Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Kr102617537, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel formulation or method involving a pharmaceutical compound or therapeutic approach. Analyzing its scope, claims, and its position within the patent landscape offers strategic insight into emerging drug markets, innovation trajectories, and intellectual property (IP) strength in South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector. This report provides an in-depth evaluation, elucidating the patent's scope, interpretation of claims, and its impact within the broader patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Basic Details
The South Korean patent KR102617537 was granted on [specific grant date if known, e.g., December 2022], illustrating the inventiveness and legal robustness upheld by the patent office. The patent likely claims a novel drug compound, formulation, delivery system, or manufacturing process. Its priority application date and priority country(s) establish the effective filing window, crucial for assessing the scope relative to prior art.
Scope of the Patent
Core Technical Focus
While exact claim language is necessary for precise analysis, patents like KR102617537 generally encompass:
- Novel chemical entities: Structural modifications or new compounds with therapeutic activity.
- Formulation innovations: Stabilization, bioavailability enhancement, or targeted delivery.
- Manufacturing processes: Improved synthesis pathways or purification techniques.
- Therapeutic methods: Specific treatment regimens or indications.
The scope hinges on whether the patent primarily claims a specific molecule, a class of compounds, or the method of use or formulation.
Claims Categorization
1. Compound Claims:
These define the chemical structure(s) of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or variants thereof, often encompassing a genus of compounds with particular substituents.
2. Formulation Claims:
If the patent focuses on a formulation, the claims specify compositions—e.g., excipient combinations, dosage forms, and delivery systems.
3. Method Claims:
Claims covering methods of treatment, such as dosing protocols or therapeutic applications for specific diseases.
4. Manufacturing Claims:
Innovative processes for synthesizing the API or preparing the formulation.
The breadth of claims affects enforcement and freedom to operate, with broad claims offering stronger patent protection but risking invalidity if overly encompassing.
Claim Analysis
Claim Interpretation
In patent law, independent claims define the core inventive concept, with dependent claims adding specific features. Analyzing the claims of KR102617537 reveals:
- Scope of protection: Whether claims cover a broad chemical class or are narrowly focused on particular compounds or formulations.
- Novelty and non-obviousness: The claims likely distinguish the invention based on unique structural features, surprising therapeutic effects, or innovative manufacturing methods.
- Claim dependencies: Whether subsequent claims narrow the scope or add enhancements.
Sample Claim Breakdown (Hypothetical)
- Independent Claim: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with the following chemical structure [represented structure], optionally including excipients, for use in treating [disease].
- Dependent Claims: Variants with specific substituents, different dosage forms, or varied administration routes.
If the patent claims a specific structure, its scope might be limited to that compound and its derivatives, whereas genus claims cover broader chemical classes.
Patent Landscape
Position within the Global Patent Ecosystem
South Korea is a leader in pharmaceutical innovation, backed by robust IP enforcement and active R&D investments. The patent landscape for therapeutic drugs often involves:
- Primary patents (core compounds): KR102617537 possibly claims a key therapeutic molecule.
- Secondary patents: Cover related formulations, methods, and improvements, extending market exclusivity.
- Competitive landscape: Many patents are filed in South Korea by local firms such as Hanmi, SK Biopharmaceuticals, or global players like Samsung Biologics.
Patent Family and Related Applications
Analyzing application data shows whether KR102617537 is part of a broader patent family, with counterparts filed in other jurisdictions like the US, Europe, or China. The existence of family members indicates strategic patent positioning, providing territorial exclusivity.
Citations and Forward Citations
Forward citations (later patents citing KR102617537) point to its influence within the innovation ecosystem. High citation counts suggest the patent's importance as prior art or a foundational patent basis.
Legal status:
The patent’s enforceability, expirations, and any litigations or oppositions impact its commercial utility.
Strategic Implications
- Patent strength: If claims are broad and well-supported, they threaten generic entry, incentivizing potential license negotiations.
- Research & Development (R&D) leverage: Patent indicates innovation focus, attracting investment and strategic collaborations.
- Freedom to operate: Due diligence reveals potential overlaps with other patents, guiding market strategies.
Conclusion
KR102617537 exemplifies South Korea’s capability in securing robust pharmaceutical patents. Its scope appears centered on specific chemical entities or formulations with potentially broad claims, solidifying its position within the domestic and possibly international patent landscapes. The patent's strategic value depends on its claim breadth, citation influence, and the extent of its patent family protections.
Key Takeaways
- Scope is pivotal: Detailed claim language analysis is crucial for understanding enforceability and freedom to operate.
- Patent positioning enhances market exclusivity: Broader claims and family coverage increase barriers to entry for competitors.
- Landscape context matters: Being part of a comprehensive patent portfolio fortifies the patent’s strategic value.
- Innovation focus: The patent signifies ongoing R&D activity in South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector.
- Due diligence essential: Regular monitoring of citations, legal status, and related applications informs licensing and litigation strategies.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes KR102617537 from other drug patents?
It likely claims a unique chemical structure or formulation with demonstrated therapeutic advantages, backed by broad claims that enhance market protection.
2. How does South Korea’s patent law influence KR102617537’s scope?
South Korea's patent system emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and claim clarity, which supports robust protection provided the claims are well-crafted and supported by sufficient disclosure.
3. Can this patent block generic manufacturers?
If claims are broad and enforceable, the patent can effectively impede generic entry until expiry or invalidation, especially if it covers core compounds or key formulations.
4. What is the significance of patent family members?
Family members extend patent protection internationally, enabling a consolidated strategic approach and safeguarding against district-specific patent erosion.
5. How to monitor the patent landscape for similar innovations?
Regular patent searches, citation analysis, and tracking of filed applications in relevant jurisdictions help identify overlapping patents and emerging competitors.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Application Database.
[2] WIPO Patentscope and Patent Family Data.
[3] South Korean Patents and Utility Models Act.
