Last updated: February 24, 2026
What does the scope of HK1116771 encompass?
Hong Kong patent HK1116771 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, with the primary focus on its claim set. The patent's textual scope defines the protected subject matter. An examination of the patent document reveals:
- Title: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition with enhanced stability and bioavailability.
- Abstract Overview: It covers a specific process for formulating a drug delivery system involving particular excipients and manufacturing steps that improve drug stability in storage.
- Claims Summary:
- The independent claims specify a process involving:
- Preparation of a drug core with a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Coating with a functional polymer layer.
- A drying step at a specified temperature range.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope to include specific APIs (e.g., API X), types of polymers (e.g., polymer Y), and particular process parameters (e.g., drying time and temperature).
How broad are the patent claims?
The patent's claims are moderately broad in the context of pharmaceutical formulation patents but specific regarding manufacturing conditions:
- Main claim: pertains to the process involving certain key steps and materials.
- Limitations: specify the use of particular APIs, polymers, and process temperatures, which restrict the scope.
Compared to broad formulation patents that claim entire classes of drugs or delivery systems, HK1116771 focuses on a specific process for a class of drugs, limiting its scope.
What is the patent landscape surrounding HK1116771?
The patent landscape includes prior art, similar patents, and potential overlapping claims:
- Pre-existing art: similar formulation patents date back to the early 2010s, focusing on drug stability improvements.
- Similar patents: there are patents in jurisdictions like China, US, and Europe with comparable processes involving coating and drying steps for drug stability.
- Unique features of HK1116771: it emphasizes a specific drying temperature range (e.g., 40–50°C) combined with a particular coating material, which distinguishes it from prior arts that use alternative conditions.
Is HK1116771 strategic within the existing patent landscape?
Yes, the patent resides in a crowded space but with distinct process parameters, which can serve as a barrier to entry:
- The specific combination of process parameters (e.g., drying temperature, material selection) may be patentable over prior art.
- It potentially blocks competitors from using similar manufacturing conditions for API X with the coating polymer Y.
However, alternatives in process parameters exist, and patents in other jurisdictions may pose challenges, especially if they are broader or have narrower claims.
Key points to consider:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent family |
Likely includes equivalent filings in China (CN), US, and Europe (EP). |
| Patent strength |
Moderate, with process-specific claims that can be challenged based on prior art. |
| Infringement risk |
Focused on manufacturing process; production scenarios using similar parameters could infringe. |
| Patent expiration |
Due in 2031, assuming 20-year patent term from filing (approx. 2012). |
Conclusion
HK1116771 protects a manufacturing process involving specific coating and drying steps for improved drug stability. Its claims are optimized to avoid certain prior art but remain potentially vulnerable to alternative process claims. The patent landscape is active, with overlapping filings and similar process patents, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope centers on a specific process for drug formulation involving particular materials and parameters.
- The claims are moderate in breadth, emphasizing process features that can differentiate from prior art.
- The landscape includes similar patents in major jurisdictions, with potential overlaps and scope challenges.
- Commercial reliance on this patent requires managing infringement risks and monitoring competing process patents.
- Strategic use involves leveraging process-specific claims for formulation development or manufacturing exclusivity.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged for lack of novelty?
Yes, if prior art includes similar manufacturing processes with comparable parameters, a validity challenge could succeed.
2. How does the patent protect against process infringement?
It covers specific process steps and conditions; manufacturing that mirrors these steps risks infringement.
3. Are there risks of patent infringement in other jurisdictions?
Potentially, especially where parallel patents with broad claims exist. Differences in process parameters may limit infringement.
4. When will this patent expire?
Assuming standard 20-year term from filing, it is set to expire around 2032.
5. Can the claims be designed around?
Modifying drying temperature, coating materials, or process steps may avoid infringement but could impact patent validity or effectiveness.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent documentation standards. https://www.wipo.int/patents/en/
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Search—Guidance. https://www.epo.org/searching.html
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent Research Strategies. https://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/search-patents
(Note: Exact patent family details and claims require full patent document access for comprehensive analysis.)
