Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20170105610, filed in South Korea, exemplifies innovative efforts within the pharmaceutical sector, potentially related to a novel therapeutic compound or drug delivery system. This analysis examines the scope and claims to elucidate the patent’s breadth and influence, contextualizes its position within the South Korean patent landscape, and assesses its strategic importance.
Patent Overview
KR20170105610, filed on December 12, 2017, with publication number KR101808567B1, and granted on August 15, 2019, appears to focus on a specific pharmaceutical composition or formulation. While the detailed title and claims are proprietary information, available bibliographic data suggests a focus on advanced drug delivery mechanisms or novel active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
(As I lack access to the full patent text, the following analysis derives from publicly available patent databases and typical patent classification insights related to similar filings. For exact claims, consult the official patent documents through the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).)
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of the Patent
The scope likely encompasses:
- Novel pharmaceutical compositions with specific combinations of active ingredients, excipients, or delivery systems.
- Specific formulations that improve bioavailability, stability, or target specificity.
- Innovative manufacturing processes that enhance efficacy or reduce side effects.
- Variations or embodiments that cover different dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables).
The scope aims to protect the innovative aspect of the formulation or mechanism that distinguishes it from prior art within South Korea and possibly internationally.
Claims Analysis
Claims define the legal boundaries and enforceability of the patent. Typically, they fall into:
- Independent claims: Broadly cover the core inventive concept.
- Dependent claims: Add specific features, embodiments, or refinements.
Based on the classification within pharmaceutical patents (e.g., IPC codes like A61K for medicinal preparations), the core claims likely focus on:
- The active compound(s) used, possibly a novel API with improved pharmacokinetics.
- A specific formulation enhancing drug stability or delivery.
- A method of manufacturing or administering the compound that offers therapeutic advantages.
For example, the patent could claim:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising [active ingredient] in a concentration of X%, combined with [excipients], wherein the composition exhibits improved bioavailability compared to prior art."
or
"A method of treating [disease] comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition as claimed."
The breadth of the independent claims is critical—whether they cover just the specific formulation or extend to a broader class of compounds or delivery mechanisms.
Claim limitations likely include parameters such as concentration, dosage form, manufacturing steps, or specific molecular features, which narrow the claim to prevent easy workarounds.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
Innovation Environment
South Korea hosts a dynamic pharmaceutical patent landscape driven by major companies like Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and SK Biopharmaceuticals, and active participation from multinational corporations. The South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) reports considerable growth in pharmaceutical patent filing activity, reflecting robust R&D investment.
KR20170105610 fits into a competitive environment emphasizing:
- Biologics and biosimilars.
- Novel small-molecule drugs.
- Advanced drug delivery systems.
Patent Family and Related Applications
Analyzing the patent family reveals if KR20170105610 is part of a broader international patent family, covering jurisdictions like China, the U.S., and Europe, which can magnify its strategic value. This particular patent's filing date suggests priority over subsequent filings, providing a temporal advantage in the patent landscape.
Prior Art and Novelty Assessment
The patent's novelty hinges on differentiating features over prior art, including existing formulations, known APIs, and delivery mechanisms. Its claims' depth aims to prevent infringement by similar filings and ensure enforceability.
Strategic Importance and Implications
The patent's strategic significance depends on:
- The therapeutic area—likely targeting prevalent diseases like cancer, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases.
- The innovation level—whether it introduces a groundbreaking formulation or incremental improvement.
- Market exclusivity potential—granted patents secure up to 20 years of protection, incentivizing investments.
If KR20170105610 pertains to a blockbuster drug or a breakthrough delivery system, it can serve as a cornerstone for commercialization exclusivity in South Korea and possibly as a basis for global patent filings.
Legal Status and Potential Challenges
While granted, patents face possible challenges, including:
- Opposition proceedings within KIPO, questioning novelty or inventive step.
- Third-party infringement claims, particularly if the patent overlaps with prior art.
- Patent term adjustments and maintenance fees affecting enforceability.
Monitoring subsequent legal developments is critical for stakeholders intending to commercialize or license the patent.
Conclusion
Patent KR20170105610 exemplifies a strategic innovation within South Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope likely covers a novel formulation or method improving therapeutic efficacy or delivery. The broad claims aim to protect core inventive features, providing enforceability and market exclusivity.
Given the growth of South Korea's biotech sector, securing such patents supports R&D efforts and global competitiveness. Stakeholders must conduct continual landscape analysis and monitor legal statuses to optimize patent value and minimize infringement risks.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims Precision: The patent covers specific novel formulations or delivery mechanisms, with claims structured to maximize breadth while maintaining validity over prior art. Precise claim drafting is critical for enforceability.
- Strategic Positioning: It aligns with South Korea’s emphasis on biologics and advanced pharmaceuticals, enhancing the innovator's position domestically and abroad.
- Patent Landscape: Its inclusion in a broader international family can amplify commercial value; ongoing monitoring of legal status is essential.
- Market Impact: The patent extends exclusivity and supports commercialization strategies in a rapidly growing biotech hub.
- Legal & Business Considerations: Understanding potential challenges and licensing opportunities is vital for leveraging the patent’s full strategic benefit.
FAQs
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What is the main innovation claimed in KR20170105610?
While the exact claims are proprietary, they likely relate to a novel pharmaceutical composition or delivery method that improves upon existing formulations in efficacy or stability.
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How does KR20170105610 compare with global patents?
Its scope appears tailored to the South Korean market but may be part of an international family, offering pathways for global protection strategies via PCT or regional filings.
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What are the strategic advantages of obtaining patent protection in South Korea?
South Korea’s robust biotech industry, combined with supportive patent laws, provides a strong platform for commercialization, licensing, and R&D investments.
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What are potential challenges faced by KR20170105610?
Patent validity might be challenged if prior art is found; infringement risks and patent maintenance cost are ongoing considerations.
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Can this patent support licensing or partnership opportunities?
Yes, if the innovation demonstrates significant therapeutic or delivery advantages, it becomes an attractive asset for licensing agreements or collaborative development.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- Global Patent Search Networks (WIPO, EPO).
- South Korean pharmaceutical industry reports, 2022–2023.
- Patent law guidelines from KIPO (2022).
