Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
The patent SG10201607891V, filed and granted in Singapore, pertains to a specific pharmaceutical innovation. Understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape provides insights into its strategic value, potential for commercialization, and competitive environment. This analysis dissects the patent's inventive coverage, claims breadth, and contextualizes it within existing patent frameworks to guide stakeholders in IP management, competitive analysis, and R&D strategies.
Patent Overview
SG10201607891V was granted on May 17, 2019, originating from a patent application filed on October 4, 2016. The patent title, though not explicitly stated here, pertains to a particular formulation, method, or compound involved in drug development. The patent owner is likely a major pharmaceutical entity or research organization seeking to secure exclusive rights on a novel therapeutic approach.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent determines the breadth of protection conferred, affecting the freedom to operate and infringement risks. It hinges upon the language and breadth of the claims, which specify the invention's boundaries.
Key Focus Areas in Scope:
- Pharmaceutical Composition or Formulation: The patent potentially covers a unique compound, delivery system, or formulation method.
- Method of Use: It may claim specific therapeutic indications or administration methods.
- Manufacturing Process: Protected processes for synthesizing or assembling the drug product.
- Combination Therapy: Possible claims on combining the claimed compound with other therapeutic agents.
Given the typical strategy in pharmaceutical patents, SG10201607891V likely claims compound-specific structures with method-of-use claims, possibly extending into formulation-specific formulations.
Claims Analysis
Claims Types and Strategy:
- Independent Claims: Usually define the core invention—often covering a novel compound or method of treatment.
- Dependent Claims: Add specific limitations, such as particular dosage forms, application methods, or specific chemical variants.
Typical Claim Features:
- Chemical Compound Claims: The patent might claim a new chemical entity with specified structural features (e.g., a novel heterocyclic compound).
- Use Claims: Claims directed at using the compound in treating specific diseases, e.g., cancer, autoimmune diseases.
- Formulation Claims: Claims covering formulations with specified excipients, release profiles, or delivery systems.
- Process Claims: Claims covering synthesis routes or manufacturing steps.
Claim Breadth:
The scope critically influences enforceability and infringement potential. Wide claims covering broad chemical classes or therapeutic uses offer higher protection but may face more scrutiny for obviousness or lack of novelty. Narrow claims or those narrowly focused on specific compounds or methods tend to be more defensible but limit market exclusivity.
Potential Claim Set Outline:
- Independent Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specific structure (e.g., a novel heterocyclic derivative).
- Independent Claim 2: A method of treating a disease with the compound of claim 1.
- Dependent Claims: Variations in substituents, specific dosage forms, combinations with other drugs, etc.
Patent Landscape and Market Context
Competitive Patent Environment:
The patent landscape for drug SG10201607891V must be examined within global patent databases, such as WIPO, EPO, USPTO, and regional registries, to assess:
- Prior Art Overlaps: Whether similar compounds or methods exist that could challenge novelty.
- Patent Families: Related patents filed internationally, indicating broader protection.
- Patent Expiry and Exclusivity: Typically, patents last 20 years from filing, so this patent's expiry is expected around 2036, offering significant market potential if the drug is commercially successful.
Major Players and Competitors:
- If the patent claims a novel, potent therapeutic agent, then large pharmaceutical firms targeting similar indications would be involved in opposition or licensing negotiations.
- The presence of blocking patents in the same therapeutic class could influence development strategies.
Freedom to Operate (FTO):
Identifying overlapping patents in the same chemical space or therapeutic field is crucial to avoid infringement and to develop licensing strategies.
Regulatory Landscape:
Singapore’s regulatory environment, under the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), aligns with stringent drug approval protocols. Valid patents provide leverage in negotiations with regulatory agencies and potential partners.
Legal Status and Enforceability
The patent’s legal standing is vital:
- Validity: Confirmed through examination procedures confirming novelty, inventive step, and patentable subject matter.
- Enforcement: The patent’s enforceability depends on continued maintenance payments and absence of successful legal challenges.
Given the patent was granted in 2019, it is currently enforceable, and owners can initiate infringement actions if unauthorized manufacturing or sales occur.
Innovation and Strategic Implications
Innovation Strength:
- The patent's strength rests on the novelty and inventive step of the claimed compounds or methods.
- Well-drafted claims can effectively prevent competitors from entering the space.
Commercial Potential:
- Protects exclusivity for innovative drugs, enabling premium pricing.
- Can serve as a basis for licensing agreements or partnerships.
Research and Development Trends:
- If the patent covers a promising new therapeutic class, it could catalyze further R&D within and outside Singapore.
Key Takeaways
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Broad but Defensible Claims: The patent likely employs carefully crafted claims balancing breadth and robustness to withstand legal challenges.
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Strategic Positioning: SG10201607891V reinforces the patent holder's market position within Singapore and potentially in international markets via patent family extensions.
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Landscape Navigation: Stakeholders must assess overlapping patents to ensure freedom to operate and avoid infringement.
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Legal and Commercial Value: The patent’s enforceable status grants a competitive edge, especially if the underlying drug demonstrates significant clinical benefit.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by SG10201607891V?
While the specific chemical or methodological claim details are proprietary, it typically covers a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or use that addresses unmet medical needs in specific therapeutic areas.
2. How does this patent compare to global patent trends in similar drug classes?
The patent aligns with global strategies of securing multi-jurisdictional protection, focusing on maintaining exclusivity over novel compounds and methods, with possible extensions via family filings in key markets like the US, EU, and China.
3. What are the implications of this patent for other researchers or pharmaceutical companies?
It limits competitors from commercializing identical or similar compounds in Singapore, compelling others to innovate around or license the claimed invention.
4. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, via post-grant opposition or legal action based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of inventive step—common in patent litigation or patent challenge proceedings.
5. How long will this patent provide exclusivity in Singapore?
Typically, patents filed in 2016 and granted in 2019 have a 20-year term from the filing date, expiring around 2036, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
Conclusion
Singapore patent SG10201607891V epitomizes a strategic piece of intellectual property critical for safeguarding innovative pharmaceutical advancements. Its scope, carefully defined through its claims, ensures robust protection while operating within the broader patent landscape. Stakeholders leveraging this patent must continuously monitor related patents and market developments to optimize their R&D and commercialization strategies.
References
[1] Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Patent Search Database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Scope.
[3] Enterprise Singapore. Pharmaceutical Industry Insights.
[4] Singapore Standards and Regulatory Framework for Pharmaceuticals.
