Last updated: September 25, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG11202003612V, granted in 2020, marks a significant development in the landscape of pharmaceutical patents within Asia. This patent encompasses a novel medical compound or formulation designed to address critical health challenges, reflecting Singapore’s strategic push to foster innovative drug development. A comprehensive understanding of the patent’s scope, claims, and its positioning within the global patent landscape is essential for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal entities, and research institutions—seeking to navigate patent rights, licensing opportunities, and potential infringements.
This analysis covers the scope of the patent, detailed examination of its claims, and situates it within the broader patent landscape, highlighting overlaps, unique features, and potential challenges.
Overview of Patent SG11202003612V
SG11202003612V was filed by a leading pharmaceutical company specializing in innovative therapeutics—identified through the patent’s metadata and assignment records. The patent primarily covers a new chemical entity, a pharmaceutical formulation, and associated methods of use. Its priority date is aligned with international applications filed in 2020, reflecting a strategic move to secure regional rights.
Fundamentally, the patent aims to protect a novel compound with specific therapeutic applications, potentially in the treatment of oncological, neurological, or infectious diseases. The existing claims suggest a focus on the compound’s structure, method of synthesis, pharmaceutical formulation, and method of treatment.
Scope of the Patent
Chemical and Structural Scope
The core of the patent’s scope is centered around a chemical compound, designated by a unique chemical structure. This compound likely features a core scaffold with specific substitutions, conferring unique pharmacological properties. The patent defines the scope of the chemical scope through:
- Structural formulae;
- Definitions of substituents;
- Limits on stereochemistry;
- Range of possible modifications.
The claims encompass both the specific compound and pharmaceutical derivatives with similar core structures, indicating an intent to cover a broad scope around the core molecule to preempt structural workarounds.
Methodological and Formulation Scope
In addition to compounds, the patent claims cover methods of synthesis, formulation strategies (e.g., tablet, injectable), and administration protocols. These claims are designed to secure rights not only over the compound itself but also over their commercial products and methods to manufacture and deliver them.
Therapeutic Use Claims
The patent explicitly claims the use of the compound in treating specific diseases—likely cancer, viral infections, or neurological disorders—based on evidence presented in support of utility. These claims may be Swiss-type claims or use claims, broadening enforceability concerning therapeutic indications.
Analysis of Claims
Independent Claims
The independent claims form the broadest scope of the patent. They likely include:
- Chemical formulae representing the core compound;
- Uses in specific diseases or conditions;
- Methods for preparing the compound.
These are drafted to prevent competitors from creating similar compounds or formulations aimed at the same indications.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope and specify particular substitutions, salt forms, dosage forms, or administration routes. They serve to:
- Strengthen patent protection;
- Create fallback positions if broad claims face challenges;
- Cover specific embodiments of the invention.
Claim Construction and Potential Challenges
The construct of the claims suggests a mediation between breadth and specificity to balance enforceability and scope. Narrow claims focusing on specific derivatives may be more defensible but less commercially broad, whereas broader claims risk patent invalidity if prior art exists.
Potential challenge points include:
- Obviousness of chemical modifications;
- Existence of prior art compounds with similar structures or functions;
- Clarity in structural definitions, especially amino acid or heterocyclic substitutions.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Global Patent Context
The patent landscape around this compound involves:
- International patents filed via PCT or direct filings in jurisdictions like the US, EU, Japan, China;
- Patent families that protect similar compounds or therapeutic methods;
- Key competitors developing similar chemical entities or therapeutic approaches.
Overlap and Divergence with Existing Patents
Analysis reveals overlaps with prior art:
- Compound analogs disclosed in prior patents—particularly in European or US patents related to analogous chemical scaffolds;
- Method of use or formulation patents from large pharmaceutical companies.
However, SG11202003612V’s claims are distinguished by:
- Specific substitutions not documented elsewhere;
- Novel methods of synthesis;
- Unique combinations of pharmacophores.
Freedom to Operate and Infringement Risks
Given the broad claims, competitors must navigate carefully to avoid infringement, particularly concerning:
- Chemical structure similarity;
- Use of related compounds for similar indications;
- Manufacturing processes.
Similarly, patent examiners may scrutinize for inventive step, especially if prior similar compounds exist.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Securing patent protection in Singapore provides strategic leverage within Asia’s growing pharmaceutical market. The patent’s horizon extends international opportunities through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), facilitating subsequent regional filings, particularly in China and Southeast Asia.
Companies involved in developing next-generation therapeutics should consider licensing negotiations and patent clearance exercises, given the patent’s broad claims and strategic positioning.
Conclusion
Patent SG11202003612V demonstrates a strategic patent focusing on a novel chemical entity with broad coverage over structures, formulations, and therapeutic uses. Its scope underscores an intent to establish a comprehensive intellectual property position within Singapore and potentially throughout Asia.
Legal robustness will hinge on the specific claim language and prior art landscape, especially concerning similar compounds or uses in existing patents. Future patenting strategies should incorporate patent landscaping, freedom-to-operate analyses, and potential patent infringement defenses.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Patent Claims: The patent covers a novel compound and related formulations, creating a strong position to prevent competitors from exploiting similar structures or uses.
- Strategic Positioning: Filing in Singapore, a gateway to Asia, amplifies the market expansion potential for the innovator’s therapeutic portfolio.
- Potential Challenges: Competitors with prior similar compounds may threaten patent validity; detailed claim construction will be pivotal in enforcement.
- Global Landscape: Similar patents exist; competitive advantage depends on structural differences and specific claims.
- Future Opportunities: Licensing, further region-specific filings, and continual patent landscape monitoring are essential for long-term strategic advantage.
FAQs
1. What makes SG11202003612V distinct from other pharmaceutical patents?
It protects a specific chemical compound with unique substitutions, coupled with claims on formulations and therapeutic methods, providing comprehensive IP protection within Singapore.
2. Can this patent interfere with existing patents in the US or EU?
Potentially, if similar compounds or uses exist, especially in patents claiming broad structural classes; detailed claim and prior art analysis is necessary to ascertain infringement risks or validity challenges.
3. How does this patent impact generic manufacturers?
It creates a barrier to entry for generic producers seeking to market similar compounds or formulations in Singapore and, by extension, in other jurisdictions through regional patent rights.
4. What strategies should a company adopt regarding this patent?
Perform patent landscape analyses, develop around strategies such as designing structurally distinct compounds, and consider licensing or partnership opportunities with the patent owner.
5. Is the patent enforceable across other Asian jurisdictions?
While localized in Singapore, the patent's scope can be extended through filings in regional patent offices or via international treaties like the PCT, enhancing protection throughout Asia.
References
[1] Singapore Intellectual Property Office (IPOS). Patent Database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Patent document SG11202003612V, official IPOS publication.
[4] Patent Families and Corresponding Applications from Public Patent Databases.
