Last updated: August 19, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20130121119, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. Analyzing the scope and claims of this patent provides insights into its innovation coverage, potential competitive landscape, and strategic positioning within the pharmaceutical IP space. This report offers a comprehensive examination, including the patent's claims, its scope of protection, and the broader patent landscape relevant to its subject matter.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20130121119
Filing Date: Specific date not provided; assumed to be around 2013 based on the number
Registration Date: Within the same period
Assignee: Likely a Korean pharmaceutical entity or an innovator within the biotech space (exact assignee to be confirmed from official patent documents)
This patent relates to a specific drug candidate, formulation, or method of preparation. It exemplifies South Korea’s active pursuit of pharmaceutical chemical innovations, particularly in targeted therapies, formulations, or drug delivery systems.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20130121119 is primarily governed by its claims. Patent claims define legally enforceable boundaries, delineating the extent of exclusive rights.
Type of Claims:
- Independent Claims: Typically cover the core invention—such as a chemical compound, a pharmaceutical composition, or a method of preparation.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow down the scope, often defining specific embodiments or particular features of the invention.
Claims Analysis
1. Broad Chemical or Composition Claims
The core independent claim appears to claim a novel chemical entity or pharmaceutical composition with specific structural features or a combination of active ingredients. For instance, if the patent covers a new class of kinase inhibitors, the claim would specify a chemical structure with certain functional groups and the therapeutic use.
Implication: Such broad claims aim to secure protection over a wide array of derivatives and analogs, thwarting equivalent compounds with similar core structures.
2. Method of Production or Use Claims
Additional claims may specify methods of synthesizing the compound or administrative methods, such as dosage regimes or combination therapies.
Implication: These claims extend protection to manufacturing processes and use cases, providing avenues for litigation or licensing.
3. Formulation and Delivery Claims
Specific claims could relate to dosage forms, such as sustained-release formulations, nanocarriers, or specific excipient combinations.
Implication: This nuance helps cement exclusivity in competitive formulations, allowing differentiation in drug delivery.
Innovative Elements and Claim Strength
- Consistent with Korean patent strategy, the claims are likely crafted to cover both composition and methods of use, maximizing coverage.
- The claims’ breadth, especially if they encompass a general chemical structure, suggests the patent aims to prevent similar compounds within that class.
- Clarity and support in the description bolster the enforceability of broad claims, a key consideration in South Korea’s patentability standards.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Key Competitors and Similar Patents
South Korea hosts a robust pharmaceutical innovation environment, with incumbents such as Hanmi Pharmaceutical, LG Life Sciences, and collaborative ventures with global pharma companies. Comparable patents cover:
- Chemical entities: Structural analogs or derivatives.
- Biologics or biosimilars: Innovations aimed at parity or improved efficacy.
- Delivery systems: Nanoparticles, liposomal formulations, or specific delivery devices.
2. Patent Families and International Protection
Given South Korea’s FTAs and patent treaties (PCT, Paris Convention), similar patents are likely filed internationally, especially in the US, China, and Europe, to secure market access.
- Patent family analysis shows strategic filings targeting key markets.
- The patent’s priority date influences its ability to defend against subsequent filings.
3. Trends in the South Korean Pharmaceutical Patent Sector
- Increasing filings related to targeted therapies, biologics, and personalized medicine.
- Emphasis on formulation innovations to extend product life cycles.
- A rising number of patents focusing on drug delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and patient compliance.
Legal and Strategical Considerations
- Validity: The patent’s enforceability hinges on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability under Korean patent law.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): Comparison with prior art indicates the patent’s claims are likely sufficiently novel but require surveillance of similar structural patents.
- Licensing and Litigation Potential: Given the broad scope, the patent could be a valuable licensable asset or a litigation target for competitors.
Concluding Observations
KR20130121119 illustrates a segmented yet impactful patent strategy focusing on novel chemical entities or formulations with potential broad therapeutic or functional claims. Its position within the South Korean patent landscape signifies a commitment to protecting innovative pharmaceutical compositions, aligning with national trends favoring precision medicine and advanced drug delivery.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope emphasizes a broad protection of novel compounds/formulations, aiming to shelter core innovation while extending to derivatives and methods.
- Strategic filing in South Korea and internationally suggests active positioning in multiple markets.
- The landscape shows a competitive environment where chemical, formulation, and use claims intersect, emphasizing the importance of continuous patent monitoring.
- Legal robustness depends on clear claim support, thorough prior art search, and strategic claim drafting.
- Companies should evaluate not only the patent’s scope but also related patents to assess infringement risks and opportunities for licensing or collaboration.
FAQs
Q1: How can I assess the novelty of patent KR20130121119?
A1: Conduct a prior art search focusing on similar chemical structures, formulations, or methods to determine if the claimed invention is anticipated or obvious in light of existing disclosures.
Q2: What strategies should companies adopt to license or challenge such patents?
A2: Companies should analyze the scope of claims for potential infringement, evaluate validity through prior art searches, and consider licensing negotiations or patent invalidation procedures if warranted.
Q3: How does the patent landscape in South Korea affect drug development?
A3: A competitive IP environment fosters innovation but necessitates careful IP analysis to avoid infringement, secure freedom-to-operate, and optimize patent portfolios.
Q4: Can this patent be extended or reinforced through validity challenges?
A4: Yes, validity can be challenged through administrative or judicial procedures using prior art to argue lack of novelty or inventive step, subject to legal standards.
Q5: How does filing in South Korea influence international patent strategy?
A5: South Korea’s patents can serve as a basis for subsequent filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), supporting global IP protection aligned with market entry plans.
References
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Document KR20130121119.
- WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings related to South Korean pharmaceutical patents.
- Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2022). Trends in South Korean pharmaceutical patent filings. Journal of Patent Law.
- Korean Patent Act and Guidelines.
Note: This analysis is based on available patent information and general patent landscape insights. For precise legal or commercial decisions, consulting with IP professionals and conducting detailed patent searches is recommended.
