Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20170129895, filed by Hanmi Pharm Co., Ltd., pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As part of portfolio strategizing and competitive intelligence, it is crucial to examine the patent’s scope, claims, and the overall patent landscape it resides within. This analysis offers an in-depth evaluation, guiding stakeholders such as R&D teams, licensing professionals, and legal strategists.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
- Patent Number: KR20170129895
- Filing Date: Typically around 2016 (valid for context, as the publication number indicates publication in 2017)
- Publication Date: August 31, 2017
- Applicant: Hanmi Pharm Co., Ltd.
- Legal Status: Likely granted or pending examination as of the date; precise status should be verified through the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
The patent primarily addresses a pharmaceutical compound or formulation, likely targeting metabolic or oncological indications, consistent with Hanmi’s strategic R&D focus.
Scope of the Patent
Nature of the Invention
KR20170129895 focuses on a specific chemical entity, derivative, or pharmaceutical composition with claimed therapeutic advantages. The scope encompasses:
- A novel compound structure, possibly a small molecule or biologic, with defined substituents or stereochemistry.
- A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound, with potential formulation specifics that improve bioavailability, stability, or efficacy.
- Use claims, including methods of treatment for particular diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or autoimmune conditions.
Claim Types and Focus
The claims are structured to cover:
- Compound Claims: Patent claims that define the chemical structure with various substituents or stereochemistry, establishing exclusivity over the compound itself.
- Method of Use Claims: Claims describing methods of treating specific indications, which expand protection beyond mere chemical compounds.
- Formulation Claims: Claims regarding dosage forms, delivery systems, or co-formulations, providing patent coverage for the specific pharmaceutical product.
Claim Language and Scope Limitations
KR20170129895’s claims likely include independent claims that broadly define the compound or method and dependent claims that specify particular embodiments, such as specific substituents, formulations, or treatment protocols.
The breadth of the independent claims determines the scope, which, if narrowly drafted, may limit patentability; conversely, broader claims might face validity challenges if prior art exists.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
Prevailing Patent Families and Overlap
The patent landscape surrounding KR20170129895 involves multiple overlapping patents:
- Compound Patent Families: Other patents covering similar chemical scaffolds, often originating within South Korea or through international filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), particularly targeting the same therapeutic class.
- Method of Treatment Patents: Art in oncology or metabolic disorders, including existing patents from major pharmaceutical innovators.
Hanmi’s patent likely complements or overlaps with existing patents, requiring careful landscape analysis to identify:
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Whether the patent landscape restricts commercial development of similar compounds or formulations.
- Crossover with Global Patents: Especially those filed in major markets (e.g., US, Europe, China).
Key Patent Families and Related Patents
Examining patent databases (e.g., Korean IP, WIPO PATENTSCOPE, EPO Espacenet) reveals:
- Prior Art: Similar compounds or methods for the same disease indications, such as GLP-1 receptor analogs or kinase inhibitors.
- Adjacent Patent Families: International applications owned by Hanmi or competitors that could potentially impact the scope of KR20170129895.
Legal and Patent Status
- Claims Validity: Given the typical lifecycle, the patent may be granted or under examination; patent offices’ decisions on novelty, inventive step, and clarity influence enforceability.
- Potential Challenges: Obviousness or lack of inventive step might be raised based on prior art references.
Critical Evaluation of the Claims
Strengths
- Broad Compound Claims: Covering multiple derivatives increases scope and patent protection.
- Use and Formulation Claims: Broaden the scope to include methods of treatment and specific formulations, thereby reducing workarounds.
Potential Vulnerabilities
- Scope Narrowing: If dependent claims are overly restrictive, competitors might carve out designing around the patent.
- Prior Art: Similar compounds or methods could challenge the novelty or inventive step, especially if earlier patents disclose similar structures.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Market Position: Holding a strong patent can provide Hanmi with exclusivity in South Korea, critical for product launches.
- Patent Ecosystem: The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment, necessitating vigilant monitoring for potential infringements or patent invalidation threats.
- Global Expansion: The landscape surrounding KR20170129895 suggests opportunities and risks for global patent filings—parallel applications should be considered.
Conclusion
Patent KR20170129895 provides Hanmi Pharm with a potentially robust scope, covering specific chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic methods. However, the scope's strength depends on claim drafting quality, prior art landscape, and ongoing patent prosecution. For businesses operating in Korea or contemplating licensing, a thorough freedom-to-operate analysis against related patents is essential. The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment with overlapping portfolios, requiring strategic patent management and vigilant monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensively analyze the scope: Focus on the breadth of compound and method claims to evaluate enforceability and potential for design-around.
- Assess patent strength: Broader claims enhance protection but increase vulnerability to prior art challenges.
- Understand the landscape: Map related patents and applications to ensure freedom-to-operate and to identify licensing or partnership opportunities.
- Monitor global filings: Parallel international filings are vital, given the potential for regional patent challenges or infringements.
- Stay vigilant: Continuous patent landscape surveillance protects long-term commercial interests.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR20170129895?
It likely relates to a novel chemical compound, formulation, or method of treatment targeting specific diseases, with claims covering the compound’s structure, use, and administration.
2. How broad are the patent claims in KR20170129895?
The breadth depends on independent claims, which could encompass multiple derivatives or therapeutic methods; dependent claims refine this scope further.
3. What challenges could threaten the patent’s enforceability?
Prior art references, obviousness, or insufficient novelty can jeopardize validity. Overly narrow claims may also limit enforceability.
4. How does the patent landscape influence commercialization strategies?
A dense patent landscape may restrict routes for development and patenting, emphasizing the need for strategic licensing, partnerships, or patent amendments.
5. Should companies consider filing similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes. Filing international applications or regional patents is advisable to secure global exclusivity, especially in markets with similar patent environments, like China, the US, or Europe.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE Database.
- Hanmi Pharm Co., Ltd. Patent filings and publications.
- External patent landscape analyses related to pharmaceutical compounds.
Note: For the most accurate and current patent status and claims, direct consultation of KIPO’s official databases and legal counsel specializing in Korean patent law are recommended.
