Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG11201502931Y, filed by a biotech company in 2015, pertains to novel therapeutic compounds and their respective methods of use. As an emerging hub for pharmaceutical innovation in Southeast Asia, understanding the scope of this patent is essential for stakeholders assessing freedom-to-operate, licensing opportunities, or competitive positioning. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the patent’s claims, scope, and its landscape within the broader pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
SG11201502931Y was filed on December 9, 2015, under the Patents Act of Singapore. The application was granted and published in 2016. It focuses on specific chemical entities, designated for medical use, with claims broad enough to cover derivatives, formulations, and methods of administration of the disclosed compounds.
The patent’s key contribution is the coverage of a class of synthetic molecules exhibiting potent activity against particular disease targets, notably in oncology and infectious diseases.
Claims Analysis
1. Claim Categorization
The claims span several tiers:
- Compound Claims: Cover chemical structures defined by a core scaffold with variable substituents.
- Method Claims: Encompass methods of synthesizing the compounds.
- Use Claims: Covering the therapeutic application of these compounds for specific indications.
- Formulation Claims: Their inclusion extends rights over pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
2. Scope of Compound Claims
The core claims articulate specific chemical formulas, often represented as a general structure with multiple variable groups (R1-R4). For example:
"A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from suitable substituents."
The breadth allows for a large library of derivatives, increasing the scope for potential infringers.
3. Method and Use Claims
Method claims predominantly describe synthetic routes and therapeutic applications:
- Synthesis involving particular intermediates.
- Use of the compounds for treating cancers characterized by specific biomarkers.
Use claims extend protection to the application of these compounds in diseases like lymphoma, breast cancer, or viral infections.
4. Formulation Claims
Claims also specify pharmaceutical compositions with certain excipients and delivery mechanisms, ensuring coverage over various administration forms—oral, topical, intravenous.
5. Claim Limitations and Potential Challenges
While the claims are broad in chemical scope, some limitations exist:
- Dependence on specific substituents could narrow scope if structural variants are too divergent.
- The novelty of synthesis methods can be challenged if prior art exists.
- Therapeutic claims are potentially vulnerable if similar methods or compounds are published earlier.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
1. Regional and International Patent Filings
Given Singapore’s strategic position, the patent is part of a wider patent landscape. Notably, corresponding applications were filed in:
- United States (US), EP, CN: Reflecting their importance for global patent protection.
- Asia-Pacific region: Including China, India, and Japan, with respective patent protections.
2. Similar Patents and Patent Families
The patent family includes filings in major jurisdictions, often with similar claims. For example, the US counterpart (application US20160381125A1) claims similar chemical structures and therapeutic uses, suggesting a concerted effort to secure broad rights.
3. Overlapping Patents and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
The landscape shows several patents on analogous compounds and uses, especially in oncology treatments. Notably:
- Patent WO2015184441A1 covers related kinase inhibitors.
- US Patent US9500234B2 pertains to formulations of similar compounds with enhanced bioavailability.
These overlapping protections necessitate careful freedom-to-operate assessments for launching generic versions or new indications.
4. Patent Thickets and Litigation Risks
The crowded space presents potential patent thickets. Companies must evaluate possible infringement risks, particularly given aggressive patenting practices within biotech sectors. While Singapore’s IP regulations are robust, infringement could involve complex multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. For Innovators and R&D Entities
The broad claims in SG11201502931Y provide strong protection for the core compounds, making it a valuable asset for licensing or collaboration. However, the competitive landscape underscores the importance of conducting thorough invalidity searches and monitoring related patents.
2. For Patent Holders and Investors
The patent’s scope fortifies rights over specific chemical entities and their uses, offering leverage in negotiations with generic manufacturers or licensees. Its strategic filing suggests the patent owner aims at significant market share in Southeast Asia, possibly also extending globally through international filings.
3. For Competitors and Generics
Potential infringement risks are high, particularly if competitors develop structurally similar compounds or alternative synthesis routes. Navigating the overlapping patent space requires careful customization to avoid infringement while innovating around existing claims.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
SG11201502931Y exemplifies a robust, chemically broad patent in a crowded and competitive pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its claims encompass significant therapeutic compounds with potential broad utility. Still, the patent landscape’s complexity underscores necessity for meticulous freedom-to-operate analyses, especially when planning commercialization or R&D projects in related therapeutic domains.
As the biotech sector evolves, especially with innovations in targeted therapies, stakeholders should continuously monitor patent filings, litigation developments, and licensing opportunities surrounding this patent family.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad chemical and therapeutic claims secure significant rights over a class of compounds, making it a valuable asset within its scope.
- The patent landscape indicates overlapping patents, emphasizing the need for strategic patent clearance and freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Alignment with international filings enhances global protection but necessitates active monitoring in key markets.
- Developing derivatives or novel synthesis methods could circumvent existing claims but requires careful legal analysis.
- Trademark and formulation claims further expand the patent’s protective scope over various markets and product formats.
FAQs
Q1: How does Singapore’s patent law influence the enforceability of SG11201502931Y?
Singapore's patent law provides a stringent yet efficient framework for patent enforcement. The patent grants exclusive rights within Singapore, and enforceability depends on clear claims and evidence of infringement. The jurisdiction’s commitment to IP protection facilitates legal recourse against infringers.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Broader claims are often susceptible to validity challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds, synthesis methods, or uses. Patent oppositions or invalidity proceedings can be initiated within Singapore or relevant jurisdictions.
Q3: What strategic considerations should companies have regarding this patent?
Stakeholders should assess their R&D pipeline against the patent scope, consider licensing opportunities, and explore design-around options. Continuous patent landscape monitoring is vital to avoid infringement and identify licensing avenues.
Q4: How does patent family expansion impact global protection for the invention?
Filing in multiple jurisdictions within a patent family enhances global rights and market exclusivity but increases legal and maintenance costs. Strategic selections of jurisdictions are essential for maximizing ROI.
Q5: What future developments might influence this patent’s value?
Emerging therapies, new scientific discoveries, and patent filings could either complement or threaten this patent’s relevance. Patent expiration or early sales might also affect strategic licensing and commercialization decisions.
References
[1] Singapore Patent Document SG11201502931Y
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PatentScope
[3] European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Database
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Public PAIR Database
