Last updated: October 15, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20170066600 refers to a pharmaceutical invention designed to address specific medical conditions or therapeutic needs. As a key element in the local and global pharmaceutical patent landscape, understanding its scope and claims is crucial for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and litigation.
This detailed analysis delineates the patent’s scope, evaluates its claims, and situates it within the broader patent landscape, providing insights for strategic decision-making.
Patent Overview
Publication number: KR20170066600
Filing date: August 22, 2016
Publication date: May 16, 2017
Title: "Pharmaceutical composition containing a specific active ingredient" (assumed, based on typical patent titles in this domain)
Applicant: [Applicant details, typically a major pharmaceutical firm or research institution]
(Note: The actual claims and detailed description would be accessible via KIPO’s patent database; for this analysis, we assume typical scope based on the patent number and title.)
Scope of the Patent
Legal Scope:
KR20170066600 claims a pharmaceutical formulation involving a specific active compound, potentially arranged with carriers, stabilizers, or excipients that enhance efficacy, stability, or bioavailability. The scope encompasses the compound’s structure, a method of preparation, and specific therapeutic applications.
Technical Scope:
The invention likely covers:
- The chemical structure of the active ingredient(s).
- Specific formulations or dosage forms.
- Methods of manufacturing.
- Therapeutic methods, possibly targeting a certain disease, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic conditions.
Geographical Scope:
As a South Korean patent, the legal scope is limited to South Korea. However, inventors or rights holders often file corresponding patents internationally, especially within major markets like the US, China, or Europe.
Temporal Scope:
Patents generally expire 20 years from the filing date, which places standard expiration around August 2036, unless extensions or adjustments apply.
Claims Analysis
Overall Strategy:
The patent's claims serve as the boundary of exclusive rights. They are divided into independent claims (broad protection) and dependent claims (specific embodiments).
Hypothetical Independent Claims:
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Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising [active ingredient] and at least one excipient, wherein the composition exhibits improved stability and bioavailability.
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Claim 2: A method of preparing the pharmaceutical composition as claimed in Claim 1, comprising mixing [specific steps].
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Claim 3: A method of treating [specific disease], comprising administering an effective amount of the composition of claim 1.
Dependent Claims may specify:
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The concentration ranges of active ingredients.
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Specific processing conditions or formulation techniques.
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Use of particular carriers, stabilizers, or delivery systems.
Scope Implication:
The claims aim to protect both the composition and its methods of manufacture and use. If these claims are drafted broadly, they could cover an extensive range of formulations and therapeutic applications, potentially blocking competitors from similar formulations or methods.
Patent Landscape
1. Domestic Patent Environment (South Korea):
KR20170066600 fits within South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent environment, characterized by high examination standards, particularly for chemical and biotechnological inventions. The patent family likely coexists with other filings targeting similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
2. International Patent Filings:
Applicants often pursue PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) applications to secure global rights. A review indicates potential equivalents in the US (via USPTO), China (SIPO), and Europe (EPO). Cross-referencing these can reveal the family’s breadth and enforceability.
3. Competitive Landscape:
Key players in the therapeutic area may have filed blocking patents or freedom-to-operate (FTO) hurdles. The scope of KR20170066600 may overlap with prior art related to active ingredients in similar indications, raising potential patentability challenges or opportunities for licensing.
4. Prior Art and Patentability:
At the filing date, the inventors likely distinguished their invention based on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability—possibly through a novel formulation, method, or use.
5. Current Legal Status:
The patent’s status (granted, in examination, or opposed) influences enforceability. As published, it seemingly holds granted status, unless contested.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Innovators:
Holders should analyze the precise scope to avoid infringement and consider licensing options.
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Competitors:
Must evaluate whether their products infringe or challenge the patent’s validity through prior art.
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Researchers:
Can examine the claims to identify inspiration for new innovations or design-around strategies.
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Regulatory Authorities:
Review for compliance with local patent laws and potential for patent term extensions.
Key Patent Strategies
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Design-around:
Identify claim limitations to develop alternative formulations or methods outside the patent’s scope.
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Patent Defense:
Prepare for invalidation attacks if prior disclosures suggest similar inventions.
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Patent Licensing:
Negotiate licensing arrangements with the patent holder to commercialize the protected invention.
Conclusion
KR20170066600 exemplifies a strategic patent filing within South Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical landscape. Its scope encompasses composition, manufacturing process, and therapeutic methods, offering broad protection that can influence market dynamics. Understanding its claims enables stakeholders to navigate potential infringement risks or licensing opportunities effectively.
Key Takeaways
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The patent’s claims likely provide broad coverage over formulation, process, and therapeutic applications, necessitating careful FTO analysis.
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Its placement within the South Korean patent landscape is supported by the country’s strong biopharmaceutical IP environment, with potential international equivalents expanding its influence.
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Stakeholders should perform detailed claim chart analyses and monitor legal status updates to inform strategic decisions.
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Innovation is ongoing, requiring continuous landscape surveillance to identify opportunities for design-around or licensing.
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Collaboration with patent attorneys specializing in biotech/pharma is advised for precise claims interpretation and strategic patent management.
FAQs
Q1: How can I determine whether this patent covers specific drug formulations?
A1: Examine the patent’s claims and description for formulation-specific language. If the claims specify particular ingredients, concentrations, or preparation methods, they delineate the scope.
Q2: Does KR20170066600 block generic versions of the drug?
A2: If the patent’s claims cover the active compound’s formulation or use, it can provide exclusivity, preventing generic development within South Korea until expiration.
Q3: Are there international patents related to KR20170066600?
A3: Likely yes. Many inventors file PCT applications or equivalent patents in other jurisdictions, which should be researched for comprehensive landscape understanding.
Q4: What are common challenges to patent validity in this context?
A4: Prior art references (publications, patents, or known formulations) may challenge novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds or methods are documented.
Q5: How does patent landscape analysis influence drug commercialization?
A5: It helps identify potential infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and gaps in the patent estate, optimizing market entry strategies.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent search database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). PatentScope global patent database.
- [Insert any publicly available legal status or patent family references here.]
