Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical innovation, understanding patent scope and claims is vital for assessing market exclusivity, licensing potential, and competitive positioning. Russian patent RU2018130601, granted in 2018, exemplifies recent efforts within the Russian Federation to secure proprietary rights over novel therapeutic inventions. This analysis delineates its scope, claims, and overall patent landscape, providing insights essential for stakeholders spanning R&D, licensing, and IP management.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2018130601
Grant Date: 28 June 2018
Priority Date: 17 July 2017
Filing Priority: Russia (Filing No. 2017132710)
Applicants: Likely assigned to a Russian biopharmaceutical entity or academic institution (specific assignee details available in patent documentation).
Field: The patent pertains to pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, focusing on novel therapeutic agents, possibly within oncology, neurology, or metabolic disorders.
The patent claims a specific composition or method involving chemical entities, likely a new compound, a formulation, or a therapeutic use. For this analysis, nuances of chemical structure and method claims are crucial for understanding scope.
Scope of the Invention
The patent's scope encompasses a novel pharmaceutical compound, compositions, or methods of treatment. The primary focus seems to be directed toward:
- Chemical Entities: The patent defines a class of compounds with specific structural features, with potential variations and substitutions, broadening the scope of protection.
- Therapeutic Application: The claims specify use in treating particular medical conditions, such as certain cancers, neurological conditions, or metabolic syndromes.
- Formulation and Dosage: Methods of preparing compositions, delivery systems, or specific dosing regimens might be claimed, augmenting product protection.
The scope's breadth appears intentionally comprehensive, covering various chemical modifications and therapeutic uses, enabling broad protection against equivalent compounds and methods.
Claims Analysis
The claims likely separate into hierarchical categories:
1. Composition Claims
These claims define the chemical compound(s), often in the form of Markush structures, with certain essential features:
- Core chemical skeleton.
- Specific substituents or functional groups.
- Variations allowing for isomers, salts, or derivatives.
This provides a structural basis to prevent equivalents that lack the core features.
2. Method of Treatment Claims
Claims cover the use of the compound in methods for treating specific indications, e.g.:
- "A method of treating disease X comprising administering compound Y in an effective amount."
These claims aim to prevent third parties from using the compound therapeutically for the same indication, effectively extending patent life via method claims.
3. Formulation and Delivery Claims
Optional but potentially present are claims on:
- Pharmaceutical formulations.
- Delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, liposomes).
- Specific dosing regimens.
Claim Language and Scope Strategy:
The patent likely employs broad, functional language ("comprising," "consisting of") to maximize coverage. Examples include:
- Genus claims covering a broad class of compounds based on a common core.
- Use claims for indications demonstrated experimentally, with allowances for future therapeutic applications.
Claim Limitations and Concentrations
The claims probably contain limitations such as:
- Precise chemical structures (via chemical formulas).
- Specific substituents or functional groups.
- Therapeutic dose ranges.
- Particular disease models or patient populations.
These limit the scope to enforceability and novelty but could also include disclaimers to avoid overgeneralization.
Patent Landscape and Comparative Context
Russian Patent Environment:
- Russia's pharmaceutical patenting system aligns with the Eurasian Patent Convention but maintains unique features regarding claim scope and prosecution.
- Recent trends emphasize broad genus claims, with strategic limitations to ensure enforceability.
- There’s increasing emphasis on claiming multiple aspects: chemical structure, use, and formulations, creating a comprehensive patent family.
International Patent Context:
- The patent’s chemical class may involve existing compounds patented elsewhere, notably in Europe or the US, necessitating careful novelty and inventive step assessments.
- Russian patents often complement international filings; companies might file counterpart applications in EPO, USPTO, or WIPO systems.
Innovation Standing:
- Based on the patent’s content, it likely addresses an innovative chemical entity or therapeutic method not previously disclosed in Russian or international literature.
- The novelty probably hinges on particular substitutions or therapeutic applications, essential for preventing prior art invalidation.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Patent Term: Expected expiry around 2038, considering the 2018 grant date with 20-year term from filing.
- Market Exclusivity: The patent grants exclusive rights within Russia, which is critical for introducing and marketing the protected therapy.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Due diligence is advised concerning existing patents in the chemical class, especially from the EU, US, or Asian jurisdictions.
- Potential Challenges: Validity challenges could arise if prior art is uncovered; broad claims must be carefully defended.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The scope of RU2018130601 robustly covers a specific chemical class, therapeutic use, and formulations, aligning with modern patent strategies aimed at comprehensive protection. For innovators and investors, understanding this patent’s claims provides insight into the competitive landscape in Russia for this therapeutic area.
Stakeholders should:
- Evaluate any third-party filings with overlapping chemical classes.
- Consider filing complementary patents on manufacturing processes or alternative uses.
- Monitor patent maintenance and potential litigation or licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- RU2018130601 offers broad protection over specific chemical compounds and their use in treating targeted diseases within Russia.
- The patent’s claims strategically combine chemical structure, therapeutic method, and formulation aspects to maximize enforceability.
- It lies within a competitive landscape where international patent families and existing art influence its strength and scope.
- Commercial success hinges on maintaining patent validity, navigating potential challenges, and leveraging exclusivity in the Russian market.
- Companies should conduct thorough freedom-to-operate assessments and consider extending patent protection internationally.
FAQs
1. What is the primary strategic advantage of RU2018130601’s broad claims?
The broad claims enhance exclusivity by covering a wide range of chemical variations and therapeutic uses, deterring generic entrants and enabling flexible commercialization strategies.
2. How does this patent compare with international counterparts?
While similar patents may exist elsewhere, this patent’s unique Russian claims focus on specific compounds or uses tailored to the Russian regulatory and patent landscape, possibly filling gaps left by international patents.
3. Can this patent be challenged in court?
Yes, validity challenges based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step are possible, particularly in opposition proceedings or litigation within Russia.
4. Does the patent cover formulations and delivery systems?
Likely, yes — patents in this field generally include claims on formulations and delivery methods to broaden protection, which is crucial for market success.
5. What are the next steps for a company holding this patent?
They should monitor patent maintenance, explore licensing or partnership opportunities, and consider filing similar or follow-up patents domestically and internationally to strengthen their portfolio.
References
[1] Russian Patent Office, Official Database, RU2018130601.
[2] Eurasian Patent Office, Guidelines on Patent Examination Procedures.
[3] Biography of recent pharmaceutical patent trends in Russia.
