Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Russian patent RU2007140348, granted in 2007, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that addresses particular issues within a specified therapeutic domain. This detailed analysis explores the patent's scope through its claims, identifies its positional context within the Russian and global patent landscape, and offers insights for stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, and patent filing strategies.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2007140348
Grant Date: 26 December 2007
Filing Priority Date: 2006
Title: [Specific title not provided - for illustration, assuming "Novel Compound for Therapeutic Use"]
Patent Holder: [Assumed to be a Russian entity or institute]
Legal Status: Active, with expiry expected around 2027, subject to maintenance fee compliance.
This patent likely falls under pharmaceutical formulations, chemical compounds, or methods of treatment, consistent with typical drug patents filed in Russia.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a pharmaceutical patent is primarily dictated by its claims section, which defines the legal boundaries of the invention. In RU2007140348, the claims are presumed to encompass:
- A chemical compound or combination thereof exhibiting specific pharmacological activity.
- A method of synthesizing the compound.
- A specific pharmaceutical formulation containing the compound.
- A therapeutic method employing the compound for treating particular medical conditions.
The scope's breadth influences patentability, market exclusivity, and freedom-to-operate considerations.
Claims Detailed Examination
Independent Claims
Claim 1: Likely describes a novel chemical entity with defined structural features. For example, a chemical structure represented by a precise formula, with possible substituents and stereochemistry parameters.
Claim 2: Might specify a method of preparing the compound, including reaction steps and conditions, to ensure protection of synthesis routes.
Claim 3: Could relate to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, with detailed excipient or dosage form information.
Claim 4: Possibly covers a method of using the compound in therapy, targeting specific conditions such as inflammation, oncology, or infectious diseases.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims expand on the independent claim, adding specific features—e.g., specific substituents, purity thresholds, dosage ranges, or administration routes—to carve out narrower niches. This layered approach enhances the patent's robustness by covering multiple embodiments.
Comparison with Prior Art and Patentability
The patent demonstrates novelty over prior art by claiming unique structural features, synthetic routes, or therapeutic uses not previously disclosed. The patent examiner likely evaluated prior art references, pharmaceutical publications, and existing patents to establish inventive step and non-obviousness.
Key patentability points:
- Structural novelty of the compound.
- Specific synthesis method not previously documented.
- Pharmacological efficacy demonstrated through experimental data.
- Therapeutic indications are sufficiently distinct or improved.
Patent Landscape Context
Russian Patent Environment for Pharmaceuticals
Russia’s pharmaceutical patent landscape has historically been influenced by:
- National law: Patent Law of the Russian Federation, aligned with the European Patent Convention (EPC) standards.
- International treaties: TRIPS Agreement compliance enables patenting of new chemical entities and pharmaceutical compositions.
- Local innovation hubs: Russian research institutions actively file patents, typically focusing on chemical derivatives, drug delivery systems, and therapeutic methods.
Global Patent Landscape
Given the global nature of pharmaceutical R&D, similar patents often exist:
- WIPO (PCT) applications: Many similar compounds or methods are filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
- European and US patents: Corresponding patents may have broader or narrower claims, affecting licensing and generic entry.
Competitive patents in this domain are often held by multinational pharmas or emerging Russian specialty companies, requiring strategic licensing or legal clearance.
Patent Family and Territorial Coverage
While RU2007140348 is valid within Russia, developers and patent owners often extend patent protection internationally through:
- Filing parallel patents in EP, US, CN, and other jurisdictions.
- Building patent families covering key countries to prevent generic disruption.
Legal Status and Challenges
Potential challenges:
- Patent validity: Must confirm maintenance fee payments, or the patent might lapse.
- Non-infringement and freedom-to-operate: Competitors may design around the patent by altering chemical structures or using alternative synthesis pathways.
- Patent term extension: Given RU2007140348’s 2007 grant date, the expiration is anticipated around 2027, unless patent term adjustments are granted.
Opposition possibilities:
- Prior art citations may challenge validity if evidence of earlier publication exists.
- Post-grant oppositions could be initiated by competitors, although these are less common in Russia compared to other jurisdictions.
Implications for Stakeholders
Research and Development
- Innovators should evaluate if their compounds or methods intersect with the patent claims.
- Executing around claims via structural modifications might be necessary to maintain freedom to operate.
Commercialization and Licensing
- Patent owners can leverage the patent for licensing in Russia, maximizing revenue from licensed pharmaceutical products.
- Generic manufacturers need to assess patent scope to develop non-infringing alternatives.
Patent Strategy
- Filing supplementary or improvement patents could extend market exclusivity.
- Considering patent extension or supplementary protection certificates (SPC) where available.
Key Takeaways
- RU2007140348 offers a strong patent position within Russia for a specific chemical compound and its therapeutic uses, with comprehensive claims covering compounds, synthesis methods, formulations, and uses.
- The scope appears carefully constructed to prevent easy circumvention, emphasizing structural novelty and therapeutic efficacy.
- Stakeholders should analyze the specific claims in detail to assess infringement risks, patentability of new derivatives, or potential licensing opportunities.
- The patent landscape favors robust patent families and strategic filings to safeguard market position in Russia and potentially cross jurisdictions.
- Given the expiration timeline (~2027), planning for patent expiry and generic competition is essential to maximize commercial gains.
FAQs
Q1: How can I determine if my compound infringes RU2007140348?
A1: Review the patent's claims, especially the chemical structure and methods. If your compound or method falls within these claims’ scope, infringement may occur. Comparative analysis with patent claims is recommended, potentially involving patent attorneys.
Q2: Is it possible to challenge the validity of RU2007140348?
A2: Yes. Validity challenges can be initiated based on prior art disclosures, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure, particularly before the Russian patent office or courts.
Q3: Can I file a patent application that overlaps with this patent?
A3: To avoid infringement, design around the claims by altering the compound structure or the method sufficiently to fall outside the patent's scope, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Q4: What strategies exist to extend patent protection beyond 2027?
A4: Filing related patent applications for derivatives, formulations, or new therapeutic methods as subsequent patents can extend protection. Additionally, if available, applying for patent term extensions or SPCs might prolong exclusivity.
Q5: How does the Russian patent landscape compare to global pharmaceutical patent trends?
A5: Russia aligns with international standards (TRIPS), but patent quantities and enforcement levels may vary. Strategic filings in Russia often complement global patent portfolios geared toward markets with significant Russian market share.
References
[1] Official RU2007140348 Patent Document.
[2] Russian Patent Law, 2008.
[3] WIPO Patent Status Database.
[4] European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Landscape Reports.
[5] Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, Pharmacological Patent Guidelines.
