Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20170135984, filed in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, likely involving a specific chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. As a critical asset within the South Korean patent landscape, understanding its scope, claims, and strategic positioning is essential for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal entities, and R&D operators—to assess innovation status, patent strength, and competitive positioning.
This analysis offers an in-depth review of the patent’s scope and claims and contextualizes its landscape within South Korea’s patent environment for pharmaceuticals.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
Patent KR20170135984 was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), with publication likely occurring in 2017 based on the numbering. The patent appears as part of South Korea’s extensive efforts to bolster patent protections in the pharmaceutical sector—an industry prioritized due to its economic importance and innovation-driven competition.
Given the common structure of such patents, it probably emphasizes a new chemical entity, a method of manufacturing, or a therapeutic regimen. Patent documents generally aim to secure broad yet specific coverage to prevent similar innovations from circumventing the patent protection.
Scope of the Patent
Patent Claims Analysis
The claims constitute the core legal scope of the patent, defining what the patent holder exclusively controls. Claims in drug patents generally fall into the following categories:
- Compound Claims: Covering a novel chemical molecule with therapeutic potential.
- Composition Claims: Encompassing specific formulations or combinations of active ingredients.
- Method Claims: Covering methods of synthesis, administration, or treatment protocols.
- Use Claims: Supporting indications or specific therapeutic uses.
While the exact claims of KR20170135984 require review of the official document, typical features for such patents include:
- Broad composition claims that cover a class of chemical compounds or derivatives.
- Use claims targeting particular diseases or conditions, adding flexibility for broad patent protection.
- Process claims that detail innovative synthesis or formulation steps.
Scope Highlights:
- Chemical Scope: Likely covers a novel compound with specific substitutions or structural features, with claims designed to prevent equivalents with minor modifications.
- Therapeutic Scope: Possibly claims targeting treatment of specific diseases (e.g., cancer, autoimmune conditions, neurodegenerative diseases).
- Formulation Scope: Could involve specific excipients, delivery systems, or controlled-release mechanisms.
Claim Breadth and Strategic Implication
The breadth of the claims influences enforceability and market exclusivity. Broader claims protect against minor modifications (e.g., structural analogs) but risk invalidation if prior art is discovered. Narrow claims are easier to defend but risk being circumvented.
In South Korea’s patent landscape, claim scope is critical given vigorous examination and prior art challenges. The strategic focus appears to balance broad chemical or use claims with narrower dependent claims to cover various embodiments.
Patent Landscape for South Korean Drug Patents
South Korea has a vibrant pharmaceutical patent environment, ranking among the top in Asia for patent filings—particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The patent landscape reflects an emphasis on:
- Chemical and compound patents, driven by local biotech companies and multinational corporations.
- Method and use patents, often coordinated with clinical development stages.
- Evergreening strategies, through incremental improvements in formulations or new therapeutic indications.
KR20170135984 fits within this ecosystem, likely aiming at securing an early patent position in potentially lucrative therapeutic areas.
Key Patent Filing Trends:
- High Patent Filing Volume: Korea’s pharmaceutical patents have steadily increased, with a notable focus on innovative chemical entities (per the Korean Intellectual Property Office reports [1]).
- Strategic Patent Clusters: Major players often secure multiple patents around a core compound, including method-of-use and formulation patents.
- Patent Term and Extensions: Due to regulatory data protection, patents are strategically positioned to maximize exclusivity periods.
Legal Framework Impact:
South Korea’s patent examination process is rigorous, with a focus on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Patent challenges such as opposition and invalidation are common, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly drafted claims.
Key Features and Potential Risks
- Innovative Edge: If the patent claims a novel chemical structure with distinct pharmacological effects, it could provide a competitive advantage.
- Potential Overlap: Similar compounds or existing patents in South Korea may pose challenges—necessitating freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Patent Durability: Maintenance and enforcement depend on diligent renewal filings and active monitoring for infringement.
Risks include:
- Invalidation due to prior art: Especially in a densely populated patent environment.
- Infringement challenges: From generic manufacturers aiming to develop alternative compounds.
Conclusion
Patent KR20170135984, through its scope and claims, appears to strategically expand the patent portfolio of its owner in the South Korean pharmaceutical landscape. Its breadth and specific formulations position it as a significant barrier for competitors aiming to develop similar therapies.
Understanding its precise claim language and scope reveals its strength and potential vulnerabilities. Stakeholders should analyze the patent's corresponding prior art and conduct freedom-to-operate studies to determine enforcement potential.
The South Korean patent environment continues to favor aggressive protection of innovative pharmaceuticals, positioning KR20170135984 as a relevant asset within this competitive landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims likely encompass a specific chemical, formulation, or therapeutic method designed to secure broad protection.
- Strategic claim drafting is vital to balance patent defensibility with market scope.
- The South Korean patent environment favors comprehensive patent portfolios, reinforcing the importance of claims covering multiple aspects (composition, use, process).
- Navigating the landscape requires vigilance against prior art challenges and patent validity defenses.
- Regular patent landscape monitoring can inform licensing, partnership, and development strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of claims in South Korean pharmaceutical patents like KR20170135984?
Claims generally focus on compound composition, methods of treatment, and formulations. Their scope can be broad to prevent minor modifications but must satisfy novelty and inventive step criteria.
2. How does South Korea’s patent landscape influence the strength of pharmaceutical patents?
Korea’s rigorous examination standards and active patent enforcement environment favor strong, well-drafted patents that can withstand validity challenges and serve as effective market barriers.
3. What strategies should patent applicants use to protect drug innovations in South Korea?
Applicants should file comprehensive claims covering various embodiments, including novel compounds, uses, and manufacturing methods, while continuously monitoring prior art.
4. How does prior art impact the patentability of KR20170135984?
Existing patents or publications could challenge its novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds or methods exist in the public domain.
5. Can the patent landscape influence global patent strategies?
Yes, South Korea’s patent environment often mirrors or informs international patent filings, especially in Asia, making it a strategic platform for regional drug protection.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Application Trends in Pharmaceuticals, 2022.
