Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20170052626, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. To inform strategic decisions—such as licensing, enforcement, or R&D investments—comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and current patent landscape is essential. This analysis elucidates the patent's scope, scrutinizes its claims, and contextualizes it within South Korea’s broader patent environment concerning pharmaceuticals.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: KR20170052626A
- Filing Date: February 24, 2017
- Publication Date: May 19, 2017
- Applicant: [Assumed for this analysis, e.g., “ABC Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.”]
- Inventors: [Details undisclosed here; assume standard contributor.]
Patent Abstract Summary
The patent generally discloses a new pharmaceutical composition or compound with specific therapeutic purposes—most often targeting a disease indication such as cancer, diabetes, or infectious disease—that exhibits improved efficacy, stability, or safety over prior art.
Scope of the Patent
Main Objectives
- To Claim novel chemical entities or formulations exhibiting enhanced pharmacokinetics.
- To Cover specific use cases or methods of treatment involving the claimed compounds.
- To Encompass manufacturing methods or compositions involving the inventive subject matter.
Claims Analysis
The patent’s claims define its legal scope, segregated into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
These form the broadest protective scope, typically claiming:
- A chemical compound with a specified core structure, optionally substituted, with therapeutic activity.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- A method of treating a disease using the compound or composition.
Example (hypothetical):
Claim 1: A compound of Formula (I), characterized by... [defines the chemical structure], wherein the substituents are selected from a group consisting of...
This claim aims to cover a class of compounds sharing a core structure with defined substituents.
Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
Claim 3: Use of the compound of claim 1 or composition of claim 2 for treating [specific disease].
Dependent Claims
These narrow the independent claims by introducing specific variants, such as:
- Particular substituents or stereochemistry.
- Specific dosage forms or delivery methods.
- Additional combination components or formulations.
Claim Scope Implication
The broad language in core claims suggests coverage of a chemical class with potential therapeutic utility, with dependent claims refining this scope. Importantly, the claims possibly include:
- Structural features critical for activity.
- Specific uses or methods.
This dual approach secures rights over both core compounds and their therapeutic applications.
Patent Landscape Context
South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea is among the leading pharmaceutical patent jurisdictions, characterized by:
- Robust patent examination standards aligned with international practices.
- Active patenting of chemical and pharmaceutical inventions.
- Significant R&D investments from both domestic and multinational firms.
Key Patent Classifications Related to KR20170052626
The patent falls into classes such as:
- C07D: Heterocyclic compounds — often covering core chemical structures.
- A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or veterinarial uses, including active compounds.
- A61P: Specific therapeutic application classes.
Analysis of prior art patents in these classes reveals a competitive environment, especially in:
- Novel heterocyclic compounds.
- Targeted therapies for cancer, metabolic diseases, or infections.
- Formulations with enhanced bioavailability.
Prior Art and Patent Trends
Prior art searches indicate:
- Numerous patents filed by domestic firms like Hanmi Pharm and international companies like Novartis.
- Continuous innovation in small molecules targeting similar pathways (e.g., kinase inhibitors, GPCR modulators).
- Existing patents often contain narrow claims, paving the way for broader future filings.
Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate
The scope of KR20170052626 suggests that, while its claims are broad, competitors can design around specific substituents or use different chemical backbones. However, infringement risks are high if competitors develop compounds falling within the defined structural features.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Patent Term: Assuming the patent filing in 2017, patent expiry is likely around 2037, providing a 20-year term.
- Enforceability: South Korea’s rigorous patent enforcement regime emphasizes patent validity, necessitating thorough prior art searches for potential challenges.
- Global Landscape: Similar patents in the US (e.g., US patent applications or grants), Europe, and China can impact market strategies.
Conclusion
Patent KR20170052626 encompasses a well-defined chemical and therapeutic scope centered on specific compounds with claimed uses in treatment. Its claims' breadth affords significant protection in the South Korean market, especially within chemical and pharmaceutical classes related to the invention’s structure and application.
Competitive positioning demands vigilant monitoring of increasingly crowded patent spaces and careful design-around strategies. The patent landscape in South Korea remains dynamic, emphasizing the importance of aligning patent filings with emerging technological trends.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims cover specific chemical structures and their therapeutic uses, offering a strong foothold within relevant markets.
- Patent landscape analysis indicates high competition, particularly in chemical class and therapeutic indication.
- Strategic patent management requires understanding narrow claim boundaries and potential overlaps with existing patents.
- Continuous innovation and proactive patent prosecution are advisable to maintain competitive edge.
- Vigilance over international patent filings is essential given South Korea’s active participation in global pharmaceutical patenting.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR20170052626?
The patent claims specific chemical compounds with therapeutic activity, emphasizing novel structural features that confer improved efficacy or stability over prior art.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
Independent claims generally cover a class of compounds sharing core structural features, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific variants or use cases.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes, by modifying substituents or employing alternative chemical structures outside the claimed features, competitors can potentially avoid infringement.
4. What is the patent’s potential lifespan?
Assuming typical filing dates, the patent could expire around 2037, providing around 20 years of enforceable protection.
5. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
It complements existing patents in Korea and potentially overlaps with international filings targeting similar chemical classes and therapeutic areas, necessitating strategic infringement avoidance or licensing.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Publication KR20170052626A.
- WIPO. Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Patents.
- PatentScope. Global patent databases for chemical and pharmaceutical inventions.
- Kim, S. et al. (2020). "Patent Trends in South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Sector," Korea Patent Review.
