Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR20160141717, granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, likely related to therapeutic agents or drug delivery systems, considering the typical scope of patents in the biopharmaceutical domain. This analysis explores the patent's scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape.*
Scope of Patent KR20160141717
Patent overview:
KR20160141717 was filed with a focus on protecting a specific pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or delivery method. The scope of the patent is gauged primarily by its claims, which define the legal breadth of protection.
Legal scope considerations:
The scope hinges on the language used in the independent claims, which typically specify the core inventive concept, such as a unique compound structure, a novel formulation, or an innovative method of manufacturing or administration.
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Chemical compounds and structures:
If the patent claims a specific chemical entity or a class of compounds, the scope extends to all derivatives falling within the claim language, including salts, esters, and polymorphic forms, provided the claims encompass these variants.
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Therapeutic application:
The scope may also include specific medical indications, methods of treatment, or delivery modalities, emphasizing the patent's utility in particular therapeutic areas.
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Formulation and delivery systems:
The patent may claim novel excipient compositions, controlled-release mechanisms, or targeted delivery approaches, broadening its protective reach across various formulations.
Geographical scope:
While specific to South Korea, the patent’s claims may serve as a basis for subsequent filings in other jurisdictions, owing to international patent family strategies.
Claims Analysis
Claims structure:
The patent likely contains one or more independent claims, each representing the inventive nucleus, supplemented by dependent claims that specify preferred embodiments or particular features.
Independent Claims
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Core compound or composition:
The independent claims probably define a novel chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition with specific features such as purity, stability, or bioavailability enhancements.
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Method of production or use:
Claims might cover methods of synthesizing the compound or methods of administering the drug for specific diseases.
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Delivery mechanisms:
Claims may extend to delivery systems like microcapsules, nanoparticles, or implantable devices designed to optimize therapeutic efficacy.
Dependent Claims
- Narrower claims specify particular modifications, such as specific substitutions on a chemical scaffold, concentration ranges, or dosing protocols.
Claim scope evaluation:
The breadth of the independent claims determines the patent’s enforceability and freedom-to-operate considerations for competitors transforming or designing around the protected technology.
Novelty and inventive step considerations:
- The claims are likely supported by prior art comprising existing pharmaceuticals, chemical compounds, or delivery systems in the relevant therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, neurology).
- The inventive step must distinguish these claims from the closest prior art, emphasizing unique structural features, combinations, or manufacturing techniques.
Patent Landscape Context
Existing patent environment in South Korea:
The landscape surrounds other patents filed by local or international pharmaceutical companies targeting similar compounds or methods. South Korea's patent system fosters strong protection for biologics, small molecules, and delivery innovations, aligning with global standards.
Key competitors and prior art:
- Major players like Samsung Bioepis, GC Pharma, or global pharma entities frequently file for similar therapeutic categories, especially in cancer, infectious disease, or neurology.
- The patent family associated with KR20160141717 probably has equivalents filed under PCT, China, Japan, and U.S., forming an extensive patent portfolio.
Legal and commercial implications:
- The scope of KR20160141717 may influence licensing negotiations, patent litigation, or partnership strategies.
- Broad claims can serve as a barrier to generic entry, securing market exclusivity for an extended period.
Patent term considerations:
- Patent term adjustment or extension may be applicable, especially if the patent relates to biologics or innovative delivery systems, which can extend commercial exclusivity.
Strengths and Limitations of KR20160141717
Strengths
- If the claims are broad, encompassing a novel chemical class, it establishes a strong IP barrier.
- Claims related to specific formulations or delivery methods may provide defensible protection against straightforward design-arounds.
Limitations
- Overly narrow claims risk circumvention by minor modifications or alternative compounds.
- Prior art disclosures in the same or similar therapeutic fields may challenge the novelty or inventive step, potentially restricting enforceability.
Conclusion
Patent KR20160141717 appears to secure a strategic position within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape, covering specific chemical entities or innovative formulations with potential therapeutic benefits. Its scope hinges on carefully crafted claims emphasizing novel features over prior art, shaping its strength against infringement or challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Robust claim drafting is critical: Broad independent claims backed by detailed dependent claims maximize protection and deterrence against competitors.
- Patent landscapes are competitive: Continuous monitoring of existing and pending patents in the same therapeutic area is vital to validate freedom-to-operate.
- International strategies matter: Filing global equivalents can extend the patent’s protective reach and market exclusivity.
- Patent scope influences commercial strategy: Broad patents create barriers, whereas narrow claims may necessitate defensive patenting or licensing.
- Legal challenges may arise: Prior art and inventive step considerations can impact patent strength, underscoring the importance of thorough patent prosecution.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by KR20160141717?
The patent likely protects a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or delivery method designed to improve therapeutic efficacy or stability relative to existing drugs.
2. How broad are the claims in KR20160141717?
Without examining the exact claim language, it is presumed the claims are crafted to balance breadth and specificity, aiming for broad protection while maintaining novelty and inventive step.
3. How does KR20160141717 fit within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It contributes to a competitive environment focused on innovative drug delivery and novel therapeutic compounds, aligning with Korea’s strong patent policy supporting biotech innovations.
4. Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art invalidation arguments, especially if prior disclosures or obvious modifications are found that anticipate or render the claims obvious.
5. What strategic steps should follow patent KR20160141717?
Filing regional and international patent applications, developing patent landscaping intelligence, and exploring licensing or alliance opportunities based on the patent’s scope.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Document KR20160141717.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE and PatentScope reports on international patent families related to KR20160141717.
- Patent landscape analyses of South Korean pharmaceutical patents in relevant therapeutic areas.
- Global patent database searches for similar compounds and formulations to evaluate prior art.
