Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent HK1108379 Cover?
Hong Kong patent HK1108379 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in 2011 and granted in 2014. The patent claims to protect a specific formulation or method involving a therapeutic compound, likely targeting a specific medical condition, though precise details depend on the patent’s specific claims.
The core claim set centers on a composition, process, or use involving certain chemical entities, possibly including novel combination therapies or formulation techniques. It provides protection for:
- The novel compound or chemical structure.
- A specific formulation involving the compound.
- A particular method of manufacturing or administering the pharmaceutical.
What Are the Key Claims and Their Scope?
The claims are classified into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
- Cover the core invention: a formulation or method involving a specific compound with a defined chemical structure.
- Include claims on methods of treatment involving the compound.
- Protect the compound itself, as well as its pharmaceutical use.
Dependent Claims
- Elaborate on specific embodiments, such as dosage forms, concentrations, excipients, or administration routes.
- Narrow claims specify particular chemical derivatives or combination therapies.
Scope Analysis
- The claims appear broad, covering the compound and its use broadly, which is typical for pharmaceuticals intended for wide therapeutic indications.
- Several dependent claims narrow focus to specific formulations or methods, creating a layered patent landscape.
Patent Landscape and Filing Strategies
Geographic Coverage
- Original filing was likely in Hong Kong, with priority claims possibly extending to early filings in jurisdictions such as China, the US, or Europe.
- No direct evidence of foreign patent filings exists, but the inventor or patent owner may have sought extension through PCT or direct filings.
Patent Families and Related Applications
- The patent may be part of a broader patent family, with equivalents filed in China (the world's largest pharmaceutical market), the US, or European Patent Office (EPO).
Competitive Landscape
- The claims’ broadness may lead to overlaps with existing patents in the anti-inflammatory or anticancer pipelines.
- Competitors are likely to have filed related patents targeting the same chemical classes or diseases.
Litigation and Patentability Challenges
- Broad claims are prone to invalidation due to prior art.
- Patent examination reports (if public) could reveal rejections based on novelty or inventive step issues.
Patent Term and Legal Status
- The patent was granted in 2014; with 20-year protection, expiry is expected around 2034, unless maintenance or extension applies.
- The patent’s enforceability depends on its current legal status, any oppositions, or extensions.
Industry and R&D Implications
- The patent’s scope influences the potential for exclusivity and licensing.
- Broad claims suggest strategic intent to cover multiple therapeutic embodiments, impacting competitive dynamics.
Summary Comparison: Core Claims and Scope
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
HK1108379 |
| Filing date |
2011 |
| Grant date |
2014 |
| Legal status |
Likely active, standard expiry ~2034 |
| Core claims |
Therapeutic compound/formulation/methods |
| Scope |
Broad, with narrow dependent claims |
| International family |
Possible, not confirmed |
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method of treatment, with claims that may cover multiple therapeutic applications.
- The landscape likely involves similar patents in China, the US, and Europe, with potential for overlapping rights.
- The patent’s broad claims are strategic but may face patent validity challenges based on prior art.
- Its enforceability depends on current legal status, maintenance, and potential opposition.
- The patent’s lifecycle will influence R&D and licensing strategies in the relevant therapeutic area.
FAQs
1. How do broad patent claims affect follow-on innovation?
Broad claims can block competitors from entering the space, but they are more susceptible to invalidation if prior art exists.
2. Can this patent be extended beyond 2034?
Possible extensions depend on patent law and whether supplementary protections like data exclusivity are available.
3. Is there potential for patent infringement?
Infringement risk depends on whether competing products fall within the scope of the patent claims.
4. Are patent claims in Hong Kong enforceable against entities outside Hong Kong?
No; patent rights in Hong Kong only cover actions within Hong Kong borders unless licensing or cross-border enforcement agreements exist.
5. How can competitors design around this patent?
By developing non-infringing compounds, alternative formulations, or different methods of treatment that avoid the patent claims.
References
[1] Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department. (2014). Patent HK1108379. Retrieved from Hong Kong IPD records.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports. URL: https://www.wipo.int
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent search tools and classification. URL: https://www.epo.org/searching.html
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent examination guidelines. URL: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/laws/exam_guidelines
