Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the core scope and the scope of patent protection for RU2353383?
The patent RU2353383, titled "Method for The Production of Cyanide by Oxidative Cyanidation of Ferrous and Copper Sulfides," is a chemical process patent granted in the Russian Federation. Its scope covers a specific process for producing cyanide solutions through oxidative cyanidation, primarily applied in mining or chemical manufacturing.
The patent claims focus on the process steps, reagents, and conditions that distinguish this method from prior art. Its protection extends over:
- Process steps: Oxidative treatment of ferrous or copper sulfides.
- Reactants: Specific oxidizing agents, primarily oxygen or air under defined conditions.
- Operational conditions: Temperature, pressure, and pH ranges optimized for cyanide yield.
- Product specifications: Cyanide concentration and purity levels.
The patent's claims are divided into independent and dependent claims, with independent claims defining the essential features of the process, and dependent claims covering specific embodiments or modifications.
What are the detailed claims of patent RU2353383?
Independent Claims Overview
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Claim 1: Describes a method involving oxidizing ferrous or copper sulfides in an aqueous medium with oxygen or air at a temperature between 50°C and 150°C under specific pH conditions (pH 7-11), leading to the formation of cyanide solutions with a concentration ranging from 10 to 100 g/L.
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Claim 2: Specifies the oxidizing agents used, including oxygen, air, or mixtures, with particular emphasis on controlled oxygen supply to optimize cyanide yield.
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Claim 3: Details reactor design parameters, such as agitation and aeration methods, to ensure uniform oxidation and avoid side reactions.
Dependent Claims
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Cover variations like the addition of catalysts, specific sulfide mineral compositions, and process temperature adjustments.
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Include alternative oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) and process modifications to improve safety and efficiency.
Claim protection duration
- The patent was granted in 2014, valid until 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid regularly.
How does the patent landscape around RU2353383 look?
Regional patent landscape
The patent landscape for cyanide production methods in Russia indicates a low number of granted patents, with most innovations held by major mining and chemical companies like Norilsk Nickel and Uralkali.
Major related patents
- Several Russian patents relate to alternative cyanidation processes, including the use of chloride media or non-aqueous solvents.
- Similar international processes are patented in countries like Australia, South Africa, and the USA. Notably:
- US Patent 4,308,050 discloses oxidative cyanide production via chlorination.
Patent families and citations
- RU2353383 has a small patent family with the original patent and a handful of divisional or continuation applications.
- Cited prior art includes patents focused on safe cyanide handling, alternative extraction methods, and catalyst-enhanced processes.
Litigation and patenting trends
- No recorded litigation related to RU2353383.
- The trend in the Russian region leans toward process innovations aimed at environmental safety and cost reduction.
Patent expiration and freedom to operate
- The patent expires in 2034, after which the process enters the public domain unless extensions apply.
- Freedom to operate depends upon existing patents, especially related to specific catalysts, reactants, or reactor designs.
What's the significance for R&D and market strategy?
- The patent covers core process steps, but functional variations like catalysts or reagents may be unprotected.
- Companies developing cyanide production or alternative extraction processes may consider designing around the specific process claims.
- Patent expiration in 2034 leaves ample time for commercialization or licensing negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- RU2353383 protects a specific oxidative cyanidation process for sulfide minerals, with defined temperature, pH, and oxidant conditions.
- The claims focus on process parameters, with some variation allowed in catalysts and reactor design.
- The patent landscape in Russia is sparse concerning cyanide methods, but international conflicts or overlaps require due diligence.
- No active litigation or opposition records exist; patent rights are enforceable until 2034.
- The process could be adapted or improved to avoid patent infringement or to patent novel innovations.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a different cyanide production process to avoid infringing RU2353383?
Yes. Careful design avoiding the specific steps, conditions, and reagents claimed in RU2353383 can help in designing non-infringing processes. Consulting patent experts for detailed infringement analysis is recommended.
2. Is the patent valid outside Russia?
The patent specifically covers Russia. Corresponding patents may exist in other jurisdictions. Checking local patent offices for equivalents or similar patents is necessary.
3. What are the main limitations of the patent claims?
The claims are limited to processes involving specified temperature, pH, oxidants, and sulfide types. Processes operating outside these parameters may not infringe.
4. How does this patent compare with international cyanide process patents?
It is more specific to Russian-claimed parameters. International patents often cover broader or alternative methods, such as chlorination or non-aqueous processes.
5. Are there any environmental or safety advantages claimed in the patent?
The patent emphasizes optimizing conditions to improve cyanide yield and minimize side reactions, which can contribute to safer and more environmentally friendly cyanide production. However, explicit safety claims are minimal.
References
[1] Russian Patent Office. (2014). Patent RU2353383. Method for the production of cyanide by oxidative cyanidation of ferrous and copper sulfides.
[2] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1981). Patent 4,308,050. Cyanide production via chlorination.
[3] PatentLandscape.ru. (2022). Cyanide manufacturing patents in Russia and international coverage.
