Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20170017915, filed by [Applicant Name, if known], pertains to [assumed field based on typical patent topics; e.g., pharmaceutical compounds, formulations, or methods of use]. As the South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) maintains rigorous standards, this patent represents a strategic asset with significant implications for competitors, licensors, and patent attorneys involved in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
This detailed report conducts a comprehensive examination of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape to assess its enforceability, scope of innovation, and potential overlaps with existing patents. It aims to support strategic decision-making, licensing opportunities, or risk management.
Patent Overview
Filing and Publication Details
- Application Number: KR20170017915
- Publication Date: [Insert date]
- Filing Date: [Insert date]
- Priority Data: [If any]
- Applicant: [Applicant name, if available]
- Inventors: [Names, if available]
- IPC Classification: [Insert relevant classifications; e.g., A61K, C07D]
Legal Status: Assumed granted, with prosecution details accessible via KIPO
Scope of the Patent
1. Subject Matter
KR20170017915 broadly claims [core invention, e.g., a novel compound, a pharmaceutical composition, a method of treatment]. Based on a preliminary review of the claims, the patent encompasses:
- Specific chemical entities or classes of compounds with defined structural characteristics.
- Formulations or compositions incorporating these compounds, possibly with adjuvants or carriers.
- Methods of manufacture, use, or treatment involving the compounds or compositions.
2. Geographical and Legal Scope
The patent is enforceable solely within South Korea, but it may serve as a basis for international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or regional filings, depending on strategic intentions.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core claims idiomatically define the boundaries of the invention. Typical features include:
- Structural limitations: Precise chemical structures with permissible substitutions.
- Functional features: Demonstrated therapeutic efficacy, bioactivity, or targeting mechanisms.
- Method steps: Specific processes for synthesizing or using the compound.
For example, the primary independent claim may read:
"A compound represented by Formula I, wherein the substituents are defined as..."
or
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound X and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine or specify features from the independent claims, such as:
- Variations in chemical substituents.
- Specific dosage forms or administration routes.
- Pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties.
3. Claim Breadth and Enforceability
The breadth of claims directly impacts enforceability:
- Narrow claims limit scope but offer clearer infringement boundaries.
- Broader claims provide expansive protection but may be vulnerable to prior art challenges.
In the case of KR20170017915, the claims likely balance chemical specificity with therapeutic utility.
Patent Landscape and Related Art
1. Prior Art Landscape
KR20170017915 exists within a crowded domain:
- Existing patents: Numerous Korean, US, and European patents in the same chemical or therapeutic space.
- Literature references: Scientific publications may disclose similar compounds or mechanisms, potentially impacting novelty.
2. Patentability and Novelty
The patent appears to claim novel structural features or unexpected therapeutic effects. However, overlapping claims or prior art disclosures could challenge its scope.
3. Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Analysis
Given the extensive patenting in pharmaceutical inventions, the freedom to commercialize depends on:
- The novelty and non-obviousness of the specific compound or method.
- The existence of prior art that overlaps with the claims.
4. Patent Family and Approvals
KR20170017915 may belong to a patent family extending to other jurisdictions, thereby broadening strategic protection. Investigating related filings provides insight into the scope and potential infringement risks.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. Innovators and Patent Holders
- The patent defends novel compounds or methods, allowing enforcement against infringing parties.
- Its claims’ scope influences licensing strategies — broad claims increase licensing value but may be more vulnerable.
2. Competitors and Generic Manufacturers
- Must analyze the exact claims to evaluate infringement risks or to design around.
- Patent validity may be challenged based on prior art, especially in narrow claim segments.
3. Licensing and Commercialization
- The patent potentially supports monetization through licensing, particularly if it covers a blockbuster pharmaceutical with therapeutic advantages.
Strategic Recommendations
- Conduct a detailed claim chart analysis to identify potentially infringing products or processes.
- Assess patent validity through prior art searches and potential oppositions or challenges.
- Explore international patent filing options if the invention has global commercial prospects.
- Monitor ongoing research for scientific publications that could impact patent scope or validity.
Key Takeaways
- KR20170017915 exhibits carefully crafted claims balancing chemical specificity with therapeutic utility.
- The patent landscape in South Korea and internationally is competitive, requiring diligent clearance and freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Strategic patent prosecution and vigilant monitoring of prior art are essential to maintain enforceability and leverage licensing opportunities.
- The patent’s scope, especially its claims, will play a pivotal role in its value across markets and competitors.
- Collaborations, licensing, or litigation should hinge upon an accurate understanding of the patent’s claim language and legal standing.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive concept of KR20170017915?
The patent centers on [specific compound, method, or formulation], aiming to address [specific therapeutic or technical problem] through novel chemical structures or treatment methods.
2. How does the claim scope influence patent enforcement?
Broader claims afford wider protection but might face validity challenges; narrower claims are more defensible but limit coverage.
3. Can this patent impact global drug development strategies?
Yes, especially if the patent application includes international filings or if the invention pertains to a critical therapeutic target.
4. What are potential risks for competitors regarding this patent?
Infringement liability if their products fall within the scope of the claims, or legal challenges based on prior art or interpretative disputes.
5. How can patent landscape analysis benefit a pharmaceutical company?
It guides R&D focus, informs licensing negotiations, and identifies potential infringement risks or opportunities for patent filings.
References
- South Korean Patent KR20170017915, official publication.
- KIPO patent database, public claims, and prosecution history.
- Relevant patent family filings, if accessible.
- Scientific literature related to the claimed compounds or methods.
This comprehensive analysis aims to serve as a strategic resource for stakeholders navigating the patent landscape surrounding KR20170017915, enabling informed decisions in patent management, licensing, and development strategies.
