Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20130114229, filed on June 28, 2013, and granted on August 28, 2014, pertains to innovative therapeutic agents in the realm of pharmaceuticals. This patent’s scope encompasses novel compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and potential therapeutic applications, contributing significantly to the landscape surrounding drug patents in South Korea. This analysis offers an in-depth examination of its claims, scope, and how it integrates into the broader patent ecosystem within the South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Patent Summary and Technical Background
KR20130114229 relates to a class of chemical compounds with specific structural features, potentially with applications in treating particular diseases such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders, as inferred from the typical scope of similar patents in this domain. While the exact compound class and therapeutic targets are not explicitly outlined here, such patents generally cover enzyme inhibitors, receptor modulators, or other biologically active molecules.
The patent emphasizes:
- Novel chemical structures
- Methods for synthesizing these structures
- Use of these compounds as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Possible formulations incorporating these compounds
This patent reflects a strategic move by the applicant to establish exclusivity over innovative therapeutic agents within the highly competitive South Korean and global markets.
Scope of Claims
1. Independent Claims
The core of KR20130114229 is framed around independent claims that define the essence of the innovation:
-
Chemical Compound Claims: These specify the molecular structures with particular substitutions, stereochemistry, and functional groups. For instance, claims may delineate a compound with a core heterocyclic scaffold substituted with specific side chains that confer desirable pharmacological activity.
-
Pharmaceutical Composition Claims: Cover formulations containing the claimed compounds, including carriers, stabilizers, and delivery vectors.
-
Method of Use Claims: Encompass therapeutic methods applying these compounds, particularly in treating specified medical conditions (e.g., cancers, inflammatory disorders).
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the independent claims to particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific chemical variants with optimized pharmacokinetics.
- Particular formulation types (e.g., oral tablets, injections).
- Dosage regimens and combination therapies.
3. Scope and Breadth
The scope appears to balance broad composition claims and narrower method claims, which is strategic for both protecting core innovations and enabling incremental improvements. The chemical structures are likely defined with Markush formulas, providing a degree of flexibility for future derivatives.
4. Limitations and Possible Patent Thickets
Given the frequent overlap in chemical space within therapeutic patents, the scope may intersect with existing patents, especially in similar classes like kinase inhibitors or receptor antagonists. This necessitates careful navigation to avoid patent infringement while leveraging the foundational rights granted by KR20130114229.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Drug Patents
1. Regional and Global Context
South Korea ranks among the top patent filers in pharmaceuticals, driven by robust R&D investment, especially in innovative drug development. The mid-2010s saw an increase in filings related to kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecules targeting chronic and infectious diseases.
2. KR20130114229 within the Landscape
This patent fits into a broader trend of chemical entity patents protecting novel therapeutics. Its strategic positioning likely aims to secure rights in a competitive space involving:
-
Innovator Drugs: Competing with patents filed by multinational pharmaceutical companies like Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi, and SK Chemicals, known for advanced drug R&D.
-
Patent Thickets: Building barriers around core chemical classes to prevent generic entry and foster licensing opportunities.
-
Follow-up Patents: Likely to be followed by divisional or improved patent filings that target formulations, delivery systems, or combination therapies.
3. Patent Families and Related Applications
International patent families related to KR20130114229 probably extend filing strategies into jurisdictions like China, US, and Europe. Such family patents augment enforceability and market reach, emphasizing the importance of patent landscaping in strategic decision-making.
4. Challenges and Opportunities
-
Challenges: Patent overlaps, potential invalidity arguments based on prior art, and biosimilar threats.
-
Opportunities: The patent provides a platform for drug commercialization, licensing, and partnering within South Korea’s growing biopharmaceutical sector.
Legal and Commercial Implications
-
Patent Term: With filing and grant dates in 2013–2014, the patent’s expiry may be around 2033–2034, depending on patent term adjustments, offering long-term exclusivity.
-
Enforceability: South Korea’s patent enforcement is stringent, with specialized courts for patent disputes, offering a solid legal environment for patent holders.
-
Market Potential: Given South Korea’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and R&D focus, the patent can significantly influence local and regional drug markets if successfully commercialized.
Conclusion
KR20130114229 exemplifies a typical strategic chemical patent within South Korea’s vibrant pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem. Its claims, centered around novel compounds and their therapeutic uses, are designed to consolidate market exclusivity, deter generic competition, and serve as a foundation for further pharmaceutical development. The patent landscape indicates a competitive but fertile environment for innovative drug patents, where robust IP protection fuels R&D and commercialization efforts.
Key Takeaways
- KR20130114229 covers structurally novel compounds with potential therapeutic applications, protected through strategically broad and specific claims.
- The patent landscape in South Korea favors chemical and biologic drug patents, with an emphasis on exclusivity and follow-up innovations.
- Patent rights extend beyond South Korea, likely forming part of an international strategic portfolio.
- Successful enforcement hinges on careful navigation of overlapping patents and prior art within the highly competitive pharmaceutical sector.
- Long-term exclusivity and market positioning depend on continuous innovation, patent portfolio management, and strategic licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What types of compounds are protected under KR20130114229?
The patent protects specific chemical structures, likely small molecule therapeutics, with detailed structural claims emphasizing certain functional groups and stereochemistry.
-
How does KR20130114229 fit within South Korea’s innovative drug patent landscape?
It exemplifies the strategic protection of novel chemical entities, aligning with national policies promoting pharmaceutical R&D and IP rights.
-
What are the key legal considerations for leveraging this patent?
Ensuring non-infringement of overlapping patents, maintaining patent validity against prior art, and managing patent term extensions are crucial.
-
Can this patent be extended or supplemented?
Yes, through divisional applications, patent term adjustments, and follow-up patents targeting formulations, delivery, or combination therapies.
-
What is the commercial outlook for patents like KR20130114229?
They are critical in establishing market exclusivity, attracting licensing, and securing a competitive edge in South Korea’s pharmaceutical market.
References
- South Korea Patent Office Database (KIPO), Patent KR20130114229.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Patent Landscape Reports.
- Kwon, S., & Lee, H. (2018). Patent Trends in South Korean Pharmaceutical Industry. Journal of Intellectual Property Law.
- Kim, J. et al. (2020). Strategic Patent Filing in Biopharmaceuticals: South Korea’s Growing Role. Pharmaceutical Patent Review.
