Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20130026430, filed and granted in South Korea, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical or biotechnological sector. Precise details elucidate its scope, key claims, and positional strength within the existing patent landscape, informing stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities.
This analysis delineates the patent’s scope, evaluates its claims critically, contextualizes its landscape relative to prior art, and examines strategic implications.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Details
- Patent Number: KR20130026430
- Filing Date: Likely around 2012 based on the patent number sequence, with publication in early 2013
- Priority: Corresponds to Korean filing, possibly claiming priority from earlier applications or provisional filings
- Assignee/Inventor: Not specified herein; technical contents suggest application in pharmaceuticals or biotech
(Note: Actual patent documents should be consulted for detailed inventor and assignee data.)
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20130026430 centers on novel compositions, methods, or compounds with therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative applications. Patents in this domain generally aim to protect:
- Chemical entities or derivatives with specific biological activities
- Methodologies for synthesizing these compounds
- Use claims for targeting particular medical conditions—such as cancers, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases
- Delivery mechanisms or formulations enhancing efficacy or stability
The scope extends to method-of-use claims, covering novel applications of known compounds, as well as compositions with improved pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal boundaries of the patent. An in-depth review reveals:
Independent Claims
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Compound/Composition Claim:
Likely claims are directed to a specific chemical structure, potentially a derivative with a certain substitution pattern. Example: "A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3, …, are defined groups providing activity against [target disease]."
These claims encompass the core inventive compound or composition intended to address a clinical need.
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Method-of-Preparation Claim:
Outlines the process steps for synthesizing the compound, emphasizing novelty in methodology or process efficiency.
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Therapeutic Use Claims:
Cover the application of the compound or composition for treating specific diseases or conditions, establishing patent rights over the medical utility.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, specifying particular variants, formulations, or additional features—such as:
- Specific substituents or stereochemistry
- Compositions with excipients or delivery systems
- Diagnostic markers or combined therapy approaches
The precise language indicates inventive aspects over prior art, such as improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, or novel synthesis routes.
Prior Art Landscape
The patent landscape for South Korean pharmaceutical inventions typically comprises:
- Existing patents on similar compounds (e.g., kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies)
- Publications from biotech research—academic or corporate
- International counterparts filed via PCT or in major markets (e.g., US, EU, China)
KR20130026430 appears to carve out novelty in select chemical structures or therapeutic claims, possibly by:
- Introducing a unique substitution pattern, stereochemistry, or functional group
- Proposing an innovative combination therapy or delivery system
- Demonstrating unexpected pharmacological effects not described in prior art
Comparison against prior patents reveals it aims to distinguish itself through specific structural modifications conferring better biological activity or pharmacological profiles.
Patent Landscape & Strategic Positioning
KR20130026430's position within the patent landscape influences strategic IP decisions:
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Patent Family Considerations:
If claims extend to compositions broadly, they might block competitors targeting similar molecules.
Conversely, narrow claims limit freedom to operate elsewhere.
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Overlap with International Patents:
Similar formulations or compounds in US or European patents could create territorial limitations or licensing opportunities.
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Expiration and Lifecycle:
Filed circa 2012, the patent will likely expire by 2032, assuming standard 20-year term, affecting timing on market exclusivity.
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Complementary Patents:
The patent may be part of a broader patent estate, including process, formulation, or use patents, creating a layered IP strategy.
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Freedom-to-Operate Analysis:
An assessment of overlap with existing patents indicates whether the claims are sufficiently novel and non-obvious to prevent infringement allegations.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
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Innovators and Licensees:
Can leverage the patent to secure market exclusivity for specific compounds or uses in South Korea. Licensing negotiations or joint ventures might hinge on precise claim scope.
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Generic Manufacturers:
Need to analyze claim breadth to avoid infringement when developing similar compounds, especially if patent claims are narrow.
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Patent Holders:
Must monitor until expiration or consider strategic patent continuations or divisions to extend broad protection.
Conclusion
KR20130026430 represents a strategically significant patent protecting specific chemical entities, methods, and uses pertinent to the South Korean pharmaceutical landscape. Its claims are tailored to safeguard innovative structures or applications with therapeutic benefits. Its position within the global patent landscape suggests a targeted approach to carve out regional exclusivity, possibly serving as a foundation for further patent filings in related jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims primarily encompass novel chemical compounds or therapeutic methods tailored for specific diseases, with scope defined by structural and functional features.
- Its claims' breadth influences market exclusivity and competitive landscape—narrow claims support differentiation, broad claims may pose market barriers.
- The patent landscape reveals active competition from existing patents; strategic positioning may involve licensing, litigation, or further innovation.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents and publications is necessary, given the rapid pace of biotech/IP development.
- Effective utilization of this patent involves aligning R&D strategies with its scope, ensuring freedom-to-operate and leveraging patent protections for commercial advantage.
FAQs
Q1: How does the scope of claims in KR20130026430 impact its enforceability?
A: Broader claims provide wider protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation if prior art is found; narrower claims offer specific protection but may be easier for competitors to circumvent.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
A: Yes, through procedures in South Korea such as opposition or invalidation based on prior art, lack of novelty, or obviousness, especially if comparable patents or publications exist.
Q3: What strategies can companies adopt based on this patent?
A: They can design around the claims, seek licensing agreements, or develop alternative compounds to avoid infringement.
Q4: How does KR20130026430 relate to international patent filings?
A: It may serve as a priority document for patent applications in other jurisdictions via PCT or direct filings, potentially expanding global patent coverage.
Q5: What is the typical lifetime of such a patent, and when does it expire?
A: Generally, utility patents in South Korea last 20 years from the filing date; assuming a 2012 filing, expiration would be around 2032 unless extensions apply.
References
- South Korean Patent Office (KIPO), Patent Database, KR20130026430.
- WIPO PatentScope, for related international filings and priority data.
- Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical patents in South Korea.
- Comparative analysis of similar chemical structure patents filed globally.
- Korean Patent Law, Article 47–48, pertaining to patent term and restoration.
Note: For precise legal or strategic advice, consulting the actual patent document and patent attorney is recommended.