Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
The South Korean patent KR20170082625, filed by several applicants including LG Chem, addresses a novel formulation or therapeutic method related to a specific drug or compound. This patent plays a crucial role within the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape, especially considering South Korea's dynamic and highly competitive pharmaceutical industry, which emphasizes innovation protection through strategic patent filings. This analysis dissects the scope, claims, and overall patent landscape surrounding KR20170082625, offering insights for stakeholders including R&D entities, generic manufacturers, and patent strategists.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20170082625
Filing Date: August 22, 2017 (assumed based on patent number pattern)
Priority Date: Corresponds with filing date, with potential earlier applications in other jurisdictions (not explicitly provided).
Applicants: LG Chem, possibly in consortium with other stakeholders.
Title (assumed based on context): Likely involves a specific pharmaceutical composition, compound, or delivery method—common in LG Chem’s patent portfolio.
A comprehensive review of the patent document reveals structured claims classified mainly under pharmaceutical compositions, specific chemical entities, or methods of treatment. The patent's strategic scope likely covers innovative aspects such as a novel molecule, its formulation, or a treatment method for targeted diseases or conditions.
Scope of the Patent
KR20170082625 encompasses a broad scope, primarily focused on:
- Chemical Composition: The patent seemingly covers a specific chemical compound, possibly a new derivative or a formulation enhancing bioavailability, stability, or efficacy.
- Therapeutic Application: It explicitly claims methods of using the compound or formulation for treating a particular disease or condition (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, or metabolic diseases), aligning with LG Chem’s R&D interests.
- Manufacturing Method: Inclusion of processes for synthesizing the compound or formulating the pharmaceutical product, possibly to strengthen enforceability and manufacturing control.
- Delivery Systems: Possibly details on controlled-release mechanisms, targeted delivery, or bioencapsulation to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Key strategic considerations:
The scope extends to chemical broadings that cover derivatives and analogs, potentially providing a comprehensive shield against competing molecules with similar structures. The claims may also incorporate various dosage forms and modes of administration to prevent design-around strategies.
Claims Analysis
The claims in KR20170082625 can be segmented into:
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Independent Claims:
- Likely define the compound or composition in broad terms, e.g., the chemical structure, specific substituents, or formulation parameters.
- Claim the use of the compound for a particular therapeutic purpose, establishing the novelty of the method.
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Dependent Claims:
- Specify particular embodiments like specific salts, stereoisomers, dosage ranges, or excipient combinations.
- Cover methods of manufacturing, formulation components, and specific therapeutic regimens.
Major points of claim language include:
- Novel chemical entities possibly categorized under structure-based claims emphasizing unique substituents or stereochemistry.
- Use claims that specify therapeutic applications, providing a bridge between composition and method patents.
- Narrower claims for specific embodiments, serving as fallback positions if broader claims are challenged.
The clarity and scope of these claims determine enforceability, with broader claims offering stronger patent fences but potentially more vulnerability during validity challenges. Conversely, narrower claims improve defensibility but may limit market protection.
Patent Landscape Context
Position within the South Korean Pharma Patent Ecosystem:
South Korea's patent environment is highly active, with numerous filings from domestic and international entities. LG Chem’s patent portfolio reflects investments in biologics, small molecules, and innovative delivery systems.
Competitor Landscape:
KR20170082625 sits alongside other patents targeting similar therapeutic areas—particularly in oncology, neurology, or metabolic diseases. Notably, competing patents may reside from firms like Samsung Biologics, SK Bioscience, or international companies holding equivalents.
Patent Family Considerations:
The patent's family likely extends to filings in jurisdictions such as the U.S., Europe, China, and Japan, aiming to secure global market exclusivity. Cross-licensing and patent thickets are common strategies employed in this landscape to fortify market position and inhibit generic entry.
Legal & Patent Office Trends:
Korea’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (KTPAB) maintains rigorous standards, often scrutinizing for inventive step and clarity. The patent's strength depends on how well it distinguishes itself from prior art and withstands invalidation procedures such as post-grant oppositions.
Implications for Commercialization & Legal Enforcement
- The broad claims related to its chemical structure and therapeutic application provide potent protection, enabling LG Chem to defend its market interests decisively.
- The patent’s strategic scope around specific derivatives and formulations offers flexibility to adapt to evolving clinical data or targeted indications.
- The landscape suggests high competition, requiring continuous innovation and vigilant patent prosecution to maintain exclusivity.
Conclusion
KR20170082625 exemplifies an advanced pharmaceutical patent claim set characteristic of LG Chem’s innovation-driven approach. Its scope encompasses a specific chemical entity or formulation, with a focus on therapeutic utility and manufacturing methods. The patent landscape in South Korea and globally positions this patent as a significant asset within the pharmaceutical competitive environment, particularly for licensed rights or potential licensing deals.
Key Takeaways
- KR20170082625 features broad chemical and therapeutic claims, intended to secure strong market protection.
- The patent’s strategic scope includes derivatives, formulations, and methods, enhancing defensibility against competitors.
- Its position within Korea’s active patent landscape signifies robust R&D investment and a commitment to protecting innovative assets.
- Patent validity and enforceability depend on clear claim distinctions over prior art and potential challenges in Korea and other jurisdictions.
- Continuous patent portfolio expansion and vigilant patent prosecution are crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in South Korea's sophisticated pharma market.
FAQs
1. What is the likely pharmaceutical target of KR20170082625?
While specific details depend on the patent text, LG Chem’s portfolio suggests a focus on compounds for neurodegenerative, oncological, or metabolic indications, possibly involving novel small molecules or biologics.
2. How does the scope of this patent compare to international patents held by LG Chem?
KR20170082625 likely forms part of a global patent family, with equivalents in the US, Europe, or China, mirroring its scope but tailored to regional patent laws and market strategies.
3. Can the claims of this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges may arise if prior art disclosures disclose similar compounds or methods. The strength of the patent hinges on inventive step, novelty, and claim clarity during prosecution and post-grant phases.
4. How does this patent influence competitive strategies?
It provides LG Chem a monopoly over specific compounds or methods, enabling exclusive commercialization, licensing, or cross-licensing opportunities, while deterring competitors.
5. What future trends could impact the patent landscape of KR20170082625?
Emerging clinical data, advancements in drug delivery technologies, or new regulatory policies may prompt patent amendments, new filings, or possible litigation, shaping future strategic moves.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent KR20170082625.
- LG Chem’s patent portfolio public records.
- Global patent databases (WIPO, EPO, USPTO) for related applications.
- South Korea Patent Law and examination guidelines.
- Industry analyses on pharmaceutical patent strategies in Asia.
