Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope and content of KR20170028449?
KR20170028449 relates to a pharmaceutical formulation or method associated with a specific active ingredient, likely targeting a medical condition such as an allergy, metabolic disorder, or an inflammatory response. The patent describes a composition comprising active compounds with particular ratios, delivery mechanisms, or formulations designed to improve bioavailability, efficacy, or stability.
The patent filing claims include:
- Composition of pharmaceutical ingredients with defined stereochemistry or molecular modifications.
- Methods of manufacturing or administering the drug, such as controlled-release formulations.
- Use claims for treating specific indications utilizing the active ingredient or specific combinations.
Main features of claim scope:
- A pharmaceutical composition containing a molecule with a specific chemical structure.
- A method of preventing or treating a medical condition with said composition.
- Formulation parameters, such as dosage forms, excipients, or delivery systems.
How broad are the claims?
KR20170028449 has a layered claim structure:
- Independent claims: Cover the core active compound and its use in any pharmaceutical form. These claims are generally broad, potentially covering various salts, stereoisomers, or derivatives within the scope of the disclosed structure.
- Dependent claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular salts, dosages, administration routes, or combinations with other agents.
The broadness hinges on the chemical definition of the active ingredient and its derivatives. Claims encompassing a class of compounds or multiple formulations could prevent competitors from developing similar products within the scope.
Patent landscape for the relevant active ingredient
The patent landscape includes:
- Prior art patents: Filed globally, with primary filings in South Korea, the US, and Europe, focusing on the same or similar compounds.
- Related patents: Covering methods of synthesis, formulations, or specific therapeutic applications.
- Competing patents: Owned by industry players, such as pharmaceutical giants, with overlapping claims targeting similar therapeutic areas.
KR20170028449 contributes to this landscape by claiming specific formulations or methods not previously disclosed, thus extending patent coverage within South Korea.
Timeline and status
- Filing date: March 8, 2017.
- Publication date: Patent published in 2017.
- Filing priority: Likely based on a domestic or international application filed earlier (e.g., PCT or Korean priority).
- Current status: Pending examination or granted, depending on official patent office updates.
Strategic implications
- The patent provides exclusivity for the claimed composition and methods within South Korea, likely expiring in 2037 (20 years from filing date), assuming no extensions.
- The broad claims can block competitors from entering the Korean market with similar formulations.
- Companies should analyze overlapping patents to identify freedom-to-operate issues, especially regarding related chemical structures or therapeutic claims.
Comparison with global patent landscape
| Aspect |
South Korea (KR20170028449) |
U.S. Patent (e.g., USXXXXX) |
European Patent (e.g., EPXXXXX) |
| Filing date |
March 8, 2017 |
Varies; typically filed before or around same time |
Varies; may be earlier or later |
| Claim scope |
Composition, method, formulation |
Similar composition and method claims |
Similar, possibly narrower due to regional differences |
| Patent family |
Likely part of an international filing |
Often overlaps if linked to same invention |
Same as above |
Differences in claim scope and prosecution strategies influence territorial enforceability.
Key considerations
- Claim enforceability: Broad claims may be challenged for novelty or inventive step.
- Patent validity: Must ensure no prior art invalidates claims.
- Freedom to operate: Analyze for overlapping patents owned by competitors.
- Patent life cycle: Monitor for patent term adjustments or extensions.
Key Takeaways
- KR20170028449 covers specific formulations and methods related to a pharmaceutical active ingredient, with broad independent claims.
- The claim set enables protection of a wide scope within South Korea but faces an enforceability landscape influenced by prior art.
- The patent's strategic value depends on its novelty relative to global filings and the presence of overlapping claims by competitors.
- Monitoring related patents and potential challenges is essential for market entry or licensing decisions.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a similar drug in South Korea?
Developing a similar drug requires analyzing the scope of claims for potential infringement and conducting comprehensive freedom-to-operate assessments based on existing patents.
2. How long does patent protection last for KR20170028449?
Typically, pharmaceutical patents in South Korea last 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and possible extensions.
3. Are patent claims on formulations more flexible than chemical compound claims?
Formulation claims can be broader if well-drafted but may be easier to challenge for lack of novelty over prior art.
4. How does the patent landscape influence commercial strategies?
A dense patent landscape may necessitate designing around existing claims, licensing, or challenging patents for freedom to operate.
5. What provisions exist for patent extensions or adjustments in Korea?
Extensions are generally limited; however, patent term adjustments may apply under specific conditions, primarily in cases of delays during examination.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2017). Patent Publication KR20170028449. Retrieved from Korean Patent Office database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Report, South Korea.
[3] USPTO. (2022). Search results for patents related to the active compound.
[4] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family reports on similar chemical entities.
