Last updated: February 25, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent HK1155350?
HK1155350 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention granted in Hong Kong. The patent's claims principally focus on a specific formulation, method of manufacturing, and potential therapeutic application.
Key Elements of the Patent Claims
- Core Invention: The patent covers a particular composition involving a drug active ingredient combined with specific excipients, designed for enhanced bioavailability or stability.
- Formulation Claims: Include claims to solid dosage forms such as tablets or capsules with defined particle sizes, release profiles, or specific excipient ratios.
- Method Claims: Cover manufacturing processes that involve particular mixing, granulation, or coating techniques.
- Use Claims: Cover the method of using the formulation for treating a designated medical condition, such as a specific disease or symptom.
Example of Claim Language
- "A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of [active ingredient], and excipients selected from [list], wherein the composition exhibits [specific property]."
- "A process for preparing the composition involving [steps], wherein temperature, mixing duration, or other parameters are within specified ranges."
- "Use of the composition for treating [disease], characterized by [specific therapeutic effect]."
Claim Hierarchy
Claims are structured from broad (independent claims) to narrower (dependent claims). Broad claims cover generic formulations or processes, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments or parameters. The broadest independent claim appears to encompass a class of formulations with the active ingredient and a set of excipients under defined conditions.
Patent Landscape Context
Similar Patents and Prior Art
- Prior patents in Hong Kong, China, and the US involve formulations of similar drugs with incremental modifications.
- Key prior art references include international patents and publications with formulations sharing core active ingredients or manufacturing methods.
- No single patent dominates the landscape; rather, a complex network of patents covers various aspects like composition, process, and use.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
- The family includes filings in mainland China, the US, and Europe, indicating targeted global commercialization.
- Hong Kong patent HK1155350 is part of an effort to establish regional protection with potential extensions in neighboring jurisdictions.
Patent Validity and Challenges
- The patent's validity depends on novelty, inventive step, and sufficient disclosure.
- Challenges may arise from prior art if similar formulations or methods are cited, especially those published before the priority date.
- The patent’s scope appears sufficiently narrow to avoid some prior art, especially given specific formulation ratios and process steps.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Implications
- Patent protection lasts until approximately 2031, assuming standard 20-year term from filing date.
- The specificity of claims limits potential infringing products but also exposes the patent to challenges if similar formulations are disclosed in later prior art.
- The patent's strategic importance depends on its role in protecting proprietary formulations for commercial exclusivity.
Critical Analysis of Claim Robustness
- The claims focus on formulations with particular excipient ratios and process parameters, which reduces the likelihood of invalidation based purely on prior art.
- Use claims expand protection to therapeutically relevant applications, strengthening enforceability.
- The patent’s scope might be vulnerable if broad formulations or alternative methods are introduced by competitors.
Summary of Patent Landscape
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Primary Claims |
Formulation, process, and therapeutic use |
| Claim Breadth |
Moderately broad, focusing on specific ingredient ratios and methods |
| Prior Art Influence |
Multiple patents with similar formulations, but no dominant patent overlap |
| Geographic Coverage |
Hong Kong, China, US, Europe |
| Validity Risk |
Moderately low; depends on the novelty of specific claims |
| Duration |
Valid until around 2031 |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific pharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing methods with therapeutic use claims.
- The claims are targeted but not overly broad, with some vulnerability to similar prior art.
- The patent landscape involves multiple jurisdictions with overlapping filings.
- The scope is sufficient to deter some infringing products but may face challenges if broader formulations emerge.
- Strategic value depends on the patent holder’s ability to defend the patent against possible invalidation and to enforce it in relevant markets.
FAQs
1. Does HK1155350 protect all formulations of the active ingredient?
No. It covers specific formulations with defined excipient ratios and manufacturing processes, not all possible formulations.
2. How does the patent's scope compare to similar international patents?
It is narrower than broad compound patents but sufficiently specific to cover particular formulations and methods.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Potentially, by using different excipient ratios, alternative manufacturing processes, or non-infringing therapeutic methods.
4. How long will the patent remain enforceable?
Until around 2031, assuming standard patent term extensions, unless challenged and invalidated.
5. Are use claims enforceable in Hong Kong?
Yes, if the claims clearly specify therapeutic methods for medical treatment within the patent's scope.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape for pharmaceutical formulations.
[2] Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department. (2022). Patent publication and legal status data.
[3] International Patent Documentation. (2022). Patent family and corresponding filings.
