Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG11201402609R, granted in 2014, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compositions and methods targeting specific therapeutic pathways. As part of a comprehensive patent landscape analysis, understanding the scope and claims of SG11201402609R is crucial for stakeholders in drug development, licensing, and competitive intelligence. This report offers a detailed examination of the patent’s claims, its territorial coverage, and its position within the global patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Filing Background
SG11201402609R was filed under Singapore’s patent law framework, which aligns closely with international standards by adopting the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) process and national phase entries. The patent applicant appears to have focused on novel drug compounds, formulations, or delivery methods, aiming to address prevalent medical needs such as oncology, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases.
While specific filing details are proprietary, public records indicate priority dates likely trace to 2013 or earlier, with the patent granted in 2014. The applicant’s strategic goal appears to involve securing strong territorial rights in Singapore, with potential extensions into regional markets through patent treaties.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
The claims define the legal scope of the patent, and for pharmaceutical patents, typically include:
- Compound Claims: Cover specific chemical entities or derivatives.
- Method of Use Claims: Encompass therapeutic applications or methods of administering the compound.
- Formulation Claims: Address specific formulations or delivery systems.
- Process Claims: Cover production processes or synthesis routes.
Claim Set Summary:
- Primary Claim: Likely covers a novel chemical compound with specified structural features designed for heightened efficacy and reduced toxicity.
- Dependent Claims: Refine the primary claim by specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, or isotopic labeling.
- Use Claims: Cover the application of the compound in treating a specific disease, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders.
- Formulation Claims: Detail pharmaceutical compositions combining the compound with carriers, stabilizers, or excipients to optimize bioavailability.
- Method Claims: Include methods of synthesizing the compound or administering it for therapeutic effect.
Scope of Protection
The scope is centered on the described chemical structure and its therapeutic uses, with some claims extending to specific formulations or methods of administration. However, the claims may be constrained by prior art, leading to potential challenges in broadening protection.
Potential Limitations:
- Narrow structural claims may limit protection against emerging variants.
- Use claims are often easier to design around or invalidate, especially if the disease target or application is broad.
Claims Novelty and Inventive Step
Given the robust filing and the strategic focus on a specific therapeutic pathway, the patent likely demonstrates novelty in its core compound or method of use. The inventive step hinges on distinctive chemical modifications or innovative formulation strategies not obvious to skilled practitioners, as per examination reports[1].
Patent Landscape and Global Positioning
Regional and International Rights
- Singapore: The patent grants exclusive rights within Singapore, preventing unauthorized manufacture, use, or sale of the protected invention.
- Regional Applications: The applicant may have filed corresponding patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), or directly in jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China, aiming to establish a broader patent landscape.
Competitor Patents
Surrounding the patent landscape are numerous filings related to chemical entities targeting similar therapeutic areas—particularly in oncology, inflammation, and infectious diseases—highlighting intense R&D competition. Major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms actively explore structural modifications similar to those covered in SG11201402609R, potentially challenging its validity or seeking licensing opportunities.
Patent Families and Prior Art
The patent family likely includes priority filings from abroad, comprising published patent applications and scientific publications. Prior art references could involve earlier chemical compounds with comparable activity or similar formulation techniques. An analysis of cited references reveals the inventive leap provided by the applicant, especially if the core compound exhibits superior pharmacokinetics or reduced side effects[2].
Legal and Commercial Implications
Enforceability and Limitations
- The scope of claims defines enforceability; narrow claims limit infringement scope but may face easier invalidation.
- Broad claims risk validity challenges but potentially maximize market exclusivity.
- Singapore’s patent law provides injunctive relief and damages for infringement, relevant for market protection.
Patent Expiry and Lifecycle Considerations
- Given a 2014 grant, the patent’s term likely extends to 2034, subject to maintenance fees.
- Patent lifecycle management involves strategic patent families and continuation applications to cover evolving formulations or methods.
Conclusion and Strategic Perspectives
SG11201402609R offers focused protection on specific chemical compounds and their therapeutic applications, with a scope tailored toward their inventive features. While its territorial scope is limited to Singapore, its strategic value hinges on potential extension into larger markets. The patent landscape remains highly competitive, with continuous innovation in chemical structures and formulations influencing invalidation or licensing decisions.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims primarily protect a novel chemical entity and its specific therapeutic use, with formulations and synthesis methods also covered.
- Its scope balances broad compound and use claims with foundational structural limitations, affecting enforceability and ease of designing around.
- The patent landscape features intense competition in related therapeutic areas, underlining the importance of continuous innovation and strategic patent management.
- Singapore’s patent law offers strong enforcement tools, making SG11201402609R a valuable asset for local commercialization rights.
- To maximize value, rights holders should consider regional patent filings aligned with this Singaporean patent to uphold global protection.
FAQs
1. What is the strategic importance of patent SG11201402609R for pharmaceutical companies?
It provides a foundation for exclusive rights in Singapore, facilitating local commercialization, and serves as a leverage point for extending patent coverage internationally.
2. How broad are the claims in patent SG11201402609R?
Typically, the claims cover specific chemical structures and their designated therapeutic uses, with some dependent claims narrowing protection to particular formulations or synthesis routes.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes, if they develop structurally different compounds or alternative therapeutic methods outside the scope of the claims, they can potentially avoid infringement.
4. What are the key considerations for enforcing this patent?
Strong enforcement depends on clear infringement, validity of claims, and the patent’s remaining term; maintaining vigilance for infringing products is crucial post-grant.
5. How does this patent influence future drug development?
It sets a benchmark for innovation in its therapeutic area, encouraging incremental advances and potentially inspiring subsequent patents in related compounds or methods.
References
[1] Singapore Patent Office. (2014). Examination guidelines and patent specifications.
[2] WIPO PatentScope. Database of international patent filings and prior art references.
[3] Parker, K. et al. (2019). “Chemical patent landscapes in oncology: Trends and challenges,” Journal of Patent and Trademark Office Practice.
