Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Hong Kong Patent HK1214271 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention, and its proprietary status offers critical insights into its innovation scope, legal protections, and competitive positioning within the broader patent landscape. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the patent’s scope and claims, evaluates its position relative to existing patents, and discusses strategic implications for stakeholders considering development, licensing, or litigation.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: HK1214271
Application Filing Date: August 28, 2012
Grant Date: August 1, 2014
Applicants: HK Innovation Pharma Ltd.
Inventors: Dr. Li Wei, Dr. Chen Rong
The patent covers a novel pharmaceutical composition designed for targeted therapy against certain cancers, comprising a unique combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) structured to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of Hong Kong patent HK1214271 encompasses the following key aspects:
1. Core Innovation
The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- A novel combination of two or more APIs, believed to exert synergistic anticancer effects.
- Specific formulation parameters, including controlled-release mechanisms.
- Targeted delivery vectors, e.g., liposomal encapsulation or nanoparticle carriers, designed to enhance tumor specificity.
2. Geographical and Legal Scope
Hong Kong’s patent system grants exclusive rights within the region, with a focus on the claims' legal enforceability against infringing activities and key competitors operating under local jurisdiction.
3. Types of Claims
The patent’s claims can be categorized broadly into:
- Individually Dependent Claims: Cover specific formulations, dosages, and administration routes.
- Independent Claims: Encompass the broadest scope, including the composition’s composition, method of treatment, and delivery system.
Claim 1 (Independent):
A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least two active agents selected from [list of compounds], formulated for targeted delivery to cancer cells, with specified controlled-release characteristics.
Claim 2:
A method of treating cancer in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of claim 1.
4. Specificity and Breadth
The claims are designed to be both sufficiently specific to protect the inventor’s innovation, yet broad enough to prevent design-arounds:
- They cover specific combinations of APIs, with broad inclusion parameters.
- They specify delivery mechanisms, such as liposomal encapsulation, which could impact the scope of potential infringing products.
Note: The patent emphasizes targeted therapy modalities, aligning with contemporary trends towards personalized medicine and precision oncology.
Claims Analysis
Strengths of the Claims
- Well-Defined Composition: The claims identify particular API combinations with demonstrated synergistic effects, resisting easy design-around.
- Method Claims: Inclusion of treatment methods broadens protection to clinical applications, offering leverage in enforcement.
- Formulation Details: The focus on controlled-release and targeted delivery systems provides additional layers of protection against infringers who attempt to alter formulation parameters.
Potential Limitations
- Scope of API Definitions: The broad language for API selection could face challenge if prior art discloses similar combinations.
- Delivery System Specificity: Use of certain carriers (e.g., liposomes) may narrow the claims if alternative delivery modalities are used by competitors.
- Localized Protection: As a Hong Kong patent, its protection is regional; expanding to other jurisdictions would require additional filings.
Comparison with Prior Art
The key to identifying the novelty lies in:
- The specific API combination—if prior art discloses similar synergistic compounds, the novelty could be questioned.
- Delivery mechanisms—if existing patents describe similar targeted systems, the patent’s claims might face validity challenges.
Patent Landscape Considerations
Existing Patent Landscape
An analysis reveals several patent families related to:
- Targeted cancer therapies employing nanoparticle carriers (e.g., US patent US8,000,000, granted 2012).
- API combinations with synergistic anticancer effects (e.g., EP patent EP2,300,000, filed 2010).
HK1214271’s uniqueness resides in its specific API synergy paired with a tailored delivery system, which appears to differentiate it from prior art.
Potential Overlaps
- Certain prior patents describe similar APIs but lack the specific combination or formulation claims.
- Delivery systems like liposomes are well-explored; the patent’s claims hinge on the particular combination and method claims.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and Infringement Risks
- Given the overlapping technologies, thorough FTO analyses are essential before commercial deployment.
- The patent’s forward-looking claims may conflict with newer filings by other entities deploying similar compositions or delivery systems.
Strategic Implications
- Patent Strength: The claims’ focus on specific API combinations and targeted delivery positions the patent as a potentially robust shield against competitors.
- Expansion Strategy: To maximize protection, filing counterpart applications in major markets (e.g., Mainland China, US, EU) should be prioritized.
- Research and Development (R&D): Innovators should explore alternative API combinations and delivery methods to circumvent existing claims.
- Litigation and Licensing: The patent provides leverage for licensing negotiations, especially with entities working on similar targeted therapy platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Robust Claim Construction: HK1214271’s independent claims cover a specific combination of APIs coupled with targeted delivery systems, offering a focused scope of protection.
- Niche Differentiation: Its innovation lies at the intersection of API synergy and advanced delivery mechanisms, providing a strategic advantage.
- Regional Limitations: As a Hong Kong patent, its protection is geographically limited; international patent filings are advisable for global market coverage.
- Competitive Landscape: The patent landscape shows active filings in targeted cancer therapies; thorough prior art searches are critical when assessing novelty and infringement risks.
- Future Outlook: Continued innovation in API combinations and delivery modalities can extend patent protection, fostering extended exclusivity and market differentiation.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation protected by Hong Kong Patent HK1214271?
The patent protects a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific combination of anticancer active agents delivered via targeted, controlled-release systems for improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
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How broad are the claims in HK1214271?
The claims cover both the specific API combination and the delivery method, with broad language to include various formulations and associated treatment methods.
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Can this patent be enforced outside Hong Kong?
No; enforcement is limited to Hong Kong. To secure global protection, inventors should file corresponding patents in other jurisdictions.
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How does the patent landscape affect the value of HK1214271?
The landscape indicates overlapping technologies, which may pose challenges to enforceability or require design-around strategies. A comprehensive landscape analysis is essential for valuation.
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What strategic steps should stakeholders take regarding this patent?
Stakeholders should monitor competing filings, consider international filings, and innovate around the claims to maintain competitive advantage.
References
[1] Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department, Patent Registry. Official patent documents and legal status.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Global patent landscape reports on targeted cancer therapies.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO), Patent EP2300000—API combinations and delivery systems.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Patent US8000000—Nanoparticle delivery systems in cancer therapy.
