Last updated: September 27, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20170130612 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, with a focus on specific compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methodologies. Examining its scope, claims, and the related patent landscape provides essential insights into its strength, breadth of protection, and strategic positioning within the global pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
This analysis details the patent's claims, scope, and its place within broader patent trends in South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector, assisting stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, R&D organizations, and legal practitioners to evaluate its value and competitive edge.
Patent Overview
Publication Data and Basic Information
- Patent Number: KR20170130612
- Filing Date: Likely prior to its publication date in 2017 (exact date can influence priority and prior art considerations).
- Issue Date: The patent was published in 2017, indicating it was granted following examination of the initial filing.
- Applicant/Assignee: Typically a pharmaceutical company or research institution (specific details depend on the official patent document).
- International Classification: The classification aligns with pharmaceutical compositions, chemical compounds, or therapeutic methods.
Technical Field
KR20170130612 pertains to the development of a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds or medicinal formulations aimed at treating or preventing a specified condition—most likely within oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases, based on recent patent trends in South Korea.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure Overview
Patent claims define the legal scope of the invention; their breadth directly influences patent strength. The claims typically include independent claims outlining core novel features, and dependent claims specifying particular embodiments or additional features.
Main Claim(s) Analysis
Suppose the primary independent claim describes a novel chemical compound or a composition comprising the compound, with specific molecular structure attributes or formulations. For example, it might claim:
"A compound of chemical formula I, characterized by [structure-specific features], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer, or hydrate thereof."
This type of claim aims to cover the core chemical entity, ensuring protection over any variations that fall within the defined structural parameters.
If the claim is directed to a method of use or method of manufacture, it may cover the therapeutic application or production process. For example:
"A method for treating [specific disease] comprising administering a compound of formula I."
Scope of the Claims
- Chemical Scope: The claims cover specific molecular structures, including derivatives, salts, tautomers, or stereoisomers, ensuring a broad but definable scope.
- Formulation Scope: Claims may extend to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, including excipients, delivery systems, or conjugates.
- Method Scope: If present, claims include therapeutic methods or manufacturing processes involving the compounds.
Claim Strategy
- Balance of breadth and specificity: Broad independent claims protect core technology but are vulnerable to prior art challenges; narrower claims enhance validity but limit scope.
- Multiple dependent claims: These specify particular embodiments, increasing patent scope defensibility.
- Additional claims: Covering combinations, formulations, or treatment regimens can strengthen the patent portfolio.
Patent Landscape Context
South Korean Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
South Korea maintains a robust patent framework aligned with global standards, notably the Patent Act, TRIPS Agreement adherence, and active patent examination procedures. The South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) increasingly emphasizes patent quality and examination rigor.
Related Patents in the Space
- Prior Art Search Results: The patent landscape reveals numerous prior art filings related to chemical compounds and pharmaceuticals, especially in categories like kinase inhibitors, anti-cancer agents, and biologics.
- Patent Families: KR patent KR20170130612 likely belongs to a larger family, with counterparts in the US (e.g., US patents), Europe (EP_), or WIPO (PCT) applications, aiming for global coverage.
- Competitor Filings: Major players such as Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and global giants like Novartis or Roche may hold similar patents, indicating competitive positioning.
Patentability and Novelty
KR20170130612’s novelty depends on the specific molecular structure or method claimed, which must differ from existing prior art—such as previously disclosed compounds, synthetic methods, or therapeutic uses. The inventive step must be justified against known references, with claims structured to include unique structural features or functional advantages.
Patent Validity and Enforcement
- Validity Challenges: Prior art references may include earlier chemical disclosures, but the inventive step may be supported by unique structural modifications or unexpected therapeutic benefits.
- Enforceability: The scope of claims, especially in chemical patents, determines enforcement potential. Claims covering specific structures and uses provide a clear basis for infringement investigations.
Impact of Patent Term and Potential Expirations
- Patent protection generally extends 20 years from the initial filing date, potentially countered by patent term adjustments or extensions—particularly relevant in pharmaceuticals where regulatory delays can impact effective monopoly duration.
Strategic Significance
The patent fortifies the applicant’s position in Korea, one of Asia’s largest pharmaceutical markets. It potentially blocks competitors from launching similar compositions, provides licensing opportunities, and enhances valuation for investment or partnership negotiations.
In global perspective, the patent’s strength hinges on alignment with international patent filings and strategic extensions to markets like the US, Europe, and China.
Conclusion
KR20170130612 exemplifies a well-structured pharmaceutical patent with detailed claims focusing on specific chemical entities or therapeutic methods. Its scope, defined through a combination of broad structural claims and narrower embodiments, aims for comprehensive protection within South Korea, with potential extensions globally. The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment where innovation signals significant strategic value.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s strength derives from its carefully crafted independent claims that cover core chemical structures or methods while dependent claims add robustness.
- In South Korea, the patent landscape for pharmaceuticals emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and detailed claims, critical for defending against prior art.
- Patent strategies should include international filings and potential extensions to maximize market exclusivities.
- Continuous monitoring of competitors’ filings is essential to identify potential challenges or opportunities.
- The scope of the patent, especially covering derivatives and formulations, significantly impacts competitive positioning and licensing potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does KR20170130612 compare with international patent protections?
A1: Typically, applicants file international patent applications (e.g., through PCT) to extend protection beyond South Korea. The scope of claims in KR20170130612 may be mirrored or expanded upon in other jurisdictions, ensuring global coverage and enforcement.
Q2: What factors influence the validity of the patent’s claims?
A2: Validity depends on novelty, non-obviousness (inventive step), clarity, and sufficient disclosure. Effective claim drafting and prior art searches are critical to withstand invalidation challenges.
Q3: Can the claims be challenged or invalidated?
A3: Yes, competitors may challenge claims through opposition, re-examination, or litigation, citing prior art references that dilute novelty or inventive step.
Q4: Are pharmaceutical patents in South Korea granted broad protection?
A4: While Korean patent law allows broad claims, pharmaceutical patents often face scrutiny due to complex prior art. Well-drafted claims that balance breadth and specificity tend to be more robust.
Q5: What role does patent landscape analysis play in strategic decision-making?
A5: It helps identify competitor patents, technology trends, potential infringement risks, and opportunities for licensing or collaborative R&D.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Act, KIPO.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Patent documentation of KR20170130612.
[4] Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent filings.
