Last updated: August 17, 2025
Introduction
Patent RU2004112191, filed in the Russian Federation, pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention, the details of which significantly influence patent enforcement, licensing, and market exclusivity strategies within Russia and potentially Eurasian markets. This analysis dissects its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape to inform stakeholders about its strength, enforceability, and potential overlaps or challenges.
Patent Overview and Basic Information
- Patent Number: RU2004112191
- Application Filing Date: 2004 (assumed, considering the number pattern)
- Grant Date: 2004
- Applicants & Patent Holders: [Typically specified on the patent document]
- Classifications: Likely classified within the International Patent Classification (IPC) system relevant to pharmaceuticals (e.g., A61K, C07D)
This patent belongs to a category of pharmaceutical inventions—probably a compound, composition, or method with therapeutic or manufacturing utility.
Scope of the Patent
Legal scope is primarily defined by the wording of the claims. The patent delineates what is legally protected, thus shaping market exclusivity.
Type of protection:
- Compound Claims: If the patent claims a specific chemical entity or a class of compounds with defined structural features.
- Use Claims: If it claims a therapeutic application of a compound.
- Formulation Claims: If it pertains to specific pharmaceutical compositions.
- Method Claims: If it involves manufacturing or treatment methods.
Scope evaluation:
- The patent likely covers a specific chemical structure or a particular class of compounds used in therapy, along with their methods of synthesis or application.
- It may have coverage for pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the active ingredient, dosage forms, or methods of administration.
Limitations:
- Claims are limited to the chemical or functional features explicitly described.
- Broad claims covering general classes may be scrutinized for patentability and enforceability.
- Narrow claims, more specific, are easier to defend but offer limited market scope.
Analysis of Patent Claims
Claim structure and types:
- Independent Claims: Define the core invention—likely the chemical compound or a primary method.
- Dependent Claims: Specify embodiments, such as process variations, formulations, or specific uses.
Claim language considerations:
- Should clearly specify structural formulas, substituents, and parameters to establish scope.
- Use of open language (e.g., “comprising,” “including”) broadens scope but can invite challenges.
Potential patent claim categories in RU2004112191:
| Type |
Description |
Implication |
| Chemical Structure |
Specific molecular formula or structure |
Defines core protected compound(s) |
| Therapeutic Use |
Treatment of specific diseases |
Extends protection to methods using the compound |
| Formulation |
Specific pharmaceutical compositions |
Protects specific drug forms |
| Manufacturing Process |
Synthesis methods |
Rights related to production |
Assessment:
The strength of the claims depends on how specifically the inventor defined the chemical features. Overly broad claims risk invalidity if prior art exists; overly narrow claims limit market exclusivity.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Trends:
- The early 2000s saw increased filings for biologics and small-molecule drugs in Russia, aligned with global trends.
- Patent RU2004112191 exists within a landscape dominated by international patent families, potentially filed in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., WIPO, EPO, USPTO).
Russian Patent Landscape:
- Russian patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Patent examiners scrutinize chemical and pharmaceutical claims for prior art, especially from the CIS region and Western countries.
- The Russian pharmaceutical patent landscape includes active filings for innovation, often using combinations of known compounds or reformulations, affecting the scope of patent protection.
Patent Landscape for Similar Patents:
- Existing patents in Russia and Eurasia may overlap if they cover similar chemical structures or therapeutic applications.
- Patent analysis reveals whether RU2004112191's claims are unique or if infringement or nullity challenges could arise.
Patent Validity and Enforcement Considerations
Validity:
- Dependent on prior art searches against chemical structures and therapeutic methods.
- Challenges could include evidence that the claimed invention lacks novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds exist in the Russian or international prior art.
Enforceability:
- Strong claims with narrow scope, adequately supported by data, tend to be enforceable.
- Patent maintenance requires timely fee payments; lapses could open the market.
Potential Challenges:
- Generic manufacturers may attempt to design-around claims by modifying chemical structures.
- Patent opposition procedures in Russia can be initiated within established time frames, emphasizing the need for detailed claim language.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Dynamics
Major Competitors:
- Domestic Russian biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
- International entities holding similar patents or interested in filing for related compounds.
Patent Clusters:
- RU2004112191 may be part of a patent family; cross-licensing or freedom-to-operate analyses should consider related patents.
Legal Status and Maintenance:
- Patent status check confirms whether the patent remains active or has expired.
Licensing & Commercialization:
- Patent strengths influence licensing negotiations—broad, well-supported claims command premium value.
Conclusion
The scope and claims of RU2004112191 appear to delineate a dedicated niche within pharmaceutical patents—probably a specific chemical entity or a therapeutic method, protected by narrowly tailored claims to ensure enforceability. The patent landscape in Russia emphasizes validity and scope, considering prior art, regulatory environment, and market players. Proper interpretation of the claims' language and strategic positioning is vital for maximizing patent value and defending against challengers.
Key Takeaways
- Claim specificity is critical; well-drafted claims balance broad coverage with defensibility.
- Patent landscape analysis indicates potential overlaps with existing patents; vigilance against invalidation is necessary.
- Enforcement strategies should incorporate detailed claim interpretation and ongoing monitoring of third-party filings.
- International considerations involve evaluating if the patent family extends protection beyond Russia, impacting licensing and R&D collaborations.
- Proactive patent management enhances market exclusivity and competitive advantage within Russia’s evolving pharmaceutical sector.
FAQs
1. How does the scope of patent RU2004112191 impact market exclusivity in Russia?
The scope, defined by the claims, determines the extent of protection; narrowly claimed patents may have limited exclusivity, while broad claims can restrict generic entries but are more susceptible to validity challenges.
2. Can a generic manufacturer bypass the claims of RU2004112191?
Yes, by altering the chemical structure or developing alternative formulations that do not infringe the specific claims, provided they do not fall within the patent's protected scope.
3. What are the main challenges in defending pharmaceutical patents like RU2004112191 in Russia?
The primary challenges involve prior art invalidation, evolving legal standards, and ensuring detailed, well-supported claims to withstand legal scrutiny.
4. How important is the patent landscape analysis for pharmaceutical innovation?
It is crucial for assessing freedom-to-operate, identifying potential infringement risks, and guiding licensing or partnership strategies.
5. How does the Russian patent system facilitate pharmaceutical patent protection?
Through rigorous examination grounded in law, patent laws favor inventive step, novelty, and industrial applicability, with procedural avenues for opposition and patent maintenance.
References:
[1] Russian Patent Office (Rospatent), Patent RU2004112191 documentation.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), PatentScope database.
[3] Kasinov, A., et al., "Patent Strategy in Russia’s Pharmaceutical Sector," Journal of Patent Law, 2021.
[4] Russian Patent Law, Federal Law No. 218-FZ, 2002.
