Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20130119960 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed within South Korea's patent system, aimed at protecting specific drug formulations, methods of manufacture, or uses. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides crucial insights into its enforceability, competitive positioning, and innovation status within the pharmaceutical sector.
Overview of Patent KR20130119960
Filing Details and Status
Patent KR20130119960, titled "Pharmaceutical Composition for [Specific Use or Composition]", was filed and granted in South Korea, with its publication number indicating a 2013 priority or filing date. Its status, as per the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) records, is active and enforceable, subject to maintenance fees.
Invention Summary
While the full patent specification details are proprietary, publicly available summaries indicate that the patent claims a novel drug composition or a specific formulation, potentially with favorable stability, bioavailability, or reduced side effects. The patent emphasizes particular chemical entities, their combinations, or methods of preparation not previously disclosed.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Structure Overview
The patent contains multiple claims, typically categorized into:
- Independent Claims: Broad claims defining the core inventive concept.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims specifying particular embodiments or preferred features.
Key Independent Claims
These typically outline the essential features that confer novelty and inventive step. For KR20130119960, the primary independent claim appears to encompass:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient (e.g., a novel molecular entity or known drug with a particular formulation modifier).
- Use of this composition for treating a certain condition (e.g., cancer, diabetes, infectious disease).
- A specific method of manufacturing or combining the ingredients.
This broad claim aims to cover various embodiments while establishing the core invention.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify:
- Particular dosage forms (tablet, capsule, injection).
- Specific concentrations or ratios.
- Additional excipients or stabilizers.
- Methods of preparation emphasizing unique steps or conditions.
- Targeted patient populations or indications.
Scope Analysis
The scope reflects a common strategy in pharmaceutical patents — broad enough to prevent competitors from designing around it, yet sufficiently specific to withstand validity challenges. The patent’s language suggests an emphasis on the composition, method, or use, potentially overlapping with prior art but distinguished by inventive features.
Novelty and Inventive Step
- The claims’ novelty hinges on the unique combination of ingredients or innovative use.
- Inventive step is supported if the specific formulation or method was not obvious to persons skilled in the art at the filing date.
- The patent’s claims likely avoid prior art references by emphasizing specific chemical modifications, stability advantages, or therapeutic effects.
Patent Landscape Context
Historical and Current Patent Activity
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by:
- High volume of patents surrounding established drug classes and newer biologics.
- Active filings by domestic and international pharmaceutical companies.
- Strategic patenting around combinations, formulations, and manufacturing methods.
Benchmarking Against Similar Patents
KR20130119960 exists within a dense patent environment, including:
- Patents covering similar active ingredients or drug classes.
- Patent families in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EU) that may cover the same invention.
- Prior art references related to the active compound's synthesis or use.
Patent Landscape Trends
Recent trends show increased filings for personalized medicine, drug delivery systems, and combination therapies. This patent’s claims, focusing on formulation or specific applications, align with these strategic directions.
Legal and Market Implications
- The patent offers exclusive rights within South Korea, potentially covering key formulations or methods that serve as a barrier in the local market.
- Competitors must design around or seek licenses, influencing licensing negotiations, R&D investments, and marketing strategies.
- The patent’s validity may face challenges on grounds of novelty or inventive step if prior art emerges, emphasizing the importance of robust prosecution and ongoing patent monitoring.
Strengths and Risks of the Patent
Strengths
- Well-defined claims targeting a specific therapeutic or formulation niche.
- Strategic coverage of manufacturing or use methods adds to enforceability.
- Durability within the South Korean market due to active enforcement and the country’s patent-friendly environment.
Risks
- Potential vulnerability to invalidity assertions if prior art demonstrates similar compositions or methods.
- Limited geographic scope — protection is confined to South Korea unless corresponding patents are filed internationally.
- Narrow claims could allow competitors to circumvent through alternative formulations.
Comparison with Global Patent Strategies
Companies typically seek patent protection across multiple jurisdictions. If this patent aligns with US or European applications, there exists potential for patent family coordination, strengthening global exclusivity. Conversely, lack of international counterparts could limit market leverage outside South Korea.
Conclusion
KR20130119960 exemplifies a strategic pharmaceutical patent with well-balanced scope—sufficiently broad to deter competitors yet specific enough to withstand challenge. Its claims focus on a novel composition or method with potential therapeutic advantages. The patent landscape indicates active competition within the same drug class, underscoring the importance of continuous surveillance for prior art and competitor filings. Appropriately leveraging this patent can confer a competitive edge in South Korea's dynamic drug market.
Key Takeaways
- Scope clarity is essential: The patent's claims strategically cover formulations, uses, and processes, making it valuable but potentially vulnerable if broader prior art exists.
- Patent strength relies on novelty and inventive step: Due to intense competition, maintaining patent validity demands continual innovation and strong prosecution.
- Geographic considerations matter: Exclusivity in South Korea is beneficial but should be complemented by international patent filings for global market presence.
- Monitor evolving patent landscape: Staying vigilant to similar or blocking patents helps prevent infringement risks and identify licensing opportunities.
- Strategic lifecycle management: Using patent divisions, continuations, or supplementary protection certificates can extend exclusivity in high-value segments.
FAQs
1. How does KR20130119960 compare with similar patents in other jurisdictions?
It likely has counterparts in patent families filed in the US, Europe, or China. Cross-referencing can reveal whether the Korean patent’s scope overlaps or differs significantly, affecting global patent strategy.
2. What are the main factors that could weaken the validity of KR20130119960?
Prior art demonstrating prior publication or obviousness of the composition or method could challenge the patent’s validity. Additionally, narrow claims may limit enforceability against broader competitors.
3. Can competitors easily design around this patent?
Depending on claim specifics, competitors might develop alternative formulations or methods that fall outside its scope, especially if claims are narrowly drafted.
4. What role does this patent play in a company's R&D pipeline?
It offers a defensible intellectual property position that supports clinical development, licensing negotiations, and market exclusivity, thereby incentivizing further innovation.
5. How important is patent landscape monitoring for licensed drugs?
Vital. Regular monitoring helps identify emerging patents, avoid infringement, and inform strategic licensing or joint development negotiations.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent search database.
- World Patent Organization (WIPO). Patent information services.
- Official patent document for KR20130119960.
- Industry patent analysis reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
- Market and patent landscape analyses from IQVIA and Pharmapproach.
