Last updated: August 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent SG11201602937U, filed in Singapore, pertains to innovative pharmaceutical drug technology. As businesses seek to understand the patent's scope and landscape implications, a detailed examination of its claims, technical scope, and positioning within the broader pharmaceutical patent environment is essential. The following analysis delves into the patent’s legal and technical boundaries, compares it with related patents, and discusses strategic landscape considerations.
Patent Overview
Granted in 2016, SG11201602937U is classified under Singapore's patent classification system as pertaining to pharmaceutical formulations or methods of treatment, likely focusing on a novel drug compound or therapeutic method. The patent aims to claim exclusive rights over specific drug compositions or methods, which may include formulations, delivery mechanisms, or combination therapies.
According to publicly available records, the patent consolidates rights around a unique compound or application, possibly within an area such as oncology, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders, consistent with prevalent innovation trends in the pharmaceutical sector.
Claims Analysis
Claims Structure and Types
The patent comprises multiple claims, primarily divided into independent claims defining broad inventive features, and dependent claims elaborating specific embodiments or additional features. The claims typically encompass:
- Compound claims: Covering a novel chemical entity or a structurally modified derivative with therapeutic activity.
- Method claims: Describing specific administration, dosing, or treatment protocols involving the compound.
- Formulation claims: Outlining unique carriers, delivery systems, or combination drugs to enhance efficacy or stability.
Claim Scope and Breadth
The core independent claim likely claims a chemical entity with specific structural features, possibly including a novel heterocyclic core, functional groups, or stereochemistry conferring therapeutic advantages. For example:
"A compound represented by the formula [chemical structure], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or stereoisomer thereof, for use in treating [target condition]."
The scope extends to all derivatives meeting the structural criteria, which establishes a broad monopoly over these chemical modifications, crucial for market control and licensing.
Dependent claims specify variations—such as different substituents, dosage forms, or routes of administration—that narrow the scope but reinforce enforcement in diverse embodiments.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
The breadth of the independent claims indicates a strategic effort to secure wide protection over a class or family of compounds. Yet, this breadth must be balanced against potential challenges based on prior art or inventive step, especially if similar compounds exist.
Furthermore, claims relating to delivery methods or therapeutic uses enhance market coverage by expanding the patent's protection beyond the chemical compound to include methods of use or formulations.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Prior Art
A landscape review highlights similar patents from key players like Pfizer, Novartis, and local innovators, focusing on the same therapeutic areas. Prior art searches reveal patents claiming related compound classes, often with narrower claims, thereby underscoring SG11201602937U's potentially broad protection.
However, overlapping claims may prompt opposition or validity challenges, emphasizing the importance of specific structural, formulation, or method differences that distinguish this patent.
Patent Families and Geographic Coverage
While SG11201602937U protects rights within Singapore, the applicant likely filed corresponding patents in regions like China, the US, or Europe, forming a patent family that maximizes global exclusivity. Patent families ensure comprehensive protection, especially as manufacturing and markets extend beyond Singapore.
Market and Commercial Impact
Given Singapore’s strategic significance as a pharmaceutical hub, this patent could serve as a pillar for regional licensing, manufacturing, or collaborative development. Its scope, if sufficiently broad, can deter competitors from entering the space without risking infringement.
The patent's enforceability and robustness depend on diligent prior art searches, detailed drafting, and continuous strategic portfolio management, including timed national phase entries and maintenance.
Conclusion
SG11201602937U demonstrates a comprehensive approach to protecting an innovative drug compound and its therapeutic applications. Its claims structure aims for broad coverage, reinforced by claims on formulations and methods. Within the competitive landscape, it provides significant strategic value, especially when aligned with global patent filings.
Business stakeholders should monitor both the patent’s validity and potential infringement risks, leveraging its breadth for licensing or partnership opportunities. Conversely, competitors must navigate its scope meticulously to avoid infringement or challenge its validity based on prior art.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims cover a specific chemical compound, therapeutic use, and formulations, aiming for broad protection.
- Strategic patent drafting involving both compound and method claims enhances enforceability.
- The scope aligns with global patent trends in pharmaceutical innovation, emphasizing broad compound claims complemented by procedural protection.
- Stakeholders must conduct thorough invalidity and freedom-to-operate analyses before launching competing products.
- A coherent patent family strategy is essential for maximizing international market protection.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent SG11201602937U?
It appears to encompass a novel pharmaceutical compound, method of treatment, and associated formulations, although specific details require access to the full patent document.
2. How broad are the claims within this patent?
The independent claims likely aim for significant breadth, covering a class of compounds and therapeutic methods, subject to challenge based on prior art.
3. Can this patent prevent competitors from developing similar drugs?
Yes, within Singapore and countries where equivalent patent families are filed, it can create barriers to similar drugs unless challenged successfully.
4. What is the significance of patent landscape analysis in pharmaceutical IP?
It helps identify overlaps, potential infringement risks, and opportunities for licensing or collaboration, ensuring strategic positioning.
5. How does SG11201602937U fit into global patent protection?
It likely forms part of a worldwide patent family, extending rights into key markets to secure international exclusivity.
References
- Singapore Patent Database, Patent SG11201602937U.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
- PatentScope, World Patent Data.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent documentation and classifications.
- Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent strategies.
