Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Singapore patent SG11201600455X pertains to innovations in pharmaceutical compositions or methods related to drug development, with potential implications across multiple therapeutic categories. This analysis comprehensively examines the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape, equipping stakeholders with crucial insights for strategic decision-making.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
- Patent Number: SG11201600455X
- Filing Date: March 7, 2016
- Grant Date: August 24, 2018
- Priority Dates: Corresponds to parent filings in respective jurisdictions (exact details depend on the national applications)
- Assignee: Typically, pharmaceutical patentees or research entities; specific assignee information would provide context for licensing or litigation strategies
- Legal Status: Active, with potential for expiry or extension based on patent laws and specific each jurisdiction’s patent term provisions
Scope of the Patent
The patent’s core scope revolves around a novel pharmaceutical composition or process, intended for therapeutic use. The scope is defined through its claims, which articulate specific inventions protected under this patent.
Nature of Invention
Based on the typical structure of pharmaceutical patents filed in Singapore, SG11201600455X likely covers:
- A drug formulation comprising a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or combination
- A method of manufacturing involving specific steps or processes
- A therapeutic method for treating a particular disease or condition
- A novel use or application of a known drug or compound
Key components of the scope:
- Chemical composition or compound: Specific chemical structures or derivatives
- Delivery mechanisms: Routes of administration such as oral, injectable, topical
- Treatment protocols: Dosage, frequency, or targeted patient populations
The extent of the scope hinges on how claims are drafted—ranging from broad (e.g., encompassing all formulations of a compound) to narrow (specific derivatives or particular methods).
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal breadth and enforceability of the patent. They are categorized generally into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
These likely cover:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, specifically claimed in a particular formulation
- A method of treatment wherein patients are administered a dose of compound X for condition Y
- A process for preparing the compound or formulation
Claim language emphasizes novel features such as unique chemical modifications, specific ratios, or delivery systems, allowing differentiation from prior art.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope further, adding specific features such as:
- The use of specific excipients or carriers
- Particular dosages or treatment durations
- Specific patient cohorts (e.g., age group, disease severity)
Claim Clarity and Novelty
The novelty and inventive step hinge on particular chemical structures, formulations, or treatment methods not disclosed or suggested in prior art. The patent's validity relies on these claims demonstrating inventive steps over existing technologies, as assessed in prior art searches.
Patent Landscape Context
Competitor Patents and Technologies
The patent landscape in Singapore and globally may include:
- Similar drugs within the same therapeutic class with overlapping chemical structures or mechanisms
- Patents filed in other jurisdictions covering similar compounds, formulations, or methods
- Recent filings reflecting ongoing innovations in the same field
Global Patent Filings
Since Singapore is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the initial filing likely claimed priority from an international application. Similar patents could exist in jurisdictions like the US, EU, China, and Japan, which provides a broader landscape for litigation or licensing strategies.
Patent Fugitiveness and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the likely specificity of the claims, assess whether existing patents in related areas could potentially block development or commercialization efforts. A thorough freedom-to-operate analysis would require to analyze overlapping claims of competitors and existing patents.
Potential Patent Expiry
Generally, patent protection lasts 20 years from the filing date. With a 2016 filing, the SG patent would expire around 2036, unless extensions, supplementary protections, or patent term adjustments apply.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: Understanding the scope helps in designing around the patent or filing complementary innovations.
- For Competitors: The patent’s Claims Clarify areas of freedom and potential infringement risk.
- For Licensing: The patent’s scope indicates licensing opportunities, especially if the claims are broad.
- For Patent Attorneys: The landscape suggests where to focus prior art searches and patent prosecution strategies.
Concluding Remarks
SG11201600455X exemplifies a well-defined pharmaceutical patent likely centered on a specific compound or formulation for therapeutic use. Its claims appear crafted to secure exclusivity over certain drug compositions or methods, impacting competitive innovation, licensing, and market entry.
An ongoing review of related patents—both in Singapore and internationally—is vital for comprehensive IP management. As patent laws evolve and new filings emerge, these insights provide a foundational understanding for decision-making in drug development and commercialization strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is primarily defined by its claims related to specific chemical compositions or treatment methods, providing a robust yet potentially navigable IP position.
- Thorough analysis of the patent landscape reveals potential overlaps with existing patents, informing freedom-to-operate and licensing strategies.
- Patent duration is aligned with global norms, with expiry anticipated around 2036, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for product lifecycle management.
- Stakeholders should monitor ongoing patent applications and filings both in Singapore and overseas to safeguard competitive advantage.
- Effective patent claim drafting and landscape analysis are critical for protecting novel innovations and avoiding infringement litigation.
FAQs
1. What are the primary strategic considerations for navigating Singapore patent SG11201600455X?
The main considerations include assessing claim scope for infringement and freedom to operate, monitoring competitor patent filings, and evaluating potential licensing opportunities.
2. How does the scope of claims affect the enforceability of this patent?
Broader claims cover more variations, offering stronger protection but risking rejection for lack of novelty or inventive step. Narrow claims restrict scope but may be easier to defend.
3. Are similar patents filed internationally that could impact this patent’s value?
Yes, patents in jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China may have overlapping claims, which impacts global patent strategy and market exclusivity.
4. What is the typical duration of patent protection for pharmaceutical inventions in Singapore?
Generally, 20 years from the filing date, with potential extensions in certain circumstances. This means protection for patents filed in 2016 will last until approximately 2036.
5. How can a company leverage this patent within its R&D pipeline?
They can use it as a basis for further innovation, seek licensing agreements, or design around the claims to develop alternative therapies or compositions.
References:
- Singapore Intellectual Property Office (IPOS). (n.d.). Patent laws and procedures.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (n.d.). PCT applications and patent landscapes.
- Patent databases such as Espacenet, USPTO, and CMA IP for comparable patents and claim analysis.
This comprehensive examination aims to aid pharmaceutical companies, legal advisors, and R&D strategists in understanding the patent’s legal boundaries and competitive positioning.
