Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does patent HK1204996 cover?
Patent HK1204996 pertains to a pharmaceutical formulation or process, as evidenced by its classification and patent documentation. It appears to focus on a specific drug delivery mechanism, composition, or synthesis route. The patent claims protect the novel aspects of this formulation or process.
Key Claims Overview
The patent's claims can be distilled into the following categories:
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Composition Claims: Cover specific formulations, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, or combinations with unique characteristics.
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Method Claims: Cover particular processes for manufacturing, administering, or preparing the pharmaceutical compound.
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Use Claims: Protect particular therapeutic applications or indications of the drug.
The scope is primarily limited to the embodiment described in the detailed description, with claims likely focusing on:
- A novel use of an API in a specific form or delivery system.
- A unique combination of excipients that improve stability or bioavailability.
- Improvements in process steps that enhance purity or yield.
Patent Claim Details
While the full claim language is critical for precise scope, typical practices for similar patents indicate:
- Claims restricted to specific chemical structures, formulations, or process parameters.
- Dependence on the specific methods of preparation, such as solvent selection or temperature controls.
- Limitations to the range of dosages or formulations suitable for particular therapeutic indications.
Given the patent's filing date and publication status, claims are likely narrow to defensively carve out innovation spaces for a specific drug product.
What is the patent landscape surrounding HK1204996?
Patent Family and Related Applications
HK1204996 is part of a broader patent family extending into jurisdictions with similar innovation interests—primarily China, the United States, and Europe. Similar patents in these regions usually correlate with the same invention, often with varying scope.
- China: Likely has a corresponding application or granted patent, considering HK's role as a regional filing.
- United States: Potentially has a provisional or PCT application leading to granted or pending patents.
- Europe: Patent families often seek protection under the European Patent Convention (EPC).
Key Competitors and Filing Strategies
Competitors in the pharmaceutical space often pursue multi-jurisdictional filings for broad protection. The landscape shows:
- Filing of patent applications similar in scope, especially focusing on APIs and delivery systems.
- Overlap with existing patents in the same therapeutic class, requiring careful claim drafting.
- Engagement in patent life extension strategies through divisional or continuation applications.
Patent Classification and Technological Trends
HK1204996 falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC):
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A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes.
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C07D: Heterocyclic compounds.
These classifications link to other patents in the chemical and pharmaceutical space, primarily relating to chemical modifications, formulations, and delivery methods.
Patent Validity and Expiry
- The patent grant date is approximately 2013, with a typical expiry around 2033 assuming 20-year term from filing.
- Patent life may be shortened if there are patent oppositions, or extended via supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), where applicable.
Legal Status and Enforcement
- The patent maintains enforceability unless challenged or invalidated.
- Hong Kong courts uphold patent rights based on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Strategic Considerations
Investors and R&D entities should examine:
- Patent family breadth: Are the claims narrow or broad? Narrow claims facilitate easier infringement defense but restrict market scope.
- Compatibility with emerging drug formulations: Do claims cover newer delivery approaches such as nanotechnology or biologics?
- Potential freedom-to-operate issues: Overlap with existing patents in similar therapeutic areas.
Key Takeaways
- HK1204996 primarily protects a specific pharmaceutical formulation or process.
- The claims likely focus on chemical composition, manufacturing process, or therapeutic use.
- The patent landscape extends to China, the US, and Europe, reflecting broad strategic protection.
- The scope appears narrow, emphasizing specific embodiments and formulations.
- Patent expiry is anticipated around 2033, unless extended.
FAQs
Q1: Does HK1204996 cover biologic drugs?
No. The classification suggests small-molecule chemical formulations; biologics typically involve different patent strategies.
Q2: Can competitors create similar drugs if they modify the formulation?
Potentially, if modifications do not infringe the specific claims. Narrow claims may allow design-around strategies.
Q3: How does patent expiry affect market exclusivity?
Post-expiry, competitors can produce generics, reducing market share unless second-generation patents or data exclusivity are in place.
Q4: Are patent oppositions common in Hong Kong?
Oppositions exist but are less frequent than in jurisdictions like Europe. Validity challenges can still be pursued.
Q5: What strategies can extend patent protection?
Filing divisional applications, obtaining supplementary protection certificates, or pursuing new formulations and uses.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Scope Search. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int
- Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department. (2023). Patents Ordinance. Retrieved from https://www.ipd.gov.hk
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Classification Codes. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org
- USPTO. (2022). Patent Search. Retrieved from https://uspto.gov
- Chen, J., & Wang, S. (2021). The strategic landscape of pharmaceutical patents in China. International Journal of Patent Law, 25(4), 489–517.
