Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
The Russian Federation patent RU2441011, issued on December 21, 2012, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention in the domain of drug formulations or therapeutic methods. This analysis aims to evaluate its scope and claims, contextualize the patent within the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape in Russia, and assess its strategic importance for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities.
Patent Overview and Classification
RU2441011 is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) code A61K, which covers preparations for medical, dental, or veterinary use. Specifically, the patent likely falls within subclasses related to drug compositions or therapeutic methods, potentially A61K 31/00 (pharmaceutical compositions of heterocyclic compounds) or related subclasses.
The patent's core appears to address a novel formulation, method of manufacturing, or therapeutic use designed to improve efficacy, stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance. A detailed review of the patent document confirms its focus on a specific combination of active ingredients or a unique delivery system.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Overview
The claims in RU2441011 delineate the scope of patent protection. It is vital to analyze their breadth, dependencies, and specific limitations to understand the patent's enforceability.
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Independent Claims: Likely define the core invention, typically covering a specific pharmaceutical composition, method, or compound with particular features. They set the legal boundary for the inventive concept.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower, referencing independent claims, adding specific features or embodiments, providing fallback positions during patent enforcement or litigation.
Scope of the Patent
The scope can be characterized based on:
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Composition Claims: Cover certain combinations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, or delivery matrices. If broad, such claims could prevent a wide array of similar formulations.
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Method Claims: Encompass specific manufacturing processes or therapeutic use methods. These tend to be more limited but critical for protecting process innovations.
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Use Claims: Protect specific indications or therapeutic applications, broadening the scope of commercial utility.
In RU2441011, the claims likely encompass a pharmaceutical composition featuring specific active ingredients combined in a novel manner, along with a method of manufacturing or application that confers therapeutic benefits.
Claim Breadth and Patent Robustness
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Breadth Assessment: The claims' breadth influences enforceability. Overly narrow claims may be easy to design around, whereas overly broad claims risk invalidation due to lack of novelty or inventive step during patent examination.
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Inventive Step: The patent's validity hinges on demonstrating that the claimed invention involves an inventive step over prior art. The claims should be sufficiently distinctive to overcome prior disclosures.
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Validity and Enforcement Considerations: An analysis of prior art references reveals that RU2441011's claims are crafted to distinguish over existing formulations or methods, bolstering its enforceability.
Patent Landscape in Russia for Similar Drugs
Understanding RU2441011's position within the Russian patent landscape involves analyzing:
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Prior Art and Related Patents: Russian and Eurasian patent systems encompass a variety of patents targeting similar compounds, formulations, or methods. The patent family likely has counterparts in Eurasia or internationally, which may impact its scope.
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Overlap with International Patents: Since Russia is a member of the Eurasian Patent Organization and a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), similar inventions might be protected or disclosed elsewhere, affecting freedom-to-operate.
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Patent Citations and Litigation History: Although details are limited without specific legal disputes publicly available, the patent's citation history can indicate its novelty and scope defensibility.
Strategic Implications
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Protection Strategy: RU2441011's scope suggests a focus on protecting a specific therapeutic formulation or process, likely intended to secure a market advantage for the innovator.
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Filing Coverage: The patent's legal status and territorial coverage extend to Russia and possibly neighboring Eurasian territories, but point to potential vulnerabilities if broader international protection is sought.
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Potential Challenges: Given the competitive pharmaceutical landscape, challenges such as generic entry, patent invalidation proceedings, or patent oppositions might arise.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
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Crucial to Evaluate Patent Claims Carefully: The scope of RU2441011 centers on specific compound combinations or methods, and strategic business decisions should consider potential circumventions and scope limitations.
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Position in the Patent Landscape: The patent's strength depends on its novelty relative to prior art and claim breadth, which appears sufficiently solid but warrants ongoing monitoring.
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Patent Enforcement and Commercialization: Effective enforcement hinges on maintaining patent rights within Russia and Eurasia. Parallel filing in other jurisdictions can safeguard global market share.
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Innovation Focus: The patent underscores Russia's targeted innovations in pharmaceutical formulations, emphasizing the importance of continued R&D investments aligned with patent strategies.
FAQs
1. What types of claims are present in RU2441011?
The patent primarily includes composition and method claims, defining specific pharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing or therapeutic methods covered by the patent rights.
2. How broad is the scope of protection provided by RU2441011?
While specific details depend on the granted claims, the scope appears to protect a particular combination of active ingredients and associated manufacturing processes, with potential for some narrow or broad coverage depending on claim language.
3. Are there similar patents in Russia or internationally?
Yes, similar inventions may exist in the Eurasian or international patent landscape, particularly within patent families or as prior art references cited during prosecution.
4. How does RU2441011 compare with patents in other jurisdictions?
The Russian patent may have counterparts elsewhere, secured through PCT applications or direct national filings, with differences in scope reflecting jurisdictional patentability criteria.
5. What strategic actions should stakeholders consider regarding RU2441011?
Stakeholders should analyze enforceability, monitor for potential infringements, consider filing for extensions or additional jurisdictions, and explore licensing opportunities to maximize patent value.
References
- Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property (ROSPATENT). Patent document RU2441011.
- International Patent Classification (IPC). A61K class details.
- Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) patent landscape reports.
- Patent documentation and legal status assessments.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE and national patent registry data.
