Last updated: August 22, 2025
Introduction
Singapore patent SG11201500375P pertains to a pharmaceutical or biotechnological invention, as indicated by its patent classification and the typical scope associated with such filings. An in-depth understanding of this patent involves exploring its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape to inform strategic decisions for stakeholders, including pharma companies, legal teams, and innovation investors. This analysis aims to dissect the patent's claims, evaluate its scope, and contextualize its position within the global and regional patent ecosystems.
Patent Overview
Publication and Application Details
- Patent Number: SG11201500375P
- Filing Date: Likely filed prior to 2015, considering the patent number and typical timeline; exact dates should be verified via the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
- Patent Status: Pending, granted, or expired depending on prosecution timeline; current status to be confirmed through IPOS or World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) databases.
Classification and Subject Matter
SG11201500375P falls under the IPC class A61K, which generally pertains to preparations for medical, dental, or domestic purposes, including pharmaceuticals. The presence of specific subclasses would provide more precise delineation—e.g., A61K31 for organic compounds in medicines or A61P for specific therapeutic uses.
Claims Analysis
Scope of Claims
The core of patent validity and enforceability lies in its claims. These define the legal boundaries of patent protection and impact the patent’s freedom-to-operate analysis and infringement considerations.
Independent Claims
- Frequently, such patents include an independent claim structured around a novel chemical compound or composition, a specific formulation, or a unique method of manufacturing or use.
- For example, an independent claim might specify a new molecular entity with defined structural features, or a method of administering a drug compound for specific therapeutic effects.
Dependent Claims
- These narrow the scope by adding specific limitations or alternative embodiments that expand the patent's protective net in particular contexts.
- They may specify details such as dosage ranges, delivery mechanisms, or particular combinations with other compounds.
Claim Language and Patent Breadth
- Narrow claims protect specific embodiments but risk limited scope.
- Broad claims can cover a wider array of variations but face higher scrutiny for inventive step and clarity.
- Analyzing the language for features like "comprising," "consisting of," or "including" provides insight into patent breadth and enforceability.
Innovative Aspects
- The patent likely claims a novel chemical entity, a new therapeutic use, or an improved formulation.
- The inventive step generally hinges on demonstrating unexpected therapeutic benefits, stability improvements, or manufacturing efficiencies.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Global Patent Filings
- Similar patents are often filed across major jurisdictions such as the United States, European Union, China, and Japan, reflecting the commercial importance of the invention.
- A landscape analysis reveals whether the patent family is part of a broader strategy targeting international markets.
Patent Families and Priority
- The SG patent probably results from an international patent application via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct filings.
- Verification of priority dates and family members helps identify strategic filing patterns and potential patent overlaps or conflicts.
Related Patents and Art
- Review of prior art, including earlier patents and publications, is crucial for assessing novelty and inventive step.
- Similar patents referencing the same molecule or use suggest active R&D in this therapeutic area or chemical space.
Patent Expiry and Oppositions
- The typical term for a patent in Singapore is 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
- Any opposition proceedings or legal challenges could influence the patent’s enforceability or market value.
Evaluation of Patent Validity and Freedom-to-Operate
- Novelty: The invention must be distinguished from prior art, including existing drugs and scientific literature.
- Inventive Step: Demonstrate unexpected benefits over existing solutions.
- Industrial Applicability: The invention should have practical application, which is usually straightforward in drug patents.
Filing jurisdictions, claims scope, and prior art are vital factors in establishing a freedom-to-operate (FTO) landscape surrounding SG11201500375P.
Strategic Implications
For Pharmaceutical Developers
- The patent may provide exclusivity in Singapore for a novel therapeutic compound or method, offering market leverage.
- Clear understanding of its scope informs licensing or potential infringement risks with other patents.
For Patent Owners
- Well-drafted claims give strong protection but may also invite challenges if overly broad.
- Strategic layering with subsequent patents (continuations or divisions) can safeguard coverage over evolving formulations.
For Competitors
- Identifying overlapping patents constrains freedom to develop similar products or signals licensing opportunities.
- Monitoring the patent landscape helps avoid infringement and guides innovation.
Conclusion
SG11201500375P appears to protect a specific chemical entity or therapeutic method, likely focused on pharmaceutical innovation. Its claims define a distinct scope, balancing broad protection with enforceability. Strategically, the patent fits into a complex global landscape, with potential overlaps and opportunities depending on jurisdictional patent families.
Legal robustness, combined with an ongoing monitoring of related patents, determines its enduring value in the competitive pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
- Claims clarity and scope determine the strength and enforceability of the patent, impacting licensing and litigation strategies.
- Global patent family analysis reveals the invention's international patent protection, influencing market entry and commercialization routes.
- Active prior art searching is necessary to evaluate novelty/inventive step and ensure a robust patent position.
- Monitoring patent lifecycle events, such as expiry or oppositions, informs strategic planning for product launches or research activities.
- Collaborate with patent attorneys to tailor claims for optimal coverage and defensibility within Singapore and internationally.
FAQs
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What is the scope of protection offered by SG11201500375P?
The scope is defined by the claims, which likely protect a specific chemical compound or therapeutic method. Broad claims may cover variations, while narrow claims focus on particular embodiments.
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How does SG11201500375P fit within the global patent landscape?
It probably belongs to a patent family filed in multiple jurisdictions, reflecting strategic efforts to protect commercial interests across key markets like the US, EU, and China.
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Can the claims of SG11201500375P be challenged?
Yes, during examination or opposition proceedings, if prior art shows the claims lack novelty or inventive step, they can be contested.
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When does SG11201500375P expire, and what happens afterward?
Typically, patent protection lasts 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. Post-expiry, the protected invention enters the public domain.
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What should companies consider when designing around a patent like SG11201500375P?
They should analyze the specific claims to avoid infringing core features, and consider alternative compounds or formulations not covered by the claims.
Sources:
[1] Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Official patent records.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE. Patent family and priority data.
[3] Relevant scientific and patent literature for prior art comparison.
