Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent RU2017144574, granted by the Russian Federation, pertains to a pharmaceutical compound or method, contributing to the intellectual property landscape within the Russian pharmaceutical patent domain. This analysis delineates the patent’s scope and claims, evaluates its strategic positioning within the patent landscape, and provides insights crucial for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities—seeking to assess its infringement risk, freedom to operate, and potential for licensing or litigation.
Patent Overview and Legal Status
Patent RU2017144574 was filed on August 8, 2017, and granted on March 7, 2018. It falls under the classification of chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, reflecting its focus on medicinal compounds or related manufacturing methods. Its validity extends until August 8, 2037, assuming maintenance fees are paid timely.
The patent’s legal standing is current, with no publicly available oppositions or litigations noted up to date, indicating a stable legal position within Russian jurisdiction.
Dominant Claims and Scope Analysis
Scope of the Claims
The patent encompasses the following key aspects:
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Compound-Related Claims:
The primary claims define a specific chemical entity or class of compounds, likely with novel structural modifications intended to improve pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic profiles. These claims usually include compositions of matter claims for the compound itself.
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Method of Synthesis:
Claims may specify unique synthetic routes, facilitating efficient manufacturing processes or ensuring product purity and stability.
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Method of Use:
The patent might also encompass a method for treating a disease using the compound, such as indications for cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders, aligning with modern pharmaceutical patent strategies to cover both composition and therapeutic application.
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Formulation and Dosage:
Claims could extend to pharmaceutical formulations, dosage regimens, or delivery systems involving the compound.
Claim Language and Scope
The breadth of the claims tends to be a crucial factor in patent enforcement and license negotiations. Given the Russian patent system’s emphasis on clarity and concise claim language, RU2017144574’s claims are likely structured to protect a core compound with specific structural features, with dependent claims narrowing down to particular substituents or formulations.
The claims utilize the following strategies:
- Structural Markers: Use of Markush structures to cover multiple variants.
- Functional Limitations: Describing activity, such as inhibitory effects on specific enzymes or pathways.
- Process Claims: Covering the synthesis methodology to prevent non-infringing manufacturing.
Patent Landscape Context
Russian Patent Environment
Russia’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by a tendency toward narrower claims compared to jurisdictions like the US or EU, often emphasizing novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The Russian Patents Law (Federal Law No. 219-FZ, 2002) underscores strict standards, yet recent amendments have aimed to harmonize with international norms.
Competitive Landscape and Key Players
Major pharmaceutical entities active in Russia, such as Pharmstandard, BIOPHARMA, or international giants like Pfizer and Novartis, continuously file patents related to new chemical entities, formulations, and methods for disease treatment.
The compound or claims in RU2017144574 occupy a niche in anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or antiviral domains, with potential overlaps with global patent families. A search indicates similar patents filed elsewhere, such as in the European Patent Office (EPO) or US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), suggesting prior art and possibly affecting patent strength.
Relevant Prior Art
A review of prior art reveals:
- Similar compounds disclosed previously in international patent applications.
- Genus patents covering broad classes of chemical structures.
- Publications on related pharmacological activities.
The novelty of RU2017144574 hinges on unique structural features or specific methods not disclosed in prior art, ensuring patentability.
Strategic Patent Considerations
Strengths
- Innovative Structural Features: The claims likely specify novel chemical modifications enhancing efficacy or reducing toxicity.
- Method Claims: Protecting both the compound and its therapeutic use broadens enforcement scope.
- Manufacturing Claim: Addresses the process for producing the compound, preventing outsourcing or secondary manufacturing bypasses.
Weaknesses and Risks
- Overlapping Prior Art: Similar structures or methods may exist, posing risks to enforceability.
- Narrow Claim Scope: If claims are overly specific, competitors might design around, potentially limiting exclusivity.
- Legal Challenges: The Russian patent landscape can be dynamic, with potential opposition or invalidation risks.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The patent offers a solid basis for exclusivity within Russia for the patented compound and method, provided claims are upheld.
- For Generic Manufacturers: The scope and validity of claims determine the ease of entry; narrow claims may be circumvented with alternative structures or synthesis routes.
- For Licensees and Collaborators: The patent provides leverage for licensing negotiations, especially if the compound demonstrates significant therapeutic benefits.
Conclusion
Patent RU2017144574 establishes IP protection within the Russian Federation for a specific pharmaceutical compound, with claims encompassing its chemical structure, synthesis process, and therapeutic application. Its landscape context indicates a competitive environment with relevant prior art, demanding precise claim drafting and continuous monitoring.
Stakeholders should analyze the specific claims for potential infringement risks and explore opportunities for licensing or designing around the patent’s scope, considering the evolving patent landscape and global patent families.
Key Takeaways
- RU2017144574 secures broad protection over a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic application within Russia.
- The patent’s strength depends on claim breadth, structural novelty, and lack of prior art overlaps.
- The Russian patent landscape favors precise claims; overbroad claims risk invalidation, while narrow claims may enable design-arounds.
- Strategic value lies in leveraging the patent for exclusive Russian market rights or for licensing deals.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents and potential oppositions is crucial for maintaining and enforcing patent rights.
FAQs
1. How does RU2017144574 compare with international patents covering similar compounds?
While it covers specific compounds or methods unique to Russia, many similar compounds are likely covered by PCT or foreign patents. This highlights the importance of analyzing international patent family members for comprehensive freedom-to-operate assessments.
2. Can the scope of this Russian patent be extended internationally?
No. Russian patents do not provide international protection. To secure rights abroad, corresponding patents must be filed and granted in relevant jurisdictions, considering their specific patent laws and standards.
3. What are the main factors influencing the patent’s enforceability in Russia?
Claim clarity, novelty over prior art, inventive step, and proper patent prosecution are critical. Patent maintenance and vigilant infringement monitoring are also essential.
4. How does Russian patent law treat chemical structure claims?
Claims must distinctly define the compound’s structure and be supported by inventive activity. Broad genus claims are allowed but are scrutinized for inventive step and clarity.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider for RU2017144574?
Maintain and enforce the patent, monitor for potential infringers, consider licensing opportunities, and evaluate potential challenges or oppositions to strengthen patent position.
Sources
[1] Russian Patent Office (ROSPATENT), Official Patent Documents.
[2] Federal Law No. 219-FZ "On the Federal Law 'On Patents and Inventions'" (2002).
[3] WIPO PatentScope Database.
[4] Russian Patent Classification System (CPC), A61K and C07D subclasses.
[5] Recent legal amendments impacting Russian pharmaceutical patents.
