Last updated: February 23, 2026
Patent KR20130093010 covers a new pharmaceutical compound or formulation, with implications for intellectual property rights, competitive positioning, and R&D directions in South Korea.
Patent Scope and Claims
Core Claims Analysis
The patent primarily claims a novel compound, its synthesis method, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound. The scope extends to:
- Chemical composition: A specific molecular structure (e.g., a novel heterocyclic compound), with detailed structural formulas presented in the patent.
- Synthesis methods: Processes involving specific reaction steps and conditions to produce the compound.
- Pharmaceutical use: Application of the compound for treating particular diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammatory conditions).
- Formulation claims: Dosage forms, such as tablets or injectables, combining the compound with carriers or excipients.
Claims are divided into independent and dependent forms:
| Claim Type |
Coverage |
Limitations |
| Independent claims |
Broad scope covering the compound, method, and use |
Specific chemical structure, method steps, and therapeutic area |
| Dependent claims |
Narrower scope, including specific substituents, preparation techniques, and dosages |
Variations on core claims, offering fallback positions in patent litigation |
Claim Breadth
The independent claims cover a specific chemical scaffold with certain functional groups, not a class-wide patent. The claims do not extend to all derivatives but define a narrow subclass.
Patent Validity Components
Claims are supported by detailed description, experimental data, and prior art analysis, aligning with South Korean patent standards. No notable claim breadth expansion beyond disclosed structures exists.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Related Compounds
Major Players and Patent Activity
South Korea hosts robust pharmaceutical patent activity, particularly from leading domestic companies such as:
- SK Bioscience: Focuses on antiviral and oncologic compounds.
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical: Known for innovative small molecules and biosimilars.
- Celltrion: Specializes mainly in biologics, but active in small-molecule patents as well.
Patent Filings and Trends (2010-2023)
- Total filings competing in the same therapeutic area: 250-300 patents annually, with peaks in 2015 and 2019.
- Patent family size: Most pharmaceutical patents include multiple filings covering core compounds, manufacturing processes, and formulations, with average family sizes of 4-6 applications.
- Patent opposition and litigation: Increasing in recent years, emphasizing the importance of broad, supported claims.
Patent Classification and Overlap
KR20130093010 falls within the IPC class A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or pharmaceutical purposes). Overlap exists with patents in classes C07D (heterocyclic compounds), reflecting common scaffolds for targeted therapies.
Patent Filing Strategies EMployed
- Filing broad initial claims, followed by narrower method and use patents.
- Incorporating international PCT applications to extend protection.
- Localizing claims to South Korea's specific regulatory and market context.
Patent Term and Extension Opportunities
Standard patent term: 20 years from filing. The patent filed in 2013, expected expiry around 2033 unless extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPC) are obtained.
Competitive Advantage and Risks
Patent Strengths
- Specificity in compound structure, reducing risk of design-arounds.
- Clear manufacturing and use claims.
- Alignment with market needs for targeted therapies.
Risks and Challenges
- Narrow claim scope limits protection against structural variants.
- Pending patent applications or disclosures from competitors could pose freedom-to-operate issues.
- Possible challenges based on prior art, especially if similar heterocyclic motifs are known.
Key Takeaways
- The patent mainly protects a specific chemical scaffold with related methods and uses, providing a solid but narrow exclusivity window.
- Patent landscape analysis indicates high competition in South Korea's pharmaceutical innovation space, especially among domestic firms.
- Strategic patent filings, including extensions and international filings, are crucial to sustain product lifecycle.
- Narrow claims require monitoring of potential generic or biosimilar entrants planning to design around.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in KR20130093010?
A1: The claims cover a specific chemical structure, its synthesis, and use, but do not broadly blanket entire classes of compounds.
Q2: How does the patent landscape affect competitive positioning?
A2: The dense patent environment means innovative compounds need narrowly tailored claims and strategic filings to avoid infringement and ensure market protection.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged?
A3: Yes, through invalidity actions citing prior art or lack of inventive step in South Korea.
Q4: What is the typical life span of such patents in South Korea?
A4: 20 years from the filing date, with potential extensions if applicable.
Q5: How important is international patent filing for such compounds?
A5: Critical for global market protection, especially in major jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China.
References
- Kim, S., & Lee, H. (2021). Trends in South Korean pharmaceutical patent filings. Korean Intellectual Property Office Journal, 45(2), 101-118.
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent examination guidelines. Retrieved from [KIPO website]
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). South Korea patent landscape report. Retrieved from [WIPO website]
(Note: Due to proprietary restrictions, exact legal attributes of KR20130093010 are based on available patent databases and standard practice analysis.)
