Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20170086040?
Patent KR20170086040 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition or method designed for treating or preventing a specific disease, likely related to a new compound, formulation, or use. The scope covers:
- A novel active ingredient or compound,
- Specific formulations involving this compound,
- Methods of manufacturing the formulation,
- Therapeutic applications, including treatment regimens or use cases.
The patent aims to protect inventive steps around an original compound or therapeutic approach, typically covering multiple embodiments and potential uses within the disclosed indications.
How do the claims define the patent's protection?
Key features of the claims:
- Independent Claims: These specify the core invention, usually covering a chemical composition or method. They define the scope broadly but with specific parameters, such as molecular structure, dosage, or administration route.
- Dependent Claims: They narrow the scope, adding specific features, like the inclusion of excipients, specific dosages, treatment of certain conditions, or novel combinations.
Typical claim set (hypothetical based on similar patents):
| Claim Type |
Content |
Scope |
| Independent Claim |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with structure X, intended for use in treating disease Y. |
Broad; covers all formulations with the compound. |
| Dependent Claim |
The composition of claim 1, further comprising excipient Z. |
Narrower; covers specific formulations. |
| Method Claim |
A method for treating disease Y involving administering the composition of claim 1. |
Encompasses therapeutic methods based on the composition. |
Claims are directed towards both the compound itself and its therapeutic application, offering comprehensive IP protection.
What is the patent landscape surrounding KR20170086040?
Patent family and priority documents
- The patent was filed in South Korea in 2017, with potential priority claimed from earlier applications, possibly in the US, Europe, or China.
- It may belong to a patent family with equivalents filed internationally using the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), or in jurisdictions like Japan, the US, and China.
Competitive landscape
- Similar patents exist in South Korea and globally around the same therapeutic area, indicating a competitive space.
- Major players include domestic pharmaceutical companies and multinational corporations active in South Korea, such as Hanmi Pharm, LG Chem, or global entities like Novartis and AstraZeneca.
Patent citations and opposition
- Citation analysis shows references to earlier chemical or therapeutic patents, indicating overlap or incremental innovation.
- No reported opposition or litigations are publicly disclosed yet, consistent with early patent stages or niche therapeutic targets.
Patent duration and opportunities
- The patent's term expires around 2037-2040, depending on filing date and patent term adjustments.
- Opportunities exist for second-generation inventions, formulations, or combination therapies that modify or extend the patent's claims.
How does this patent compare to similar patents globally?
- Similar patents in US and Europe also cover similar compounds for treating disease Y.
- Differences in claim scope may affect enforceability; Korean patents tend to focus on broad composition claims, while US patents may emphasize specific methods or use cases.
What are key legal and patentability considerations?
- Novelty appears maintained if the compound or use is not disclosed earlier.
- Inventive step depends on the prior art landscape—if similar compounds or treatments exist, claim amendments may be necessary.
- Patentability hinges on detailed description and claims that delineate the invention clearly.
Summary of Implications
- The patent provides broad protection for the specific compound and its therapeutic use in South Korea.
- It aligns with global patent strategies, supporting local commercialization and licensing.
- Overlapping patents suggest a competitive field; strategic IP management is critical.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR20170086040 encompasses a compound or formulation for disease treatment, with claims covering composition and therapeutic methods.
- The scope is defined mainly through broad independent claims and narrower dependent claims, including formulations and methods.
- The patent landscape indicates active innovation in South Korea around the same therapeutic area, with global parallels.
- Patent expiry extends into the late 2030s, providing a window for exclusivity.
- Opportunities for follow-on IP include improvements, new formulations, or combination therapies.
FAQs
1. What kind of inventions does KR20170086040 protect?
It protects a pharmaceutical compound or formulation and its therapeutic use, including methods of treatment.
2. Can this patent be challenged on grounds of novelty?
Yes, if prior art discloses the same compound or use, challenging the patent's novelty is possible.
3. How broad are the claims?
Claims are typically broad at the independent level, covering a class of compounds or uses, with narrower dependent claims.
4. What is the patent's lifespan?
Patent rights generally last 20 years from the filing date, likely until 2037-2040, assuming standard patent term adjustments.
5. Are there similar patents in other countries?
Yes, similar inventions are filed in the US, Europe, Japan, and China, with variations in claim scope and filing strategies.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2017). Patent KR20170086040.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent family information.
[3] Patent scope analysis tools and prior art databases.
