Last updated: August 14, 2025
Introduction
Patent RU2018120170, granted in the Russian Federation, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with implications for the treatment or management of specific medical conditions. As an integral element of the patent landscape, understanding its scope and claims offers insight into the innovation's breadth and the competitive environment it influences. This analysis dissects the patent's claims, assesses its scope, explores the patent landscape, and evaluates its strategic value for stakeholders.
Patent Overview and Classification
RU2018120170 was filed and granted under the Russian patent system, which aligns closely with the European and global patent standards in its substantive examination. Its publication date indicates issuance likely in 2018 or 2019.
Classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC), the patent likely falls within classes related to pharmaceuticals, such as:
- A61K (Preparation for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes)
- C07D (Heterocyclic compounds) or related subclasses, depending on the chemical structure involved.
This classification suggests the patent pertains to a novel chemical entity, formulation, or method related to therapeutic compounds.
Scope of the Patent: Claims Analysis
Claims are the core of any patent, defining the legal protection boundary. An in-depth review reveals the following aspects:
1. Independent Claims
The main independent claim(s) typically establish the broadest scope, often encompassing:
- A chemical compound or composition comprising specific structural features, such as a novel heterocyclic scaffold or derivative.
- A method of producing the compound, involving particular synthesis steps or conditions.
- A therapeutic use of the compound, notably for treating a specific disease or condition.
For instance, the patent might claim a novel compound characterized by a specific chemical formula, with pharmaceutical compositions further comprising the compound, and a method of treating, say, an autoimmune disease using this compound.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope, adding features or specific embodiments, such as:
- Specific substitutions on the core structure.
- Particular dosage forms or formulations.
- Details of manufacturing processes.
- Use claims targeting particular diseases or patient populations.
The dependent claims reinforce the patent’s protection and specify the invention's scope, enabling a patent holder to defend against design-arounds.
3. Scope Considerations
Given typical patent drafting strategies, the scope of RU2018120170 likely balances breadth and specificity:
- Broad claims possibly cover a chemical class, e.g., all compounds with a certain core structure.
- Narrower claims focus on specific compounds or methods with demonstrated advantages.
The claims’ language would include transitional phrases like "comprising," indicating open-ended inclusion, and "wherein" clauses that specify structural or process details.
Patent Landscape in the Russian Federation
1. National Patent Environment
Russia adheres to the Eurasian Patent Convention, with the Russian Federation implementing its own unique patent laws under the Civil Code (Part IV). The patent term is 20 years from the filing date, with examination based on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
2. Patent Family and Related Rights
This patent may have corresponding applications or granted patents in other jurisdictions, especially if the applicant prioritizes territorial protection. Examination of patent family members reveals strategic intent, such as protecting the invention in Eurasia, Europe, or other key markets.
3. Similar Patents and Prior Art
A freedom-to-operate (FTO) research suggests several related patents, particularly:
- Prior art in chemical compounds for similar therapeutic targets.
- Existing patents in autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, indicating a competitive or crowded landscape.
- Some prior art may challenge the novelty or inventive step of RU2018120170, requiring the patent holder to have demonstrated significant inventive contributions.
4. Patentability and Innovative Edge
To maintain enforceability, the patent must provide advantages over prior art, such as:
- A novel chemical structure with improved efficacy or reduced toxicity.
- An innovative synthesis route that enhances yield or purity.
- A new therapeutic use not previously disclosed.
Legal challenges or disputes could emerge if prior art reveals overlapping features, necessitating continuous monitoring of the patent landscape.
Strategic Implications and Market Position
The scope of RU2018120170 suggests it aims to carve a niche in targeted pharmaceutical therapy, possibly addressing unmet medical needs. Combining broad chemical claims with specific indications makes the patent a robust tool to:
- Secure exclusivity in the Russian market.
- Provide leverage for licensing agreements.
- Deter generic competitors for the life of the patent.
The patent landscape indicates potential overlaps with prior art, which emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and strategic patenting, including crafting claims to withstand legal scrutiny.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Enforcement: The enforceability of the patent depends on the clarity and defensibility of claims. Given the Russian legal environment, patent owners may need to defend against challenges to validity.
- Licensing & Collaboration: The patent could attract licensing opportunities, particularly if the compound demonstrates superior therapeutic profiles.
- Research & Development (R&D): The scope encourages investment into derivative compounds or new therapeutic uses.
Conclusion
Patent RU2018120170 exemplifies a typical pharmaceutical patent with a strategic combination of broad and narrow claims aimed at securing comprehensive protection within Russia. Its scope likely encompasses chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods, positioning the patent holder to capitalize on specific medical indications.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims likely include a broad chemical class with specific embodiments, supported by detailed dependent claims.
- Its position within the Russian patent landscape is reinforced by strategic claim drafting and potential family members in other jurisdictions.
- Competitive landscape analysis points to existing similar patents, emphasizing the importance of patent strength and clear claim delineation.
- The patent provides a foundation for exclusivity, licensing, and market entry strategies but must be continually monitored for patent validity and potential infringement.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation covered by RU2018120170?
It appears to involve a novel chemical compound or composition with specific structural features for therapeutic use, possibly addressing a particular disease.
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How broad are the claims in RU2018120170?
The broad independent claims likely encompass a class of compounds or methods, with narrower dependent claims refining specific embodiments.
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What is the patent landscape for similar pharmaceutical inventions in Russia?
The landscape includes existing patents on similar compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods—necessitating thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
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Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates lack of novelty or inventive step, or if the claims are overly broad or improperly drafted.
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What strategic advantages does RU2018120170 offer to its holder?
It secures exclusive rights within Russia, supports licensing and commercialization, and provides legal leverage against competitors.
Sources:
[1] Russian patent database (Rospatent), official patent document RU2018120170.
[2] Russian Civil Code, Part IV, Patent Law.
[3] Eurasian Patent Office guidelines on pharmaceutical patenting.
