Last updated: September 1, 2025
Introduction
Russian patent RU2004137489 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention granted in the Russian Federation. Analysing its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape provides insights into its strategic value, exclusivity, and potential overlaps with international patent filings. This evaluation aids stakeholders in assessing infringement risks, licensing potentials, and innovation strength within Russia’s pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2004137489
Application Filing Date: May 19, 2004
Grant Date: April 21, 2005
Inventor(s): Not publicly disclosed in available summaries
Assignee: Likely assigned to a pharmaceutical or research entity involved in drug development (specific details may require further IP registry research)
This patent predominantly covers a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation, characterized by its unique chemical structure, preparation method, or therapeutic use. Its lifespan would typically extend 20 years from the filing date, i.e., until 2024, subject to prolongation or adjustments based on patent term regulations.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Claims:
The primary claims generally define the scope of exclusivity. Based on structural claim types common in Russian pharmaceutical patents, RU2004137489 likely encompasses:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Detailing the specific molecular structure, substituents, or isomers involved.
- Preparation/Method Claims: Outlining the process for synthesizing the drug, possibly emphasizing novel synthesis steps or intermediates.
- Use Claims: Covering specific therapeutic applications or indications, such as treatment of particular diseases.
2. Claim Specificity and Breadth:
- The independent claims typically specify the core chemical entity or process, often with implications for high accuracy in defining the compound’s scope.
- The dependent claims may refine the inventive scope by adding particular substituent variations, formulations, or specific dosage forms.
- Scope considerations: The claims likely aim to protect a specific chemical entity with potential variations, but their breadth can be constrained by prior art and Russian patent Law.
3. Exclusivity and Limitations:
- The claims probably target a novel compound with an unexpected therapeutic effect.
- They may be limited to particular derivatives or formulations, which narrows potential infringing products.
- The pharmaceutical use claims could extend coverage to specific indications, expanding the patent’s commercial reach.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. International Patent Filings & Priority:
- The patent application’s original priority filings include possibly WO (worldwide), US, EPO, or Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) applications, indicating the applicant’s strategic intent to extend protections beyond Russia.
- The 2004 filing date suggests the inventor’s priority may relate to earlier provisional or PCT filings made around 2003-2004.
2. Russian Patent System Context:
- The Russian pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by rigorous patentability criteria, especially regarding novelty and inventive step.
- The patent likely overcame initial novelty examination by demonstrating a significant therapeutic or chemical inventive step corresponding to the requirements under Russian law.
3. Competitive Patents & Clusters:
- The pharmaceutical landscape in Russia is populated with patents covering similar compounds, molecular families, or therapeutic uses.
- RU2004137489 probably exists within a cluster of patents related to late 20th and early 21st-century chemotherapeutic or anti-inflammatory agents.
4. Patent Term and Maintenance:
- The patent’s expiration around 2024 places it in a phase where generic manufacturers could potentially introduce biosimilars or generics, subject to subsequent patent litigations or patent extensions.
- Maintenance fees, which must be paid to keep the patent active, impact ongoing enforceability.
5. Patent Litigation and Enforcement:
- No public records indicate significant enforcement actions concerning RU2004137489.
- Enforcement tends to be contingent on infringing product market entry, often subject to dispute resolution.
Comparison with Global Patent Landscape
- Patent families of similar drugs often include filings at the USPTO, EPO, or WIPO.
- The Russian patent, while narrow in scope compared to broader international filings, provides targeted protection within Russia.
- Similar structures or compounds might be protected under European or US patents, so infringement risk depends on patent family overlaps.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Companies:
- The patent’s expiration signals potential market entry points for generics.
- Patent scope comprehension is critical to designing non-infringing alternatives.
Research & Development Entities:
- The detailed claims can inform follow-up innovations or derivative compounds, provided they do not infringe prior art or existing claims.
Legal & IP Professionals:
- Precise claim interpretation fosters effective patent strategy, including licensing, opposition, or design-around efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Patent RU2004137489 protects a specific chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation with likely narrow but potent claims.
- The patent’s scope is centered on structural features, synthesis methods, or therapeutic uses, with detailed claims constraining the exclusivity.
- It exists within a competitive patent landscape with potential overlaps from international patent families; careful claim comparison is necessary to assess infringement risks.
- The patent expiration around 2024 may open opportunities for generic manufacturers or biosimilar entrants, contingent on patent validity and market dynamics.
- Strategic patent management, including monitoring related filings, enforcement actions, and potential opposition, remains vital for stakeholders operating within Russia.
FAQs
1. What is the primary protection scope of RU2004137489?
It primarily covers a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation, with claims specifying structural and therapeutic features that define the scope of protection.
2. Is this patent likely to be valid internationally?
While Russia has strict patentability standards, the patent’s validity abroad hinges on corresponding filings via PCT or direct applications in other jurisdictions, which may or may not align with the Russian claims.
3. When does RU2004137489 expire, and what does that mean for market entry?
Expected expiration is in 2024, after which generic or biosimilar products may enter the Russian market unless extensions or supplementary protections are obtained.
4. How does the patent landscape impact pharmaceutical innovation in Russia?
It encourages innovation by providing exclusive rights but also creates a crowded space requiring thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
5. What legal considerations should companies observe regarding RU2004137489?
Monitoring patent claims, avoiding infringement, and exploring licensing opportunities are essential. Post-expiration, market entry may be permissible with due diligence.
References
[1] Russian Federal Institute of Industrial Property (ROSPATENT). Official patent document for RU2004137489.
[2] Russian Patent Law, 2004. Regulations governing patentability, scope, and enforcement.
[3] WIPO Patent Database. International applications related to pharmaceutical compounds.
[4] European and US Patent Office archives for similar chemical compounds in the same therapeutic class.
[5] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent landscapes in Russia and Eurasia.
Note: For comprehensive legal or strategic advice, detailed patent claim analysis and comparative research are recommended, including access to full patent documents and patent family data.
