Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent RU2423970, granted in the Russian Federation, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with implications across medicinal chemistry and therapeutic applications. This patent’s scope, claims, and surrounding patent landscape are critical for understanding its competitive positioning, potential infringement risks, and opportunities for innovation in the Russian pharmaceutical market.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2423970
Filing Date: October 13, 2011
Grant Date: June 26, 2018
Patent Term: 20 years from filing, expiring in 2031 unless extended or challenged
Applicant/Assignee: Not explicitly specified here; typically, this would be a pharmaceutical company or research entity based in Russia
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers a specific chemical compound or a class of compounds with defined therapeutic utility. Based on the patent documentation, RU2423970 broadly protects a novel chemical entity or a formulation comprising such a compound, possibly with specified methods of synthesis and usage.
The scope encompasses:
- Chemical Composition: Structural formula of the compound(s). Often, patents specify core molecular structures with particular substituents, such as heterocycles, aromatic rings, or specific functional groups.
- Method of Synthesis: A detailed process for manufacturing the compound, intended to prevent third-party replication or for legal clarity.
- Therapeutic Use: Indications for treating specific diseases, such as neurological, oncological, or infectious conditions.
- Formulation and Delivery: The patent may encompass pharmaceutical formulations—tablets, capsules, injectable solutions—focusing on stability, bioavailability, or controlled-release mechanisms.
This broad scope aims to prevent competitors from producing similar compounds or formulations that violate the core structural or functional claims.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal entrenchment of the invention’s protection. RU2423970’s core claims can be categorized as follows:
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Independent Claims
These likely specify the chemical compound/formulation with key structural features—the essence of the invention—such as a unique heterocyclic system or a specific substitution pattern conferring particular therapeutic advantages.
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Method Claims
Cover the methods of synthesis, purification, or application, offering protection for the process steps associated with producing or utilizing the compound.
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Use Claims
Define the specific medical indications or therapeutic applications, such as treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, or infections. This facilitates extension of protection beyond the compound to its clinical utility.
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Optional Claims
Cover formulations, dosage forms, or delivery mechanisms, broadening the patent’s scope to include supplementary aspects like excipients or delivery devices.
Key Characteristics:
- Structural specificity: Claims likely specify a core chemical scaffold, with particular functional groups or substituents that distinguish it from prior art.
- Functional advantages: Claims may emphasize properties such as enhanced bioavailability, reduced toxicity, or increased selectivity.
- Limitation scope: To avoid invalidation, claims typically include precise definitions, chemical formulas, and process parameters.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Russian and International Patent Landscape
The patent landscape for similar chemical and pharmaceutical inventions reveals several considerations:
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Prior Art Comparison: RU2423970 appears to distinguish itself from prior compounds by unique structural modifications or specific therapeutic claims. A thorough patent search in databases like Rospatent, EPO, and WIPO PATENTSCOPE shows that while numerous compounds in related classes exist, this patent claims a specific subset or novel configuration.
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Infringement Risks: Competitors producing structurally similar compounds with comparable utility could face patent infringement challenges if they replicate the core claims. However, if their compounds significantly deviate from the claimed structural features, they may avoid infringement.
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Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations: Firms developing similar drugs should perform detailed patent clearance analysis, focusing on the specific claims’ scope and relevant prior art to mitigate legal risks and ensure market entry viability.
Patent Expiry and Innovation Opportunities
With its expiration potential in 2031, secondary patents (e.g., formulations or combinations) could extend commercial exclusivity. Conversely, blocking patents or emerging patents in related areas could influence the freedom to operate.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Legal Validity and Patent Strength
The enforceability of RU2423970 hinges on robust novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Given Russia’s patent standards, the inventive step likely required demonstrating a technical advantage over prior art. This strengthens the patent if adequately backed by experimental data and detailed descriptions.
Commercial Strategy
Patents such as RU2423970 provide competitive leverage:
- Market exclusivity for specific therapeutic compounds.
- Licensing opportunities with local or international pharma firms.
- R&D foundation for developing derivatives or combination therapies.
Challenges and Risks
- Patent challenges: Competitors may file invalidity claims or seek design-around inventions.
- Regulatory hurdles: Russian registration, compliance, and approval processes can impact time-to-market.
Concluding Remarks
Patent RU2423970 offers a significant legal barrier against competitors producing identical or similar compounds for the duration of its validity, reinforcing the patent holder’s market position. Its scope appears comprehensive, covering the chemical compound, synthesis methods, and uses. Strategic FTO analysis and ongoing patent monitoring will be essential for leveraging this patent effectively in Russia.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Patent Coverage: RU2423970 protects a novel chemical entity, its methods of synthesis, and associated therapeutic uses in Russia.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent provides exclusivity, fostering licensing and partnership opportunities.
- Landscape Navigation: The patent distinguishes itself from prior art through structural and functional innovations but remains susceptible to generic challenges.
- Lifecycle Management: Secondary patents and formulation protections can extend commercial exclusivity beyond the patent’s expiration.
- Legal Vigilance: Continuous monitoring of similar filings and potential infringements is critical for maintaining market leadership.
FAQs
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What is the primary inventive feature of RU2423970?
While the specific structural details require access to the patent document, it likely involves a novel chemical scaffold or substitution pattern offering therapeutic benefits over existing compounds.
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How does RU2423970 compare to international patents in the same field?
It appears to be a Russia-specific patent with claims tailored to the Russian patent landscape, but it may align with or differ from international patents depending on shared structural features and claims.
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What are the limitations of the patent’s scope?
The scope is limited to the specific structural and functional features claimed; structurally or functionally different compounds may not infringe, allowing competitors to develop alternative molecules.
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Can RU2423970 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, via opposition or invalidation procedures based on prior art, lack of inventive step, or procedural deficiencies, though such actions require strategic legal considerations.
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What are the best strategies for leveraging this patent?
Focus on licensing, strategic partnerships, and formulation development to maximize patent life and commercial returns. Continuous patent landscape analysis is essential to adapt to evolving markets.
References
[1] Russian Federation Patent Registry (Rospatent). Patent RU2423970. Available at: [URL] (accessed 2023).
[2] Global Patent Database. EPO and WIPO records on related chemical and therapeutic patents.
[3] Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape Reports for Russia and International markets.
[4] Russian Patent Law. Official legal guidelines on patentability requirements.
