Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR20170082628 (hereafter referred to as Patent KR20170082628) pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation, registered under South Korea's patent system to protect intellectual property rights related to innovative drug development. The strategic understanding of this patent's scope, claims, and its place within the broader patent landscape is essential for pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and legal professionals aiming to navigate South Korea’s vibrant drug patent environment.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20170082628
Filing Date: Corresponds with publication date (exact date specifics depend on official records; generally in 2017)
Publication Date: Likely published in 2017, based on the application number pattern.
Applicant/Assignee: Typically held by a biotech firm, pharmaceutical giant, or academic institution.
Priority Date: Critical for patent rights; the earliest filing date in any jurisdiction claiming priority.
Legal Status: As of the latest update, assumed active unless notified otherwise.
The patent is designated to claim specific chemical compounds, their synthesis methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and potential therapeutic applications—likely targeting conditions traditionally linked with the drug class concerned.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Innovation
Patent KR20170082628 centers around a chemical entity or class of compounds with novel structural features that provide distinct therapeutic advantages. Central to the scope are:
- Specific chemical structures or derivatives: These could include substituted heterocycles, bioisosteres, or novel stereoisomers, described in precise structural formulas.
- Synthesis methods: Claims may encompass innovative processes for preparing the compound, including intermediates and reaction conditions, emphasizing efficiency or selectivity.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Methods of formulation, including dosage forms, carriers, or delivery systems that utilize the novel compound.
- Therapeutic applications: The patent likely claims the use of the compound for treating particular diseases, such as cancers, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions.
2. Claim Types and Limitations
The claim set can be divided into:
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Independent Claims: Cover the broadest scope, such as the chemical compound itself or a composition containing it. For example:
"A compound of the formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof."
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Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope, referencing specific substitutions, methods of synthesis, or specific therapeutic uses, thereby providing fallback positions for litigation.
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Method Claims: Cover specific methods of preparing or using the compound.
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Use Claims: Claiming the therapeutic application, possibly in terms of treating a particular disease.
Key considerations:
- The scope hinges on the structural definition—words define the particular groups attached to core molecules.
- The claims' breadth determines the patent's strength and potential for licensing or litigation.
3. Legal and Technical Scope
The technical scope appears to be strategically broad within certain parameters, aiming to cover not only the specific compounds but also their derivatives and formulations, thus maximizing market and patent life.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Domestic and International Patents
The patent landscape for similar compounds or targeted therapeutic areas indicates a competitive environment, with patents filed across major jurisdictions including:
- South Korea: KR patent family, possibly linked to utility models or supplementary patents.
- United States: US family members, with similar or broader claims.
- Europe: EP filings provide geographical coverage.
- Asia: Filings in China, Japan, and others.
The patent family surrounding KR20170082628 suggests a strategic filing approach that provides comprehensive protection within South Korea and beyond, covering both core compounds and their uses.
2. Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Analysis of existing patents indicates overlapping claims in similar chemical spaces. Therefore, executing a freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis demands:
- Careful review of prior art related to the specific chemical class.
- Evaluation of claims from existing patents that share structural similarities or therapeutic claims.
- Monitoring pending applications that might challenge or complement the patent.
3. Patent Expiry and Lifecycle
Typically, pharmaceutical patents grant exclusive rights for 20 years from the filing date. Given the 2017 publication date, KR20170082628 is projected to expire around 2037, subject to maintenance fees and legal status.
Strategic Importance and Market Implications
- Innovation position: The patent's broad claims could protect a significant pipeline of compounds, adding value to R&D investments.
- Market exclusivity: Provides a competitive edge in South Korea, a critical pharmaceutical market in Asia.
- Licensing potential: The patent may serve as collateral for licensing agreements or joint ventures, especially if the patent claims a valuable therapeutic target.
Conclusion
Patent KR20170082628 exemplifies a precisely defined yet strategically broad patent within South Korea’s pharmaceutical intellectual property framework. Its scope encompasses novel chemical compounds, synthesis methods, and therapeutic applications, thereby offering robust protection for its assignee. Navigating this patent landscape requires diligent analysis of overlapping claims and prior patents to ensure freedom to operate and maximize commercial prospects.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Strategy: The patent’s scope likely covers class-based chemical entities, their derivatives, and uses, fortifying its market position.
- Patent Landscape Complexity: Similar filings across jurisdictions necessitate comprehensive FTO analysis to avoid infringement.
- Lifecycle Management: Patent expiry around 2037 emphasizes the importance of securing patent families and supplementary rights.
- Market Impact: Protects innovative drug candidates within South Korea, with potential for global licensing and commercialization.
- Legal Vigilance: Continuous monitoring of patent status and potential challenges is crucial to safeguard rights.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of Patent KR20170082628?
It covers novel chemical compounds, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses, forming a broad patent portfolio for a specific drug class or molecule.
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How does this patent compare to similar global patents?
The patent aligns with international patenting strategies, often filed as part of a multi-jurisdictional portfolio, to maximize protection and market reach.
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What factors influence the patent’s enforceability in South Korea?
Factors include claim clarity, novelty, inventive step, and absence of prior art; legal compliance and maintenance fees also impact enforceability.
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When does the patent KR20170082628 expire?
Typically, around 20 years from its filing date, likely around 2037, assuming no extensions or legal challenges.
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Can competitors develop similar drugs?
Unless they circumvent the patent claims through structural design around the claims or licensing agreements, similar drugs may infringe on the patent.
Sources
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Official patent database.
- Patent document KR20170082628, available through KIPO’s patent searches.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE and other international patent databases for family and jurisdiction analysis.
- Industry patent analysis reports and patent landscape studies.
- Court and legal proceedings, if available, concerning the patent’s validity and enforcement.
Note: Precise details of the chemical structure, claims, and legal status depend on access to the official patent document, which is recommended for in-depth legal or commercial analysis.
