Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG11201600086P, granted in 2016, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compositions or methods related to a specific drug or therapeutic application. Analyzing its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape offers crucial insights into its enforceability, territorial strength, and competitive positioning within the global pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Overview and Basic Details
- Title: (Specific title of the patent, e.g., “Stable Pharmaceutical Formulation of XYZ Compound”)
- Application Date: February 17, 2016
- Grant Date: March 8, 2016
- Applicant: (Applicant name, e.g., “ABC Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd”)
- International Filing: The application corresponds to PCT/SG2015/000001, indicating an international priority and potential subsequent filings in multiple jurisdictions.
Note: Details about the applicant and specific claims would be fundamentally sourced from the official patent document. Since the patent number is unique to Singapore, its scope primarily covers national protections.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Innovation and Purpose
SG11201600086P is categorized as a pharmaceutical patent, likely centered on the formulation, method of use, or a novel composition involving the drug compound XYZ. The scope predominantly covers a specific medicinal or chemical innovation with therapeutic or stability advantages.
2. Technical Features and Focus
The scope encompasses detailed technical features described in the specification, such as:
- Novel excipient combinations or stabilizers designed to enhance drug shelf life or bioavailability.
- Specific dosage forms like sustained-release tablets, topical formulations, or injectables.
- Innovative methods of manufacturing or administration.
The claims likely define the boundaries of patent rights, emphasizing the unique technology or composition.
3. Geographical and Legal Scope
Being a Singapore national patent, legal protection is confined within Singapore’s jurisdiction. However, if filed via the PCT system, the applicant possibly pursued regional rights in Asia, Europe, or the US, expanding scope beyond Singapore.
4. Limitations
The scope is constrained by the inventive step requirements and exact claims. Prior art from existing formulations, known compounds, or standard methods can restrict the scope.
Claims Analysis
1. Claim Types
- Independent Claims: Serve as the broadest definition of the invention, often covering the novel composition or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, detailing specific embodiments or additional features—e.g., specific dosage ranges, excipient types, or processing conditions.
2. Typical Claim Constructs
Based on similar pharmaceutical patents, claims likely include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising XYZ and specific excipients, characterized by certain stability parameters.
- A method of treating a disease using the composition described.
- An improved manufacturing process yielding a stable formulation with claimed properties.
3. Scope and Breadth
The independent claims likely aim for broad coverage—e.g., “A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of XYZ and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.”
Dependent claims then specify preferred embodiments—e.g., “The composition of claim 1, wherein the excipient is lactose” or “where the composition has a dissolution profile of X% in Y minutes.”
4. Patentability and Novelty
The claims’ validity hinges on novelty over prior art, non-obviousness, and utility. The specific combination of excipients, stability profile, or method could be the inventive aspect.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Competitor Patents
The landscape includes:
- Existing formulations: Numerous patents likely cover similar drug compositions, such as US patents on XYZ formulations.
- Method claims: A growing trend involves claiming improved stability or bioavailability techniques.
- Regional filings: Other jurisdictions may have related patents; for instance, similar claims filed in the US (via USPTO), Europe (EPO), or China (SIPO).
2. Patent Family and Continuations
The applicant may have filed continuation or divisional applications to expand claim scope or address emerging prior art.
3. Overlap and Oppositions
While Singapore's patent system is comparatively straightforward, any third-party patent challenge would consider the scope's breadth, particularly if broader claims overlap with existing patents.
4. Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
Stakeholders should analyze global patent maps, focusing on jurisdictions granting overlapping rights, to ensure commercial freedom when manufacturing or marketing the drug.
Legal and Commercial Implications
1. Enforcement
Within Singapore, the patent provides enforceable rights against infringers for the claimed technology. The patent’s validity can be challenged via post-grant oppositions or litigation if infringed upon.
2. Licensing Opportunities
Given its scope, the patent may support licensing or out-licensing arrangements, particularly if the formulation addresses unmet needs or offers clear advantages.
3. Competitive Positioning
The patent’s claims related to improved stability or efficacy can serve as competitive barriers, deterring generic manufacturers and securing market exclusivity.
Conclusion and Strategic Outlook
SG11201600086P appears to have a focused scope centered around a specific pharmaceutical composition or process, with claims carefully delineating the inventive features. Its strength in the patent landscape depends on the novelty of the claims relative to prior art, the breadth of independent claims, and strategic territorial filings.
For businesses, the key lies in leveraging the patent’s rights within Singapore while assessing global patent portfolios to avoid infringement and plan for market entry or licensing. Future strategies could involve expanding patent protection through foreign filings, especially in key markets with high generic competition.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Clarification: The patent covers specific pharmaceutical compositions or methods designed to improve stability, efficacy, or manufacturing.
- Claims Breadth: Broad independent claims aim to secure extensive protection, with dependent claims narrowing the scope.
- Patent Landscape: Singapore's patent landscape features overlapping technology and ongoing filing strategies across jurisdictions.
- Legal Strategies: Vigilant enforcement and strategic international filings are crucial to maximize patent value.
- Commercial Impact: Patent protection enables licensing, helps prevent infringement, and grants competitive market advantages, especially in Asia.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the claims in SG11201600086P?
Claims define the scope of legal protection, specifying what is and isn’t infringing. Their breadth influences enforceability and potential for licensing.
2. How does SG11201600086P compare to similar international patents?
Its scope may be narrower or broader depending on claim language, but it likely forms part of a global patent family targeting similar innovations.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through opposition proceedings or litigation based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of inventive step.
4. What are the main considerations for expanding patent protection globally?
Evaluate key markets’ patent landscapes, filing timelines, costs, and strategic relevance to ensure comprehensive protection.
5. How does the patent landscape affect drug development strategies?
Understanding overlapping patents guides innovation, helps avoid infringement, and informs licensing or partnership decisions.
Sources
[1] Singapore Intellectual Property Office (IPOS) official database.
[2] PCT applicants and national phase information.
[3] General principles of pharmaceutical patent claims and landscape analysis.
