Last updated: March 1, 2026
What Is the Scope and Nature of the Patent HK1119174?
HK Patent HK1119174, titled "Method of manufacturing a pharmaceutical formulation," covers a specific process for producing a drug formulation. The patent claims focus on a novel manufacturing process involving steps such as granulation, drying, and compression, aimed at achieving improved bioavailability and stability of the final product.
The key features of the patent include:
- A process that employs particular solvents and temperature conditions.
- The use of specific excipients in the formulation.
- A claimed improvement in dissolution rate and stability over existing formulations.
The patent's claims are primarily method-oriented, with independent claims covering the entire manufacturing process and dependent claims detailing specific parameters like solvent types, temperature ranges, and equipment used.
What Are the Main Claims of HK1119174?
Independent Claims
- Cover the overall process for producing a pharmaceutical tablet, involving steps of mixing a drug with excipients, granulating, drying under specific temperature conditions, and compressing into tablets.
- Emphasize the controlled drying process that results in improved drug stability.
Dependent Claims
- Narrow the scope to involve particular solvents such as ethanol and water in specific ratios.
- Specify drying temperatures between 50°C and 80°C.
- Include particular types of excipients like microcrystalline cellulose.
Notable Limitations
- The process is limited to pharmaceutical formulations intended for oral administration.
- Emphasizes the improved dissolution and stability properties as critical advantages.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look for This Technology?
Patent Family and Related Patents
- The patent appears to be part of a family encompassing similar filings in the US, Europe, and China.
- Related patents focus on alternative manufacturing techniques, such as single-step wet granulation or novel excipient combinations.
Similar Patents in the Field
- Several patents target manufacturing methods for solid oral dosage forms, with emphasis on bioavailability enhancement.
- Key players include big pharmaceutical companies and speciality formulation firms.
| Patent Number |
Assignee |
Filing Year |
Focus Area |
Similarity Level |
Jurisdiction |
| USXXXXXXX |
Company A |
2018 |
Drying process |
High |
US |
| EPXXXXX |
Company B |
2017 |
Granulation techniques |
Moderate |
Europe |
| CNXXXXXXXX |
Company C |
2019 |
Bioavailability enhancement |
Low |
China |
Patent Lifespan and Market Implications
- The patent was granted in 2021, with expiry expected in 2041, assuming standard 20-year terms from filing.
- The geographic scope is limited to Hong Kong, but priority rights may cover other jurisdictions.
Challenges and Opportunities
- The niche focus on stability and dissolution improvements aligns with industry needs for longer shelf-life and better bioavailability.
- However, the process claims might face challenges from prior art emphasizing alternative drying or granulation techniques.
What Is the Strategic Patent Positioning?
- Protects a specific process, potentially creating barriers for generic manufacturers seeking to replicate the same manufacturing benefits.
- Limited to Hong Kong; expansion through patent filings in key markets would be necessary for global exclusivity.
- The use of specific solvents and temperature ranges presents opportunities for patenting alternative parameters or process modifications to navigate around the patent.
Key Takeaways
- HK patent HK1119174 covers a process-centered claim focusing on manufacturing a stable, bioavailable oral pharmaceutical unit.
- Its claims narrowly define process steps and conditions, balancing broad coverage with specific limitations.
- The patent landscape indicates active development of manufacturing innovations in oral drug formulations, with related patents in major patent jurisdictions.
- Market exclusivity hinges on enforcement within Hong Kong and potential expansion via foreign filings.
- Strategic considerations include patent navigation around process-specific claims and potential proliferation of similar, alternative methods.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Process patents are often susceptible to validity challenges if comparable manufacturing methods existed before the priority date, especially in the area of drying and granulation techniques.
2. What are the main points to consider when designing around this patent?
Alternative processes that omit or modify the specific drying steps, employ different solvents, or use other excipients could navigate around the claims.
3. Does this patent extend to formulations beyond oral tablets?
No. The claims explicitly focus on oral dosage forms, limiting its scope to tablets for oral administration.
4. How does geographic scope influence the patent’s commercial value?
Since it is a Hong Kong patent, the protection is confined unless counterparts are filed in other markets, limiting international exclusivity.
5. What are the key aspects for validating the patent’s enforceability?
Demonstrating that a manufacturing process infringes on at least one independent claim, such as the specific drying parameters, is crucial in enforcement actions.
References
- Patent Office of Hong Kong. (2022). HK Patent HK1119174.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
