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| (Source: TG BioTec) |
Daegu-based TG BioTec has failed in its attempt to invalidate a competitor's patent, after a South Korean intellectual property tribunal rejected its challenge.
On Jan. 29, 2026, the Korean Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board dismissed TG BioTec's invalidation petition against BTC Corporation's Korean Patent No. KR2507569, titled "Preparation Method of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Leaves Extract and Gynostemma pentaphyllum Leaves Extract Using the Same."
TG BioTec filed the invalidation petition in August 2024, arguing that claims 1-5, 7-12 and 15-18 of the patent were not patentable. With the board's decision, the invalidation challenge has failed in its entirety. TG BioTec may appeal the ruling to the Patent Court, which is based in Daejeon.
The challenged patent relates to a method for preparing extracts from Gynostemma pentaphyllum leaves and compositions containing the extracts as an active ingredient. According to the patent, the extracts are said to improve exercise performance by enhancing muscle strength, endurance and overall physical capacity. The patent also describes physiological effects including increased AMPK activation, promotion of beta-oxidation and enhanced glucose uptake, which are asserted to contribute to weight and body fat reduction and to the prevention, improvement or treatment of diabetes. Because the compositions are derived from natural materials, the patent states that they can be safely used in pharmaceutical or food products without significant side effects.
TG BioTec was established in 2001 and reported revenue of approximately 7.2 billion won and operating profit of about 0.8 billion won in 2024.
BTC Corporation, the patent owner, was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Gwacheon. The company reported roughly revenue of 20.6 billion won and operating profit of about 0.4 billion won in 2024.
By PatenTrip
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