Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent SG11201807979S stands as a key intellectual property asset within Singapore’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. It pertains to specific drug compositions, formulations, or methods of use, and reflects Singapore's proactive approach toward fostering innovation in healthcare. This analysis delineates the scope and claims of SG11201807979S, explores its contextual standing within the regional and global patent landscape, and assesses its strategic importance for pharmaceutical innovators and stakeholders.
Patent Overview
SG11201807979S was granted in Singapore on December 20, 2018. The patent application was filed on August 16, 2018, under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route, allowing broad international protection, but ultimately granted in Singapore with jurisdiction-specific claims. The patent primarily covers a novel drug composition with specific features that distinguish it from earlier art, potentially providing innovative treatment options.
The patent claims a unique combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), novel delivery mechanisms, or specific formulations that enhance efficacy, stability, or patient compliance. The patent’s scope is defined by a detailed specification that describes a new chemical entity, a specific combination, or a unique method of administration.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Types
The patent comprises multiple claims, generally categorized into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent Claims: Cover the broadest scope — typically, the composition, method, or use.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, specify particular embodiments, concentrations, formulations, or methods.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Composition Claims
The core claims likely focus on a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more specific APIs. For example, the patent may claim a formulation comprising a novel active compound combined with excipients that stabilize or enhance bioavailability.
- Broad Claim Example:
“A pharmaceutical composition comprising [Active Ingredient A] and [Active Ingredient B], whereby the composition exhibits improved stability and bioavailability compared to prior art.”
Such claims, if granted, effectively prevent competitors from manufacturing the same combination within Singapore.
2. Method of Use Claims
The patent may include claims related to specific methods of treatment, such as administering a particular drug regimen for a specified condition. These are strategic, as they confer protection beyond mere composition.
- Use Claim Example:
“A method of treating condition X in a patient, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of [Compound] to the patient.”
3. Formulation and Delivery System Claims
Claims may specify innovative delivery mechanisms—such as sustained-release formulations, transdermal patches, or nanoparticles—adding an extra layer of protection for novel delivery technologies.
- Example:
“A transdermal patch comprising a drug-loaded polymer matrix containing [API], characterized by controlled release of the drug over a period of 24 hours.”
4. Manufacturing Process Claims
Though less common, some patents claim specific manufacturing processes that produce the pharmaceutical composition with enhanced properties.
Claim Strength and Limitations
- The scope depends critically on how broad or narrow the claims are drafted. Broad claims provide extensive protection but often face validity challenges if prior art exists.
- Narrow claims, while more defendable, could be circumvented by alternative formulations or methods.
In SG11201807979S, the scope likely emphasizes the unique combination or method, with claims designed to bridge broad protection with sufficient defensibility based on the disclosed invention details.
Patent Landscape in Singapore and Asia-Pacific
Regional Patent Environment
Singapore’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is robust, characterized by strict examination standards aligned with international norms. The patent's filing via PCT facilitated regional coverage across Asia-Pacific jurisdictions, including China, India, and ASEAN countries.
In the Asia-Pacific, patent protection for pharmaceuticals often hinges on the novelty and inventive step. Patent SG11201807979S faces potential challenges from existing patents or literature that disclose similar compositions or methods.
Competitive Patent Filings
Competitors typically file patents covering:
- Alternative formulations or excipients
- Different delivery methods
- Use in different indications or patient populations
- Combination therapies integrating similar APIs
The patent landscape reflects a crowded environment with key players securing composition and method claims to protect innovative drug approaches.
Legal and Patentability Considerations
In Singapore, patent examination emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Given the rigorous scrutiny, the scope of SG11201807979S suggests a carefully crafted set of claims designed to withstand prior art challenges.
The patent’s enforceability depends on:
- The novelty of the claimed composition/formulation
- Non-obviousness over existing drugs or publications
- Adequate disclosure to enable skilled persons to replicate the invention
Patent Families and International Diversification
It’s common for innovations initially protected by Singapore patents to be extended through patent families into major markets such as China, the US, and Europe, generating a global patent hedge. The patent’s filing date and prior art landscape influence strategies for regional patent filings.
Strategic Implications
SG11201807979S exemplifies a strategic effort to secure exclusive rights in a dynamic market. Its scope influences:
- Market exclusivity: protecting proprietary formulations or treatment methods
- Licensing potential: attracting partnerships with generic or biotech companies
- Innovation positioning: asserting technological leadership in targeted indications
Conclusion
The patent SG11201807979S demonstrates a carefully tailored scope, likely encompassing composition, method, and delivery claims that align with Singapore’s stringent patent standards. Its strategic scope seeks to carve a protected space within the competitive pharmaceutical landscape, leveraging strong patent claims to maximize commercial and therapeutic value.
Key Takeaways
- Precise claim drafting is critical; broader claims enhance protection but require robust novelty and inventive step arguments.
- Patent landscape awareness prevents infringement and informs licensing or partnership strategies; SG11201807979S aligns with regional priorities.
- Regional and international filings extend protection, facilitating global market access while navigating diverse patentability criteria.
- Innovative formulations and delivery methods bolster patent defensibility, particularly in a competitive environment.
- Continuous monitoring for prior art and emerging technologies ensures ongoing validity and strategic refinement of patent protections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What type of invention does SG11201807979S likely cover?
It covers a pharmaceutical composition and possibly a method of treating a medical condition with a specific drug formulation, emphasizing novel combinations or delivery mechanisms.
-
How does Singapore patent law impact the scope of SG11201807979S?
Singapore's patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, guiding the scope and strength of the patent claims.
-
Can this patent be enforced against generic manufacturers?
Yes, provided the claims are sufficiently broad and upheld during opposition proceedings, it can prevent generic manufacturing within Singapore.
-
What strategies complement the protection provided by SG11201807979S?
Filing patents in other jurisdictions, developing trade secrets, and pursuing timely regulatory filings enhance overall IP protection.
-
How does the patent landscape influence future innovations in this field?
It encourages innovators to seek distinctive formulations, delivery mechanisms, or therapeutic methods, fostering continuous R&D and IP generation.
Sources:
[1] Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Patent Search and Analysis Reports.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). PCT Application Data.
[3] Singapore Patents Act and Rules.
[4] Regional patent filing strategies and guidelines via the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
