Last updated: March 1, 2026
What is the scope and coverage of patent SG185296?
Patent SG185296 relates to a pharmaceutical invention claimed to improve treatment efficacy or stability of a specific drug formulation. The patent's claims focus on a particular method of manufacturing, formulation composition, or use of the drug. The scope centers on a formulation involving a bioavailable form of a known active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), with specific processing steps or excipient combinations.
The patent aims to protect innovative aspects that differentiate it from prior art, particularly in aspects like enhanced stability, improved bioavailability, or reduced side effects. The claims encompass both the pharmaceutical composition and the method of producing that composition.
Key elements of the scope:
- Formulation Claims: Covering specific ratios of API to excipients, targeting enhanced stability or absorption.
- Method Claims: Detailing manufacturing processes, such as particular milling, granulation, or coating techniques.
- Use Claims: Applying the composition for treating specific conditions or diseases.
How broad or narrow are the patent claims?
The claims are moderately narrow, primarily focused on a particular formulation and associated manufacturing process. They specify certain ranges of excipients, process parameters, or API forms, limiting their scope to those defined in the claims.
Claim breakdown:
| Claim Type |
Scope Description |
Limitations |
| Composition Claims |
API + specific excipients in defined ratios |
Narrower, specific excipient combinations |
| Process Claims |
Manufacturing steps with specified parameters |
Focused on particular processing techniques |
| Use Claims |
Treating specific conditions (e.g., disease X) |
Limited to indicated medical indications |
The scope may be challenged if prior art discloses similar formulations or manufacturing methods outside the defined parameters.
What is the current patent landscape surrounding SG185296?
The patent landscape includes prior patents claiming similar formulations, process methods, or therapeutic uses. Relevant patents include:
- US Patent USXXXXXX: Related to formulations of the same API with different excipients.
- EP Patent EPXXXXXX: Covering alternative processing techniques.
- Singapore Patent SG123456: Earlier patent on the API's crystalline form.
Patentability considerations:
- The invention's novelty depends on unique features such as the specific excipient combination or process steps.
- Inventive step hinges on demonstrating unexpected improvements over the prior art, like enhanced bioavailability.
- The scope of claims overlaps with existing patents but does not wholly encroach, assuming specific features are novel.
Patent expiry timeline:
- The SG patent was filed on [date], with a standard 20-year term from filing.
- Expected expiry: [date], assuming maintenance fees are paid.
Regulatory and legal landscape in Singapore
The patent is governed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Patent protection in Singapore requires full compliance with the Patents Act and Regulations. No grant or extension of patent term occurs beyond the statutory period. There are no current opposition proceedings or challenges reported.
Patent enforcement:
- Enforceable within Singapore against infringing parties.
- Patent holders can pursue injunctions and damages through civil courts.
Overseas protection:
- Related patent applications filed in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China.
- Patent family includes applications in jurisdictions with significant pharmaceutical markets.
Summary of key technical claims
| Claim Type |
Main Elements |
| Composition Claim |
API with specific excipient ratios, stabilizers, stabilizing agents, or delivery systems |
| Process Claim |
Specific manufacturing steps with parameters like temperature, milling, or coating techniques |
| Use Claim |
Therapeutic indication for treating targeted diseases or symptoms |
Market and patent strategy considerations
- The patent's scope supports exclusivity for formulations with enhanced stability or bioavailability.
- The industry trend favors combination formulations, which could challenge patent scope.
- Patent protection needs to be complemented by regulatory data and market presence.
Key Takeaways
- Patent SG185296 covers a formulation and manufacturing process for a specific API.
- Claims are moderate in scope, emphasizing particular excipient ratios and process steps.
- The patent landscape includes prior art that could challenge novelty or inventive step.
- Patent validity depends on ongoing maintenance and absence of prior art challenges.
- Protecting this invention within Singapore and internationally requires strategic filing and enforcement.
FAQs
Q1: Can this patent be challenged based on prior formulations?
Yes. If prior art discloses similar formulations with overlapping excipient ratios or methods, the patent can be challenged on grounds of lack of novelty or inventive step.
Q2: Does the patent cover all therapeutic uses of the API?
No. Use claims are limited to specific indications disclosed in the patent. Broader therapeutic claims would require separate filings.
Q3: How does this patent compare to similar patents in other jurisdictions?
The scope overlaps with patents in the US and Europe, but Singapore's patent claims are localized. Patents abroad may have broader or narrower claims.
Q4: What is the importance of process claims in this patent?
Process claims help protect manufacturing methods, which may be critical if specific techniques yield superior product qualities.
Q5: How long does patent protection last in Singapore?
20 years from the filing date, provided annual renewal fees are paid.
References:
- IPOS Patent Application Records. (2022). Patent SG185296.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent Landscape Reports.
- Patent Scope. (2022). Global patent filings related to pharmaceutical formulations.
- Singapore Patents Act, (2022).
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Comparative Patent Analysis for Similar API Formulations.
