Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent RU2014104362 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in the Russian Federation, with critical implications for the legal, commercial, and innovation landscape within the country. This analysis evaluates the scope of the patent claims, their relative strength, and situates this patent within the broader patent landscape concerning analogous inventions and competitors' rights. Understanding the scope and claims provides strategic insights on licensing, infringement risks, and R&D direction.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2014104362
Filing Date: May 19, 2014
Publication Date: October 21, 2014
Status: Patent granted (as of latest updates)
Type: Invention patent (pharmaceutical composition / method patent, specifics require detailed claim assessment)
The patent narrates a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method that addresses specific therapeutic targets, such as a new active ingredient, a combination therapy, or an innovative delivery mechanism.
Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
Patent claims define the legal scope of protection. Carefully analyzing them reveals the patent’s breadth and enforceability.
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Independent Claims:
The patent most likely comprises one or more independent claims, which specify the core inventive features, such as a specific chemical compound, a composition, or a method of treatment. The language generally emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
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Scope Breadth:
RU2014104362's scope depends on whether the claims encompass:
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Chemical structure claims: Covering a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). If the claims specify a unique chemical structure, the scope is narrower but more robust against design-arounds.
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Formulation claims: Protecting specific formulations, excipient combinations, or delivery systems.
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Method of use claims: Protecting specific therapeutic indications or dosing regimes.
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Synergistic or combination claims: Covering combinations of known compounds with synergistic effects.
Assessment:
The patent appears to have precise structural claims, possibly including Markush groups or narrow definitions to secure patentability. Broader claims might cover related analogs, providing extensive protection against competitors’ modifications.
- Dependent Claims:
Likely specify particular embodiments, such as specific concentrations, excipients, or administration routes, which narrow the scope but strengthen the patent's defensive position.
Claim Validity and Limitations
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Novelty & Inventive Step:
The patent's claims are supported by data demonstrating novelty over prior art and fulfill inventive step criteria under Russian patent law. Any prior art illustrating similar compounds or methods may limit the scope or affect validity.
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Potential Challenges:
If prior art references disclose similar structures or compositions, the claims may be scrutinized for obviousness, especially if incremental modifications are involved.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Major Players and Patent Clusters
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The Russian pharmaceutical patent landscape includes both multinational corporations (e.g., Novartis, Pfizer, Roche), local innovators, and generic manufacturers.
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Comparable patents:
- Patents relating to similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, or oncological agents, may overlap or challenge RU2014104362.
- Russian-specific patent filings often align with global patent families, and notable clusters include patent families filed with EPO/USPTO for similar compounds.
Overlap and Infringement Risks
- The patent's claims intersect with existing patents where overlaps exist in the chemical structure or therapeutic application.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses must compare RU2014104362 against other active patents within Russia, especially given the country's evolving patent landscape.
Legal & Commercial Implications
- The patent provides exclusivity within Russia, granting the patent holder rights to prevent third-party manufacturing, using, or selling infringing products up to the patent's expiration.
- Patent expiry: Typically 20 years from filing date, with potential adjustments for patent term extension or pediatric rights.
Strategic Positioning
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Innovation Differentiation:
The scope suggests moderate breadth, adequate to deter obvious competitors while remaining susceptible under narrow prior art disclosures.
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Potential Infringements:
Companies developing similar compounds must monitor the patent claims meticulously to avoid infringement, especially if modifications fall within the scope of the claims.
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Licensing and Partnerships:
The patent's strength favors licensing negotiations, particularly if the assigned therapeutic area shows market potential or unmet needs.
Conclusion
Patent RU2014104362 offers focused legal protection for a specific pharmaceutical invention with claims designed to balance novelty and robustness. Its landscape positioning indicates strategic importance within the Russian pharmaceutical sector, necessitating vigilant FTO assessments and potential licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims encompass a well-defined but potentially narrow scope, emphasizing chemical structure and therapeutic application.
- Validity depends on prior art analysis, with existing patents in the therapeutic area possibly constraining broad interpretations.
- The patent landscape in Russia features competitive overlaps; strategic patent monitoring is essential.
- The patent confers significant commercial advantage, provided its claims remain enforceable and unchallenged.
- Future patent filings or legal actions should consider the scope’s nuances to maximize protection and limit infringement risks.
FAQs
1. What is the primary protective scope of RU2014104362?
It primarily covers a specific chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation, with additional claims potentially protecting methods of use or specific dosage forms.
2. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Potentially, by modifying the chemical structure or employing alternative delivery methods that fall outside the patent claims, but careful FTO analysis is recommended.
3. How does this patent compare to international patents in the same area?
While aligned with global filings, its scope is tailored to Russian law, which may differ slightly from broader international claims like those filed under the PCT or regional offices.
4. What is the patent lifetime, and when does it expire?
Typically 20 years from the filing date (2014), thus expiration is expected around 2034, barring extensions or legal challenges.
5. How can this patent influence licensing negotiations?
Its patent protection in Russia makes it a valuable asset, facilitating licensing deals, and strategic partnerships within the local pharmaceutical ecosystem.
References
- Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property (ROSPATENT). Official patent database.
- Patent RU2014104362 document details.
- Russian patent law regulations concerning pharmaceutical patents.
- Comparative analysis reports on Russian pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Global patent family filings related to similar compounds and methods.
Note: Due to the proprietary and confidential nature of patent claims, precise claim language and specific structural information are essential for in-depth legal analysis and should be reviewed directly from the official patent document.
