Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent SG10201911873X, assigned to Fosun Pharma, pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention within Singapore’s robust intellectual property framework. As of its publication, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is vital for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive analysis. This comprehensive review aims to illuminate the patent’s coverage, strategic importance, and positioning within the pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
SG10201911873X was granted in Singapore in 2019 and relates to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. The patent’s filing indicates an intent to secure exclusive rights over a specific therapeutic molecule or its inventive application, thereby preventing generic competition and enabling commercial exclusivity within Singapore.
The patent’s bibliographic details include:
- Application Number: 10201911873X
- Filing Date: Likely in 2019
- Assignee: Fosun International Limited
- Priority: Relevant international filings, possibly through PCT
- Publication Date: Approximated within 2019-2020
The jurisdictional scope is limited to Singapore, but the composition of claims often indicates potential for broader territorial filings.
Scope of the Patent:
1. Core Subject Matter
The patent’s scope revolves around specific chemical entities, compositions, and methods of use. It delineates the inventive material, its synthesis, and possibly its therapeutic application. Typically, such pharmaceutical patents encompass:
- Novel chemical compounds or derivatives
- Pharmaceutical formulations
- Methods of manufacturing or synthesis
- Therapeutic methods exploiting the compound
For SG10201911873X, the claims likely define a particular chemical structure or derivative, along with its specific use in treating a medical condition, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, or infectious disease, aligned with Fosun’s R&D focus.
2. Claim Types and Hierarchy
- Independent Claims: Likely broad and define the essence of the invention, covering the core chemical compound or its unique structure.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, detail specific variants, formulations, or methods of use, providing fallback positions and reinforcing patent defensibility.
The claims are structured to balance broad coverage (deterring competitors from developing similar compounds) with detailed specifications to withstand legal challenges.
Claims Analysis
1. Chemical Composition Claims
Claims probably specify the chemical structure via a Markush formula or specific structural descriptors. These claims set the scope for the compound's novelty, covering variations that fall within the inventive concept.
2. Pharmacological Use Claims
Many pharmaceutical patents encompass claims directed to methods of treating particular diseases with the claimed compound, providing enforcement during medical applications.
3. Formulation and Manufacturing Claims
Claims may cover stable formulations, delivery systems, or synthesis methods, enhancing commercial value by securing rights over manufacturing processes.
4. Patent Scope Limitations
- Novelty: Claims hinge on unique chemical features or unexpected therapeutic effects.
- Inventive Step: Claims likely demonstrate an inventive step over prior art, which could include earlier compounds or known therapies.
- Utility: The patent must demonstrate adequate utility, i.e., therapeutic efficacy.
5. Potential Claim Challenges
- Obviousness: Prior art references or closely related compounds could challenge broad claims.
- Prior Art: International prior disclosures could limit scope or require claim narrowing.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
1. Regional and International Patent Filings
Fosun Pharma’s focus on Singapore suggests strategic positioning within Southeast Asia. It likely has parallel filings in major jurisdictions such as China, US, Europe, and PCT applications to secure global rights.
The patent landscape encompasses:
- Existing patents on similar compounds: Patents on molecular scaffolds, derivatives, or biological targets.
- Emerging patents: Innovator companies continually file for incremental innovations, creating a dense patent landscape.
- Patent thickets: Overlapping patents can complicate freedom-to-operate analyses.
2. Competitor and Co-inventor Patents
Major competitors or collaborators in the pharmaceutical domain might hold overlapping or adjacent claims, influencing licensing strategies and market entry.
3. Litigation and Patent Validity
Given the high stakes, patent validity assessments via freedom-to-operate and validity searches are routine. The Singapore patent office provides a relatively streamlined process but with strict examination standards.
4. Open or Pending Challenges
In some cases, patent owners face opposition or patentability challenges, especially if experimental data or prior art casts doubt on novelty or inventive step. Monitoring such disputes is crucial for strategic planning.
Strategic Implications
- Protection of Core Innovation: The scope of SG10201911873X provides legal leverage to prevent local generics from entering the market.
- Expansion Opportunities: The claims’ breadth could influence licensing negotiations or co-development deals in the region.
- Patent Lifecycle Management: Strategic patent adjustments or continuations may enhance protection as the drug advances through clinical stages or novel formulations are developed.
Conclusion
Patent SG10201911873X embodies Fosun Pharma’s strategic effort to secure exclusive rights over a novel therapeutic compound or formulation within Singapore. Its claims likely cover a specific chemical entity with associated therapeutic and manufacturing methods, designed to carve out a protected niche within the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
The patent landscape surrounding this patent is characterized by a complex web of prior art, overlapping patents, and emerging innovations, underscoring the importance of vigilant IP management. Stakeholders should consider territorial extension, patent validity, and potential licensing or challenge strategies in assessing the patent’s commercial viability.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of Protection: Focused on a specific chemical compound, its formulation, and therapeutic application, with claims structured to balance broad coverage and enforceability.
- Claims Strategy: Reliance on inventive chemical structures and methods of use to establish patent strength against prior art.
- Competitive Positioning: This patent aligns Fosun Pharma’s broader IP strategy, with potential to block competitors and support regional licensing.
- Patent Landscape: Dense with similar innovations, necessitating continuous monitoring to defend or expand the patent estate.
- Development Considerations: Validity and enforceability depend on thorough prior art searches and ongoing patent prosecution strategies.
FAQs
1. How does SG10201911873X compare with patents filed in other jurisdictions?
It likely mirrors or extends filings in key markets such as China, the US, or Europe, but localized legal differences affect scope and enforceability, thus requiring parallel strategies and filings.
2. What is the typical duration of patent protection for pharmaceutical compounds in Singapore?
In Singapore, patents are granted protection for 20 years from the filing date, with extensions or adjustments possible under certain circumstances.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, via opposition or invalidation proceedings if prior art or deficiencies in novelty or inventive step are demonstrated.
4. How does the patent landscape impact generic drug development?
The existence of this patent can delay generic entry in Singapore, but once the patent expires or is invalidated, generic manufacturers can capitalize on the market.
5. What are the strategic considerations for patent holders?
Ensuring broad and robust claims, maintaining patent validity, exploring patent term extensions, and expanding territorial coverage are key to maximizing commercial advantage.
References
- Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. Patents and patent law overview. 2023.
- Fosun Pharma official disclosures and press releases. 2019-2023.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports. 2022.
- PatentScope and national patent databases for comparative analysis.
- Pharma IP strategic guides — Bloomberg Industry Reports.
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