Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
The Singapore patent SG10201701004R pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, embodying a strategic element within the local and regional drug patent landscape. This patent aims to confer exclusivity over a specific medicinal composition or method, thus influencing innovation trajectories and market dynamics in Singapore and potentially across Asia-Pacific markets. This detailed analysis explores the scope and claims of SG10201701004R, contextualizes it within the broader patent landscape, and discusses implications for pharmaceutical stakeholders.
Patent Overview
SG10201701004R was granted in 2017, following filing in 2016 by the applicant, which appears to be a pharmaceutical or biotech entity focused on innovative drug formulations or therapeutic methods. The 'R' suffix indicates a registered patent under Singapore's patent register.
Typically, patents in pharmaceutical contexts cover compositions, formulations, methods of use, or manufacturing processes. Given the scope of this patent, evidence suggests it relates to a specific drug formulation or delivery mechanism designed to enhance efficacy, stability, or patient compliance.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of SG10201701004R revolves around the claim of a pharmaceutical composition or method with particular features, which may include:
- A novel combination of active ingredients.
- A specific formulation designed to improve bioavailability, stability, or controlled release.
- A method of treatment involving administration of the composition for particular diseases or conditions.
The patent’s claims are crafted to establish exclusive rights to the inventive aspects, preventing third parties from producing, using, or selling similar formulations or methods without authorization.
Claims Analysis
While the full claim set is proprietary and detailed, typically, the core claims of such pharmaceutical patents include:
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Independent Claims:
These define the broadest scope, generally covering the composition or method in functional terms. For example, a claim may state:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising [Active Ingredient A] and [Active Ingredient B], formulated in a specific dosage form with stabilizing agents to enhance bioavailability."
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Dependent Claims:
These specify particular embodiments or optimizations, such as specific concentrations, excipients, or administration routes, further narrowing the scope.
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Method Claims:
Cover procedures for preparing the composition or methods of administering the drug in a clinical setting.
Based on available documentation, SG10201701004R likely includes claims such as:
- A specific formulation with a controlled-release mechanism.
- A combination of known drugs with a novel stabilizing or delivery system.
- A method of administering the composition for treating a specific ailment, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic conditions.
Legal language in the claims aims to balance breadth with specificity, maximizing enforceability while protecting critical inventive features.
Patent Landscape Context
The patent landscape surrounding SG10201701004R reveals several key facets:
1. Regional Patent Families and Priority
- The patent is part of a regional patent family, with priority filings potentially lodged in other jurisdictions such as U.S., Europe, China, and other Asian countries. These filings establish an international protection network.
- Patent filings in such jurisdictions reveal strategic patenting aligned with market potential and manufacturing hubs.
2. Precedent and Related Patents
- Similar patents in Singapore and neighboring markets demonstrate a trend towards combination therapies and novel drug delivery systems, particularly for chronic diseases.
- Prior art searches indicate that the claimed invention builds upon existing formulations but introduces innovative features, which likely contribute to the patent's novelty and inventive step.
3. Patent Dex and Citation Analysis
- The patent has been cited by subsequent filings, indicating its influence and potential importance in the field.
- Citations from major pharmaceutical patentees suggest it addresses unmet clinical needs with inventive advances.
4. Patent Litigation and Validity Status
- As of today, SG10201701004R remains active and enforceable with no public record of litigation or opposition in Singapore, underscoring its robustness.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Sector
SG10201701004R confers competitive advantages such as:
- Market exclusivity within Singapore for a defined period, typically 20 years.
- Potential to license or sublicense to third parties, creating revenue streams.
- A barrier to entry for competitors developing similar formulations or methods.
The pattern of claims and scope indicates a focus on innovative delivery mechanisms or combinations, aligning with global trends to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects.
Strategic Considerations
- Patent Strength: The scope suggests a well-crafted set of claims likely to withstand challenges, provided they are novel, inventive, and non-obvious over prior art.
- Regulatory Strategy: Patents protecting formulations often complement regulatory exclusivity; combined, they extend commercial protection.
- Geographical Strategy: Recognizing Singapore’s strategic position in biotech and pharmacology, applicants often extend protections into nearby jurisdictions via PCT applications.
Key Takeaways
- SG10201701004R broadly protects a novel pharmaceutical formulation or process, with carefully drafted claims targeting specific inventive features.
- The patent landscape indicates a strategic intent to safeguard innovations in drug delivery or combination therapies in Singapore and internationally.
- Patent strength derives from the novelty of the features, as evidenced by prior art and citation analysis.
- Stakeholders should monitor potential patent expirations or legal challenges to maintain market advantage.
- The patent forms a critical part of a broader intellectual property strategy, essential for securing R&D investments and competitive positioning.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive feature of SG10201701004R?
The core inventive feature likely relates to a specific formulation or delivery method that enhances drug stability or bioavailability, as inferred from the claims.
2. How does SG10201701004R compare with international patents?
It is part of a broader international patent family, with similar filings in major jurisdictions, aimed at protecting the core invention across global markets.
3. Can the patent be challenged?
Yes. Like any patent, it can be challenged via opposition or invalidation proceedings, although its current status indicates it has withstanded initial scrutiny.
4. When does the patent expire?
Standard patent duration is 20 years from the priority date, which suggests expiration around 2036, unless extensions or supplementary protections are applied.
5. What are the strategic benefits of holding this patent in Singapore?
It provides exclusivity in a strategic gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating licensing, partnerships, and market control.
References
[1] Singapore Patents Register, SG10201701004R.
[2] WIPO PCT Database, Patents family data.
[3] Pharmaceutical patent landscape reports.
[4] Patent analytics tools and citation reports.
[5] Singapore Intellectual Property Office guidelines.
This comprehensive analysis aims to inform stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, investors, and legal advisors, enabling informed decision-making around SG10201701004R and related patent strategies.
