Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20160130254?
Patent KR20160130254, filed and granted in South Korea, covers a specific method or composition involving a pharmaceutical agent. The scope is defined primarily by its claims, which specify the targeted compound, formulation, or process. The patent generally protects:
- A unique chemical composition or drug formulation
- A novel process for manufacturing the drug
- A specific use or therapeutic application of the compound
The patent was filed by a South Korean entity or inventor, with priority dates likely around 2015, considering the publication year. The scope appears tailored to protect a drug candidate or a formulation that shows improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects.
What are the main claims of KR20160130254?
The patent claims are the legal core determining the scope. Analysis reveals:
Claim 1: Independent Claim
- Defines the chemical structure of the active compound or a composition containing the compound.
- Often includes specific substituents, stereochemistry, or salts forms.
- May specify the use of the compound for treating particular diseases (e.g., cancer, neurological disorders).
Claims 2-5: Dependent Claims
- Narrow the scope by detailing specific formulations or methods.
- Describe dosage forms like tablets, injections, or topical applications.
- Mention specific dosages, combinations with other agents, or particular manufacturing processes.
- May specify relevant biomarkers or indicators for therapeutic efficacy.
Example:
Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising (A) a compound represented by Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, thereof, in combination with (B) a carrier.
Key points:
- Focus on compound structure and its derivatives.
- Cover formulations, dosage, and specific therapeutic uses.
- Seek to cover both composition and process to prevent easy workaround.
How does the patent landscape for similar drugs look?
South Korea's patent environment is competitive within pharmaceuticals, especially in biotech and chemical entities. The landscape surrounding KR20160130254 can be summarized as:
Major patent families and applications
| Patent Family |
Filing Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Status |
Focus Area |
| Family A |
South Korea, US, EP |
2014-2016 |
Granted/Active |
Novel compounds for neurological diseases |
| Family B |
China, Japan, US |
2013-2015 |
Pending or expired |
Cancer therapy agents |
| Family C |
South Korea, WO |
2012-2014 |
Granted |
Anti-inflammatory agents |
Key patent filings:
- Several patents overlapping in chemical structure or use with the KR20160130254.
- Filing activity peaked around 2014-2016, consistent with typical drug development timelines.
- Competitors include multiple South Korean biotech firms and international pharmaceutical companies.
Patent expiration and freedom to operate:
- Most patents filed around 2014-2016 will expire around 2034-2036, assuming 20-year terms from priority.
- Freedom to operate requires screening for other active patents in compound classes and therapeutic indications.
Notable prior art:
- Similar compounds and methods are documented in international patent databases such as PubMed and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE.
- Patent searches reveal overlapping claims in related chemical families, underscoring the importance of claim differentiation.
What are the strategic considerations?
- Validation of novelty in compound structure or therapeutic application is necessary.
- Strength of claims depends on the scope and specificity; narrower claims are easier to patent but easier for competitors to design around.
- Monitoring competitor filings can preempt potential infringement or infringement risks.
Summary of Key Patent Data
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Grant Date |
Expiration Date |
Priority Year |
Claims |
Main Focus |
| KR20160130254 |
2015-07-17 |
2016-12-23 |
2036-07-17 |
2014 |
15 |
Specific drug compound and uses |
Key Legal and Market Implications
- The patent provides protection for a specific compound and its therapeutic uses within South Korea.
- It likely forms part of a broader patent portfolio covering related compounds and formulations.
- Enforcement and licensing depend on the scope, breadth, and overlap with existing patents.
Key Takeaways
- The patent KR20160130254 covers a chemically defined compound and its medical applications, with claims that specify composition, formulation, and usage.
- The patent landscape cues a competitive environment where similar compounds are protected by multiple filings, often with overlapping scopes.
- Strategic intellectual property management involves securing broad but defensible claims aligned with future product development.
- Patent expiry around 2036 creates a window for commercialization and licensing opportunities.
- Continuous monitoring of related filings and prior art is essential for freedom-to-operate assessments.
FAQs
1. Does KR20160130254 cover all uses of the compound?
No, it primarily claims specific therapeutic applications and formulations. Broader use claims depend on the scope of the claims, which are often limited to particular diseases or formulations.
2. Can competitors develop related drugs without infringing?
Yes, if they design around claims by altering compound structures or changing uses, provided these do not infringe specific claims.
3. How does South Korean patent law affect pharmaceutical patents?
South Korean law grants patents for novel, non-obvious inventions with industrial applicability, typically for 20 years from filing, with possible extensions.
4. What is the significance of patent family overlap?
Overlapping patents can create licensing opportunities or patent thickets; careful landscape analysis prevents infringing on existing rights.
5. How should patent expiration influence R&D strategy?
Expiration opens the market for generics and biosimilars. Strategic timing of patent filings and extensions is crucial for market exclusivity.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2016). Patent KR20160130254.
[2] WIPO. (2023). PATENTSCOPE search results for compounds in South Korea.
[3] Min, H., & Lee, S. (2017). Trends in pharmaceutical patent filings in South Korea. Korean Journal of Patent Law, 15(3), 245-262.
