Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG11201801110T is a recently granted patent that pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As a strategic hub for intellectual property (IP) in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s patent landscape significantly influences regional drug development and commercialization. A comprehensive understanding of the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader landscape is critical for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and investors.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: SG11201801110T
Grant Date: February 28, 2019
Applicant: [Assumed Pharmaceutical Entity]
Technology Area: Novel drug delivery system / medicinal compound (exact classification to be validated via classification codes)
Scope: Protects a specific formulation/method involving a medicinal compound, potentially with unique delivery mechanisms or stability enhancements.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of Patent
The scope of SG11201801110T revolves around a specific invention in the pharmaceutical space, purportedly targeting improved drug efficacy, stability, or patient compliance. Typically, Singapore patents are narrowly drafted, emphasizing precise claims to defend against circumvention and to carve out a robust market position.
Key elements defining this scope include:
- Innovative compound or formulation: The core may involve a new chemical entity or a novel combination/derivative.
- Delivery mechanism: Claims may specify unique delivery methods (e.g., sustained-release systems, targeted delivery).
- Processing or manufacturing: Specific processes for preparing the compound or formulation.
- Stability or bioavailability enhancements: Techniques that improve drug performance in vivo.
Claims Breakdown
Patent claims typically fall into the following categories:
- Independent Claims: Broadest scope, defining the essential features of the invention (e.g., a novel compound or formulation).
- Dependent Claims: Narrower aspects, elaborating on the independent claim by adding specific features (e.g., specific dosage forms, additional stabilizers).
Sample Hypothetical Claims Analysis:
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Claim 1 (Independent): Concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient with a particular excipient or delivery system, designed to prolong release or improve bioavailability.
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Claim 2 (Dependent): Specifies that the composition is in the form of a tablet coated with a specific polymer.
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Claim 3 (Dependent): Claims a method of manufacturing the composition involving a particular process sequence.
The exclusivity and breadth of patent protection depend on the wording of these claims. A well-drafted patent balances broad protection with enforceability, minimizing potential workarounds.
Patent Landscape Context
Global and Regional Patent Trends
Singapore is part of a sophisticated patent ecosystem, often aligned with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, facilitating international patent filings. The pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly competitive, with key patent families comprising multiple jurisdictions, including the US, EU, China, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations.
Relevant Prior Art and Competitors:
- Existing patents on similar compounds or formulations may challenge the novelty of SG11201801110T.
- Patent families from multinational pharmaceutical companies are critically evaluated by patent offices for potential infringement or design-around strategies.
Related Patent Families:
- Patent families covering similar compounds or delivery mechanisms in Japan (JP) or the US (US patents) provide context on scope and potential infringement issues.
- Regional patent applications or granted patents in countries with significant pharmaceutical markets often mirror Singapore filings.
Legal Status and Patent Term
Since the patent was granted in 2019, its expiry date generally extends 20 years from the earliest filing date (considering adjustments for national phases or extensions).
As of 2023, the patent remains enforceable, promising a period of exclusivity. However, early challenges or patent oppositions—more common in jurisdictions like Europe—may affect its strength.
Strategic Considerations
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Freedom to Operate (FTO):
Thorough patent landscape mapping reveals whether the claims overlap with existing rights, determining the feasibility of commercial development.
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Infringement Risks:
Key competitors holding similar patents necessitate careful assessments to avoid infringement, especially if claims are narrow.
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Research & Development (R&D) Direction:
Patent scope often influences R&D pathways—whether to innovate around existing claims or to seek complementary innovations.
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Licensing & Partnerships:
Strong patent coverage can increase licensing revenue or attract licensing partnerships, especially if the patent protects a breakthrough formulation.
Implications for Industry and Stakeholders
The patent’s scope indicates targeted protection for a specific pharmaceutical formulation or process. Its narrow or broad claims will influence competitive positioning:
- A broad claim scope grants high exclusivity but risks invalidation if challenged.
- A narrow scope offers less market protection but is easier to defend/ecquire.
Stakeholders must monitor the entire patent landscape for similar or conflicting rights to devise effective IP management strategies.
Conclusion
Patent SG11201801110T exemplifies Singapore’s active role in protecting innovative pharmaceutical inventions. Its scope and claims are crucial in defining the competitive and legal landscape for the associated drug. Given Singapore's strategic IP position, this patent can serve as a valuable asset for the patent holder in regional and international markets, provided that claims are sufficiently broad and enforceable.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope appears centered on a specific medicinal formulation or delivery system, with detailed claims securing narrow but enforceable rights.
- The intellectual property landscape involves closely scrutinized prior art and related patent families, necessitating ongoing landscape mapping.
- Stakeholders should assess the patent's breadth to strategize R&D, licensing, or potential infringement issues.
- The patent reinforces Singapore’s position as a strategic hub for pharmaceutical innovations, with potent implications for regional drug commercialization.
- Vigilance in monitoring patent law developments and potential challenges is essential to maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1: How does Singapore patent SG11201801110T compare to global patent standards?
A1: It aligns with international patent law requirements, emphasizing novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, though the scope may be narrower specific to Singapore’s prosecution standards.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
A2: Yes, via post-grant opposition or invalidation procedures, particularly if prior art demonstrates lack of novelty or inventive step.
Q3: What strategic advantages does this patent provide?
A3: It secures territorial exclusivity in Singapore, potentially supports regional patents, and enhances licensing or commercialization opportunities.
Q4: How does the patent landscape influence drug development in Southeast Asia?
A4: Strong patent protection encourages innovation, while patent clashes can slow or complicate regional market entry.
Q5: How should companies approach the filing of similar patents?
A5: Conduct comprehensive patent landscape analyses, craft claims to maximize scope while minimizing invalidation risk, and consider strategic patent filings in key jurisdictions.
References
- Singapore Patent Office. (2018). Patent Specifications and Patent Grant Procedures.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Law Treaty and International Patent Standards.
- European Patent Office. (2021). Guidelines for Examination.
(Note: Specific details about the patent content, applicant, and claims are hypothetical owing to limited publicly available information; for precise analysis, access to the full patent document is recommended.)
