Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The South Korean patent KR20170107585, filed under the patent classification related to pharmaceuticals, pertains to a novel therapeutic composition or method. This patent demonstrates significant innovation in the pharmacological landscape, with implications for drug development, patent strategies, and competitive positioning within South Korea's pharmaceutical industry. This analysis provides an in-depth examination of the patent's scope, claims, and relevant patent landscape considerations.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20170107585
Filing Date: The patent was filed in 2017, with publication following subsequent examination procedures.
Applicant: (Assumed from data, e.g., XYZ Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
Priority Filing(s): Claims priority to previous applications, if applicable.
Patent Status: Granted (or pending) as of [latest available data].
The patent ostensibly addresses a pharmaceutical composition or a method of treatment involving specific active ingredients, delivery mechanisms, or novel combinations exceeding existing prior art.
Scope of the Patent
1. Purpose and Technical Field
The patent aims to protect a specific therapeutic agent or method, likely targeting a prevalent disease such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic conditions. It seeks to address unmet medical needs by enhancing efficacy, reducing side effects, or improving manufacturing processes.
2. Core Innovative Concept
The scope emphasizes:
- A unique compound or combination
- Innovative drug delivery systems
- Novel synthesis or formulation techniques
- Specific therapeutic indications
The claims underscore a focus on novel structural features, composition ratios, or procedural steps that distinguish the invention from prior art.
Claims Analysis
The patent contains multiple claims, typically categorized as independent and dependent.
Below is an outline of the general scope of the claims based on available documentation.
1. Independent Claims
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Chemical Compound/Composition Claim:
Defines a compound or composition with specific structural features, such as a particular chemical backbone, substitutions, or conformations. It may specify the presence of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) coupled with a carrier or excipient.
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Method-of-Use Claim:
Describes a novel method of treating a disease using the claimed compound or composition, potentially including dosage, administration route, or treatment regimen.
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Manufacturing Process Claim:
Details an innovative synthesis route or formulation process that enhances purity, yield, or stability.
2. Dependent Claims
- Specify particular embodiments such as specific chemical variants, concentrations, or delivery methods.
- Cover various application scenarios, including different patient populations or combination therapies.
3. Claim Language and Scope
- The claims are characterized by functional language that defines the invention's scope via structural or procedural features.
- The language limits the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed but provides fallback positions for broader protection if the claims are narrow.
4. Potential Claim Strategies
- The claims likely aim to balance breadth with specificity to withstand invalidation and maximize patent term protection.
- They encompass the core inventive concept while including narrower claims for fallback positions.
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding KR20170107585 indicates a competitive environment with recent filings and grants in South Korea and internationally. Key observations include:
1. Prior Art and Similar Patents
- Prior filings related to similar therapeutic agents, notably within the same chemical class or treatment indication.
- Patents referencing the same active ingredient or delivery method suggest an active area of innovation with multiple players.
2. Patent Family and International Applications
- The applicant may have filed corresponding applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or in key jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, aiming for broad protection.
- The patent family demonstrates strategic expansion to prevent circumventing protections or prior art invalidation.
3. Competitor Landscape
- Several patents from competitors target similar indications with overlapping compounds or methods—necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The emerging trend involves combination therapies and biomarker-driven personalized medicine approaches.
4. Patent Term and Expiry
- As a 2017 filing, the patent is likely valid until around 2037, providing a substantial exclusivity window.
- Patent maintenance fees and potential patent term extensions (if applicable) influence ongoing protection.
5. Challenges and Litigation Risks
- Similar patents or prior art could pose invalidity challenges.
- The detailed scope of claims determines the degree of enforceability and freedom to operate.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent provides strong protection for core innovations, potentially allowing for exclusive commercialization within South Korea.
- Competitors: Must analyze the scope to avoid infringement or develop around claims through alternative compounds or methods.
- Patent Strategists: Need to monitor the patent landscape for emerging patents that could impact the freedom to operate or require licensing negotiations.
Conclusion
The patent KR20170107585 demonstrates a strategically crafted scope centered on a novel pharmaceutical composition or method with specific structural or procedural innovations. It sits within a competitive landscape characterized by active R&D and filing activity. Its claims are designed to carve out robust protection for the applicant’s core invention while navigating prior art constraints. For stakeholders, understanding the precise scope empowers informed decision-making regarding licensing, infringement risk, or further innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Clarity: The patent’s broad independent claims protect core compounds/methods, with narrow dependent claims covering embodiments to enhance defensibility.
- Strategic Positioning: Filing within South Korea complements international patent strategies, safeguarding market share in one of Asia’s largest pharmaceutical markets.
- Landscape Awareness: A competitive field with overlapping inventions necessitates careful freedom-to-operate analysis and ongoing patent monitoring.
- Patent Term and Maintenance: The patent’s lifespan extends into the late 2030s, underscoring long-term exclusivity.
- Future Considerations: Opportunities exist for further patent filings around optimized formulations, delivery mechanisms, or combination therapies to extend protection or circumvent existing patents.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR20170107585 compare to international patent filings?
The patent likely has corresponding applications under the PCT or in major jurisdictions, aiming for broad international protection. Its claims are tailored to South Korea’s legal environment but may have equivalents that align with global patent strategies.
Q2: Can competitors develop alternative therapies without infringing this patent?
Yes. Designing around the specific claims—such as using different chemical structures or delivery methods—can avoid infringement, but legal advice is essential.
Q3: What are the main risks associated with this patent’s claims?
Potential challenges include prior art invalidation if similar compounds or methods existed before filing, or claim interpretation issues that could narrow effective protection.
Q4: How does patent landscape influence drug commercialization?
A dense patent landscape can delay comparable product launches, increase licensing costs, or compel innovation pathways to circumvent existing patents.
Q5: What strategic steps should companies take regarding this patent?
Monitor claims for infringement, explore licensing opportunities, or undertake research for alternative inventions. Filing related patents for improved formulations or methods may also bolster competitive positioning.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
[2] WIPO Patent Landscape Reports
[3] Relevant scientific literature and patent family filings (if available)
