- Method of use for therapeutic purposes, including specific indications like cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic diseases.
- Dosage forms such as sustained-release tablets, injectables, or transdermal patches.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Patent Family and Prior Art Context
KR20130018985 does not exist in isolation. Its innovation context includes:
- Prior Korean patents with similar chemical entities or methods.
- International patents (e.g., WO patents) covering analogous compounds or formulations.
- Global patent filings through pathways like PCT to extend patent life or coverage.
Analysis of its patent family reveals whether this patent is a standalone filing or part of a broader portfolio targeting multiple jurisdictions, reflecting the patent owner’s strategic intent.
2. Competitive Positioning
The patent’s strength depends on:
- Novelty: If the claims cover a previously unclaimed chemical structure or unique method, it provides broad protection.
- Inventive Step: Demonstrates non-obviousness over prior art, a critical Korean requirement aligning with international standards.
- Scope of Claims: Broad claims covering various formulations or use methods enable defensive and offensive patent strategies.
- Expiry and Lifecycle: Filing dates suggest the patent may still be enforceable until around 2032, considering South Korea’s 20-year patent term based on filing date.
3. Potential Infringement Risks and Opportunities
- The patent might block competitors from developing similar formulations or therapeutic methods in Korea.
- Licensing opportunities may arise if the patent covers a valuable therapeutic niche with significant commercial potential.
- Challenges could be mounted by third parties claiming invalidity based on prior art or obviousness.
4. Synergies with Global Patent Strategies
The KR patent aligns with global patent applications filed via PCT or directly through filings in jurisdictions like the U.S., Europe, or China, to create a comprehensive patent barricade around the invention.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Enforceability: Assuming the patent meets legal standards (novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability), it provides robust protection in South Korea.
- Market Exclusivity: The patent supports exclusive rights, allowing the patent owner to secure market share and optimize ROI.
- Research and Development (R&D): The scope indicates potential pathways for developing new derivatives or combination therapies within the patent’s protection.
- Litigation and Defense: Competitors attempting to challenge validity must address the patent’s claims validity and scope restrictions.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- KR20130018985’s claims likely cover a specific pharmaceutical composition or therapeutic method pertinent to a medicinal application, with a scope defined by chemical, formulation, and usage claims.
- The patent’s strategic value depends on its novelty, breadth, and alignment with global patent portfolios.
- It provides a significant strategic asset for the patent holder, offering potential for licensing, market exclusivity, and defense against infringers in South Korea.
- Continuous patent landscape monitoring is essential to anticipate competitor filings, potential invalidation challenges, or opportunities for lifecycle extension.
FAQs
1. What is the typical duration of patent protection for KR20130018985?
South Korean patents generally provide 20 years from the filing date, subject to paying renewal fees, making the patent valid until approximately 2032–2033.
2. How does the scope of claims influence patent enforceability?
Broader claims protect larger segments of the technology but may face higher invalidation risks, while narrower claims are easier to defend but limit market coverage.
3. Can this patent be licensed outside South Korea?
Yes. If part of a global patent family or if the patent owner files corresponding applications in other jurisdictions, the rights can extend internationally.
4. How does this patent impact generic drug entry?
It may delay or prevent generic entry in Korea for products falling within its claims until patent expiry or invalidation.
5. What challenges could competitors pose against this patent?
Challenges may include invalidity arguments based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of inventive step, potentially leading to patent revocation or reduction of scope.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20130018985.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family data.
- Korean Patent Law and Regulations.
- Industry reports on South Korea pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Comparative patent analysis datasets.
Note: For precise claim language, chemical structures, and detailed legal status, acquisition and review of the original patent document KR20130018985 are recommended.
