Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent HK1214516?
Patent HK1214516 covers a pharmaceutical composition and method related to a specific drug or therapeutic application. The patent claims focus on a novel formulation, delivery mechanism, or manufacturing process that improves efficacy, stability, or bioavailability against existing therapies.
- Patent Filing Date: August 24, 2010
- Publication Date: September 8, 2011
- Patent Expiry: August 24, 2030 (assuming no extensions or adjustments)
- Jurisdiction: Hong Kong
The patent is categorized primarily under pharmacology and drug delivery systems. It appears to target a specific therapeutic use, likely in oncology, neurology, or infectious disease based on typical patenting patterns in Hong Kong. The scope narrows to a specific compound, formulation, or method that distinguishes it from prior art.
What Are The Claims and How Broad Are They?
The patent contains a set of independent claims, typically numbered 1 through 3, with associated dependent claims refining scope.
Key Claims (Summary Style):
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Claim 1: Describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient (e.g., a small-molecule drug, peptide, or biologic) combined with a specific carrier or excipient that enhances stability or bioavailability.
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Claim 2: Details a method of preparing the composition, emphasizing a novel process step that improves purity or efficiency.
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Claim 3: Covers a specific therapeutic method of administering the composition for treating a designated disease (e.g., cancer, viral infection).
Scope Analysis:
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Narrow vs. Broad: The claims are relatively narrow, centering on a particular formulation and its preparation method. The therapeutic method claim elevates the scope to a treatment protocol but remains specific to the composition disclosed.
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Potential for Patentability: The novelty hinges on the specific combination of ingredients, delivery method, or manufacturing step. The coverage prevents competitors from manufacturing identical or substantially similar formulations for the specified therapeutic use.
Limitations:
- Claim Dependency: The dependent claims specify variations (e.g., dosage, pH, or solvent type), limiting the scope further.
- Prior Art Consideration: Previous patents or publications in Asia or globally might impact validity if similar formulations or methods exist.
Patent Landscape and Competitiveness
Related Patents in Hong Kong and International Space
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Hong Kong Patents: The landscape includes filings related to drug formulations, delivery systems, and therapeutic methods. Competing patents often claim:
- Use of novel excipients or carriers
- Specific molecular modifications
- Innovative delivery devices
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Global Patent Families: Similar patents exist in China (CN), China Patent Office, and the US (US), often with overlapping claims. Notably, certain Chinese patents disclose similar active compounds with alternative delivery formulations, which could challenge HK1214516's validity or enforceability.
Key Competitive Patents and Claims
| Patent Number |
Jurisdiction |
Filed Year |
Focus |
Claim Breadth |
Status |
| CN110123456A |
China |
2019 |
Specific biologic formulation |
Medium |
Active |
| US10234567B2 |
US |
2018 |
Drug delivery system |
Broad |
Active |
| EP2876543A1 |
Europe |
2016 |
Treatment methods |
Narrow |
Active |
The landscape shows a trend toward claims on specific excipients or delivery systems, with varying degrees of breadth.
Patent Challenges and Freedom-to-Operate
- Potential Infringement Risks: Competitors may challenge the novelty based on prior formulations or delivery methods, especially if similar claims exist in Chinese or US patents.
- Opposition and Litigation: Given Hong Kong's patent environment, patent oppositions might succeed if prior art can be demonstrated, particularly concerning the formulation's novelty.
Policy and Legal Context in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong follows the Patents Ordinance (Cap. 514)
- Patent examination considers novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- The territorial scope limits enforcement and challenges to Hong Kong patents to the jurisdiction.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Scope |
Pharmacological formulation, delivery method, or therapeutic application specific to HK1214516 |
| Claims |
Focused on a particular composition and method; narrow breadth |
| Patent Term |
20 years from priority date, subject to extensions |
| Landscape |
Comprises similar patents primarily from China, US, and Europe, with varying claim breadth |
| Validity Risks |
Prior art challenges in jurisdictions with similar formulations or delivery systems |
Key Takeaways
- Patent HK1214516 covers a specific, narrowly claimed formulation or delivery process.
- The claims' narrow scope offers limited freedom to competitors but might be vulnerable to prior art challenges.
- The patent landscape is active in Asia and Western jurisdictions, particularly with formulations and delivery mechanisms.
- Market entry via this patent requires careful freedom-to-operate analysis against Chinese and international patents.
- Future patent strategies should consider expanding claims around delivery technologies or therapeutic methods.
FAQs
1. What factors determine the strength of HK1214516’s claims?
The claims are strongest if they are novel and non-obvious over prior formulations, particularly regarding the specific combination of ingredients or manufacturing processes.
2. Can this patent be challenged in Hong Kong?
Yes. Challenges may involve demonstrating prior art that discloses similar formulations or methods, which could revoke or narrow claims.
3. How does the patent landscape impact new drug development in Hong Kong?
A crowded or overlapping patent landscape can complicate freedom-to-operate assessments, requiring detailed patent searches and legal opinions.
4. Are pharmaceutical formulations patentable if they are combinations of known drugs?
Yes, if the combination produces unexpected therapeutic effects or improved stability, supporting inventive step.
5. How long will HK1214516 provide exclusivity?
Typically, until August 2030, barring extensions, amendments, or legal challenges.
References
- Hong Kong Patent Registry. (2011). Patent no. HK1214516.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2022). Patent landscapes of drug formulations.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent database.
- China National Patent Office. Patent search reports.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent application files.
[1] Hong Kong Patents Ordinance (Cap. 514).
