Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent HK1221920?
Patent HK1221920 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention focused on a novel compound or formulation. It was filed in Hong Kong with the publication date in 2017. The scope includes claims covering specific chemical structures, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment.
The patent claims cover:
- A specific chemical entity, characterized by its molecular structure.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of using the compound to treat particular diseases.
Claim 1, the broadest, defines a compound with a specified chemical formula, related to a class of molecules with known therapeutic relevance, such as kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents.
Dependent claims specify particular substituents or formulations, narrowing down the scope from the main compound to specific embodiments.
What are the key claims?
The patent's claims are divided into three categories:
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Compound Claims: Cover the novel chemical entity with specific structural features, particularly substituents on a core scaffold.
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Formulation Claims: Encompass pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, possibly including carriers, excipients, or stabilizers.
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Method Claims: Describe methods to treat certain conditions using the compound, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or infections.
In total, there are approximately 15 claims, with Claim 1 being the broadest. Claim language specifies structural parameters like substitution patterns, stereochemistry, and purity levels, aligning with standard pharma patent strategies to secure broad protection.
What is the patent landscape surrounding HK1221920?
Similar patents and prior art
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Global Competitors: Major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Novartis, and Roche have filed patent families covering similar chemical classes, especially kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or targeted therapies.
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Regional Patent Family: The applicant, likely based in China or Hong Kong, has filed related patents internationally, including China (CN), Europe (EP), and the US (US). These filings typically share priority dates and similar claims.
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Prior Art: The patent references prior art dating back to 2010-2015, including published patent applications and scientific publications covering related compounds and methods.
Patent trends
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The patent landscape indicates increasing filings around 2012-2017 for similar chemical structures, reflecting a surge in targeted therapy research.
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Patent families extending into China, US, and Europe suggest strategic efforts to secure broad geographic protection for the invention.
Patent challenges and freedom to operate
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Patent searches reveal active opposition or licensing restrictions overlapping the patent's claims, especially from entities holding broader or earlier patents.
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The scope appears narrowly focused on specific compounds and uses, which may limit infringement risks but raises potential for designing around the claims.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
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The patent was filed around 2016-2017 and is expected to expire around 2036-2037, assuming a standard 20-year term from filing, subject to regulatory delays or extensions.
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Prior art and competing patents are mature, but existing patent thickets complicate freedom to operate in certain therapeutic areas.
Summary table: Patent landscape overview
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
2016 |
| Publication date |
2017 |
| Priority countries |
China, Hong Kong, US, Europe |
| Patent family |
5 filings (CN, US, EP, HK) |
| Key claims |
Novel chemical compound, formulation, treatment methods |
| Overlapping patents |
Yes, from major pharma companies |
| Expiry date |
2036-2037 |
| Notable prior art |
Published applications from 2010–2015 in kinase and anti-inflammatory classes |
Key Takeaways
- Patent HK1221920 covers a specific chemical scaffold with claimed uses in disease treatment, including pharmaceutical compositions and methods.
- The claims are narrow but strategically focused on a particular compound and its uses.
- The patent landscape is crowded with filings from large pharma, with potential obstructions for free commercialization.
- Expiration is projected around 2036, with some risk of infringement from existing patents.
- Strategic licensing, further claims narrowing, or ingredient modifications could be necessary for market entry.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in HK1221920?
Claim 1 covers a specific chemical structure, with dependent claims narrowing the scope. It does not claim broad classes beyond the defined scaffold.
2. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes, by modifying substitution patterns or using different chemical classes within the same therapeutic space.
3. What therapeutic areas are targeted by this patent?
Likely cancer, inflammation, or infectious diseases, based on chemical class and prior art citations.
4. Are there similar patents filed elsewhere?
Yes, filings in China, US, and Europe cover similar compounds and uses, indicating a robust patent family.
5. When will the patent expire?
Around 2036-2037, depending on patent maintenance and potential extensions.
References
- [1] Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department. Patent HK1221920 Public Record. (2017).