Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20130101549, filed on February 18, 2013, and granted on July 15, 2014, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. It encompasses a new chemical entity, formulation, or method aimed at treating or preventing specific medical conditions. Understanding this patent’s scope, claims, and place within the patent landscape is crucial for pharmaceutical innovators, potential licensees, and competitors, as it delineates the boundaries of patent exclusivity and innovation in the region.
Patent Scope and Claims Analysis
Overall Scope
Patent KR20130101549 covers a pharmaceutical compound or composition with specific structural features and intended therapeutic applications. The scope primarily includes:
- Chemical entities or derivatives possessing specific functional groups.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed compound(s) combined with excipients.
- Methods of use for treating particular diseases or medical conditions.
The scope extends to derivatives and modifications that fall within the defined structural parameters, provided they do not infringe on prior art and meet novelty and inventive step criteria.
Claims Breakdown
1. Independent Claims
The core claims define the essence of the invention, typically covering:
- A chemical compound with a specific molecular structure or formula.
- A pharmaceutical composition including the compound.
- A method of treating a targeted disease using the composition.
Example: Claim 1 may claim a compound characterized by a chemical formula with particular substituents at defined positions, conferring specific pharmacological properties.
2. Dependent Claims
These specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Variations in substituent groups.
- Specific stereoisomers.
- Methods of synthesis.
- Administration routes or dosage forms.
This stratification tightens protection around core features while allowing for strategic claims covering various embodiments.
Claim Language and Patentability
The claims employ precise chemical and functional language, citing specific structural features. Key considerations include:
- Novelty: The compound's structure must be different from prior art molecules.
- Inventive step: Structural modifications or specific uses must be non-obvious to those skilled in the art.
- Utility: The claimed compounds or compositions demonstrate therapeutic efficacy.
The claims explicitly articulate the scope, emphasizing elements critical for infringement and validity assessments.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
Prior Art Context
The patent aims to carve out a novel space within the advanced pharmaceutical landscape, possibly targeting:
- Therapeutic areas: e.g., oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases.
- Chemical classes: e.g., kinase inhibitors, hormone analogs, or anti-inflammatory agents.
Previous patents or publications within Korea and internationally form the prior art baseline, against which KR20130101549 must demonstrate novelty and inventive step.
Related Patents and Applications
The patent family likely overlaps with international applications filed via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), especially in jurisdictions emphasizing similar chemical entities (e.g., US, EPO, CN). It also relates to existing Korean patents, possibly citing or citing similar innovations.
Some notable surrounding patents include:
- PCT applications covering analogous structures.
- Korean patents targeting similar therapeutic mechanisms.
- Patent clearance challenges arising from prior publications or other patents, which influence the strategic sulfur of the patent rights.
Patent Challenges and Risks
- Invalidation risks: Due to prior art disclosures or obvious structural modifications.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): Companies evaluating whether commercial activities infringe or are blocked by this patent or related patents.
- Design-around strategies: Developing derivatives or alternative compounds outside the scope of claims.
Legal Status and Term
The patent, granted in 2014, is valid until 2031, considering Korea’s 20-year patent term from filing. Maintenance fees, if unpaid, may jeopardize enforceability.
Patent Landscape Outlook
The intellectual property space indicates increasing investment in chemical and pharmaceutical patents in Korea. The patent landscape for similar compounds suggests a crowded domain, emphasizing the importance of narrow, robust claims to maintain competitively defensible rights.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies should scrutinize the scope to avoid infringement and consider licensing or collaboration.
- Research entities should evaluate risk of encroachment or redundancy.
- Legal practitioners should assess patent strength through validity and infringement analyses.
Conclusion
Patent KR20130101549 secures protection over a specific chemical entity or formulation with therapeutic relevance. Its claims are tailored to define a precise inventive concept, and its landscape reflects active competition within the pharmaceutical patent space. Strategic players must conduct thorough FTO assessments and consider patent prosecution or licensing opportunities to navigate this domain effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is centered around specific chemical structures with therapeutic applications, featuring detailed claims that define the invention precisely.
- The surrounding patent landscape involves numerous filings, demanding careful freedom-to-operate analysis and possibly complex litigation strategies.
- Maintaining validity involves vigilant payment of maintenance fees and monitoring for prior art disclosures that could challenge solvency.
- Exploiting the patent requires careful design-around strategies and potential licensing negotiations.
- Stakeholders should leverage comprehensive patent landscape analyses to inform R&D and commercialization decisions within Korea and internationally.
FAQs
1. What therapeutic areas does KR20130101549 cover?
The patent primarily targets treatments for specific diseases, commonly within abstracted therapeutic domains such as oncology or neurology, depending on the specific chemical entity disclosed.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims are precise, focusing on particular chemical structures and uses. They are designed to balance protecting core inventions while being defensible against prior art.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges can arise if prior art demonstrates novelty or inventive step deficiencies. Validity defense actions are typically pursued in patent opposition or litigation.
4. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
KR20130101549 likely links to corresponding international patents or applications, positioning the invention within a broader strategic framework across multiple jurisdictions.
5. What are the key considerations for licensing this patent?
Assessing patent scope, validity, territorial coverage, and potential infringement risks are critical before engaging in licensing negotiations.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20130101549.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications related to the compound class.
- Patent landscapes and legal analyses from recent Korean pharmaceutical patent filings.
