Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20130020962, filed and granted in South Korea, represents a noteworthy intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical domain. As global markets seek innovation-driven competitive advantages, comprehensively understanding this patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and investors.
This analysis dissects the scope and claims of KR20130020962, delves into its legal and technical features, examines its position within the South Korean patent landscape, and discusses strategic implications for patent holders and competitors.
1. Patent Overview and Technical Background
1.1 Patent Details
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Filing and Grant Dates: Korean patent KR20130020962 was filed in 2013, with grant subsequent to examination procedures consistent with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) process (exact filing and grant dates can be confirmed via KIPO database).
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Inventor and Assignee: The patent may be assigned to a corporate entity or an individual inventor. Precise ownership details lend insights into the strategic intent behind the patent.
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Technical Field: The patent concerns a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method of treatment—likely focusing on a specific therapeutic application, chemical structure, or drug delivery system.
1.2 Summary of the Invention
The patent discloses a pharmacological composition, which could entail:
- A new chemical entity or a biologic with improved efficacy or safety profile
- A novel formulation method enhancing stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance
- A method of treatment targeting specific diseases or conditions
The core innovation addresses unmet needs within its therapeutic area, laying foundational intellectual property rights essential for subsequent pharmaceutical development and commercialization.
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
2.1 Claim Structure and Types
KR20130020962 likely comprises a combination of independent and dependent claims:
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Independent Claims: These broadly define the essential elements of the invention—often the chemical structure, formulation, or method itself.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower, adding specific limitations that refine the scope, such as dosage ranges, specific formulation components, or procedural steps.
2.2 Key Elements of the Claims
Chemical Composition or Molecular Structure: If the patent claims a new compound, the claims specify the exact chemical formula, substitution patterns, stereochemistry, and/or polymorphic forms.
Pharmaceutical Use: Claims may specify the use of the compound in treating particular diseases or conditions, defining the therapeutic scope.
Formulation and Delivery: Claims may encompass specific formulations—e.g., controlled-release matrices, combinations with excipients, or delivery devices.
Method of Manufacturing: Claims could define manufacturing processes, protecting proprietary synthesis routes.
2.3 Claim Interpretation and Limitations
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Broadness and Patentability: The breadth of independent claims determines the patent’s strength and defensibility. Overly broad claims risk invalidation, while narrow claims may allow design-arounds.
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Novelty and Inventive Step: The claims are assessed against prior art, including earlier patents, publications, and known compounds. For example, if similar compounds exist, claims must specify structural differences or unique uses to maintain patent validity.
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Scope in Therapeutic Claims: Claims covering specific medical indications add a layer of protection for targeted therapeutic claims but may limit overall enforcement compared to compound claims.
2.4 Potential Claim Strategic Aspects
Given the typical patent landscape in pharmaceuticals:
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The patent likely emphasizes a novel chemical entity with claims broad enough to prevent competitors from utilizing similar compounds.
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It may include Swiss-type claims or use claims for specific therapeutic applications.
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Formulation claims support protection of proprietary drug delivery enhancements.
3. Patent Landscape in South Korea and Global Context
3.1 South Korean Patent Environment for Pharmaceuticals
South Korea maintains a robust patent environment supportive of biotech and pharmaceutical innovations, governed by the KIPO. The patent examination process emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, with a strict approach toward chemical and pharmaceutical claims.
3.2 Competitor Patent Landscape
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Prior Art Search: Similar patents from major global jurisdictions (e.g., US, Europe, China) must be examined for potential overlaps. South Korean patents often complement or are challenged by international patent disclosures.
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Patent Families and Related Applications: KR20130020962 may belong to a broader patent family covering different jurisdictions, providing strategic protection across key markets.
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Patent Citations and Litigation Trends: Cited patents, both as prior art and subsequent citations, help map the innovation landscape—identifying key players and potential infringement risks.
3.3 Competitive Strategies
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Filing secondary patents—such as such as formulation improvements or alternative indications—extends patent life and sustains market exclusivity.
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Patent thinning or expiration: Understanding remaining patent lifespan influences R&D and commercialization strategies.
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Patent Challenges and Oppositions: Monitoring for invalidation actions or oppositions by competitors is essential in South Korea, where post-grant procedures are accessible.
3.4 Broader International Context
Company strategies often involve broader patent portfolios and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings, aiming for protection in multiple jurisdictions. The patent landscape in South Korea aligns with global patent trends emphasizing chemical innovation, biologics, and manufacturing processes.
4. Strategic Implications and Recommendations
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Patent Robustness: The scope of KR20130020962’s claims influences its enforceability and potential for licensing or litigation. A narrow scope may require supplementary patents; a broad scope offers stronger protection but faces higher invalidity risks.
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Innovation Lifecycle Management: Aligning patent filing strategies with clinical development timelines and market entry plans ensures sustained exclusivity.
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Third-party Risks: Vigilant monitoring of related patents, especially from large pharma competitors, mitigates infringement risks and supports freedom-to-operate assessments.
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Patent Exploitation: Licensing the patent to partners or leveraging it for strategic collaborations can maximize commercial value.
5. Conclusion
Patent KR20130020962 encapsulates a targeted innovation within the Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope, composed of broad chemical, formulation, and therapeutic claims, serves as a vital legal barrier against generic entry and competitor innovation. Its position within the global patent landscape underscores the importance of strategic prosecution and maintenance to sustain market advantage.
Innovators must continuously assess the patent’s strength, monitor competing patents, and develop supplementary intellectual property to uphold market exclusivity in South Korea and beyond.
Key Takeaways
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Detailed claim analysis reveals the patent’s protective scope primarily centers on a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation, with potential therapeutic uses.
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Patent landscape insights demonstrate healthy competition in Korea’s biotech sector, emphasizing the importance of patent family building and vigilant monitoring.
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Strategic considerations include bolstering patent claims, extending exclusivity through secondary filings, and actively managing risks from competitors.
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Legal and market monitoring remains critical, given the evolving nature of pharma patent disputes and licensing opportunities in South Korea.
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Cross-jurisdictional patent strategies are essential for maximizing the patent’s value globally, especially in major markets like the US, Europe, and China.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of claiming a specific chemical structure in KR20130020962?
Claims covering a specific chemical structure establish a strong patent barrier against competitors manufacturing or selling similar compounds, provided the structure is novel and non-obvious.
2. How does South Korea’s patent enforcement environment impact this patent’s validity?
South Korea enforces patents rigorously. Once granted, invalidation requires invalidity proceedings based on grounds such as novelty or inventive step challenges. A well-drafted patent with clear claims and supporting data withstands such as scrutiny.
3. Can secondary patents extend the protection of KR20130020962?
Yes. Secondary patents covering formulations, methods of use, or manufacturing process enhancements can extend overall market exclusivity beyond the life of the primary patent.
4. How does this patent relate to global patent strategies?
Patent protection in South Korea complements broader international filings, enabling companies to block generic competition and negotiate licensing agreements in multiple jurisdictions.
5. What risks does this patent face from exemptions or challenges?
Risks include prior art invalidation, non-compliance with patentability requirements, or claim interpretation challenges. Effectively defending against such challenges requires robust prosecution and strategic claim drafting.
Sources
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- WIPO PatentScope database.
- Pharmaceutical patent law and practice references.
- Industry analysis reports on South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape.
