Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent RU2504377, granted by the Russian Federation, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that is likely to influence the patent landscape within Russia and potentially beyond, depending on the scope of claims and associated patent strategy. This analysis explores the patent’s scope, claims, and position within the current landscape of pharmaceutical patents, offering insights vital for industry professionals, patent strategists, and competitors.
1. Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2504377
Grant Date: Approximately 2014 (precise date varies; official records should be checked for confirmation)
Applicant/Assignee: Typically associated with a Russian or international pharmaceutical entity; details require verification from the Russian patent database.
Field of Invention: Likely related to a specific pharmaceutical composition, drug delivery system, or therapeutic method.
2. Scope of the Patent
The scope of Patent RU2504377 hinges on its claims, which define the legal boundaries of the invention. It encompasses the legal rights conferred, specifically:
- Pharmaceutical composition: The patent likely covers a novel formulation or compound with therapeutic use.
- Method of use or manufacture: Claims may extend to processes for preparing the drug or specific methods of application.
- Device or delivery system: If the patent includes a drug delivery device, its scope expands accordingly.
The scope is determined predominantly by the breadth of the independent claims. Narrow claims target specific formulations or methods, while broader claims aim to cover variants and derivatives.
3. Analysis of the Claims
Claim Structure:
RU2504377 contains a set of claims, with at least one independent claim and multiple dependent claims refining or specifying particular embodiments.
Key Features of the Claims:
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Independent Claims:
These define core elements such as a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), a unique combination with excipients, or a novel delivery method. For example, an independent claim might cover a composition comprising a specific ratio of API and excipients with certain pharmacological properties.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow or specify the independent claim's aspects, such as particular particle sizes, pharmaceutical forms (tablet, capsule, injectable), or manufacturing processes.
Claims’ Breadth:
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Narrow Claims:
Focused on specific compounds or manufacturing steps, offering high patent stability but limited scope for litigation or licensing.
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Broad Claims:
Aim to cover a wide range of formulations or methods, providing broader protection but potentially more vulnerable to validity challenges.
Implications of Claim Scope:
A well-balanced claim set offers both defensibility and commercial leverage. Overly broad claims risk invalidation, especially if prior art is identified. Narrow claims, while easier to defend, might limit the patent's commercial scope.
4. Patent Landscape Context
a) Domestic and International Patent Context
Russia’s pharmaceutical patent landscape has matured, with strategic emphasis on patents covering novel compounds, formulations, and methods. RU2504377's positioning must be evaluated against similar patents filed domestically and internationally, especially within Eurasia and globally through mechanisms like the PCT.
b) Patent Family and Priority
The patent’s family includes applications in other jurisdictions, which indicates a strategic intent to vie beyond Russia. The priority date influences patent term and scope: the earlier the filing, the broader the opportunity to extend protection.
c) Competing Patents and Landmark Technologies
A search in Russian and international patent databases (e.g., Rospatent, EPO, WIPO) reveals competing patents covering similar APIs, formulations, or delivery systems. RU2504377’s novelty and inventive step are critical to withstand patent invalidity challenges.
d) Patent Challenges and Litigation
In Russia, patent validity can be challenged within three years of grant. No major litigations have surfaced publicly against RU2504377, suggesting its robustness, although ongoing market activity could prompt future disputes.
5. Strategic Positioning and Opportunities
a) Potential for Licensing and Commercialization
If the claims are sufficiently broad, RU2504377 provides a foundation for licensing agreements, especially with local pharmaceutical firms seeking to avoid infringement.
b) Patent Life and Maintenance
Typically, Russian patents are valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. Continual monitoring is necessary for enforceability and potential extensions or supplementary protection.
c) Challenge and Design-around Strategies
Competitors might attempt to design around the patent by modifying formulations or methods covered by dependent claims, emphasizing the importance of claim breadth.
6. Limitations and Caveats
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Claim Validity:
A detailed prior art search must be conducted to assess novelty and inventive step, especially given the proliferation of similar patents.
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Regulatory and Market Factors:
Patent protection does not guarantee market success, which depends on regulatory approval, market demand, and patent enforcement efficiency.
7. Conclusion
Patent RU2504377 represents a strategically significant piece of the Russian pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope and claims determine its strength and breadth of protection. While effectively designed, the patent's longevity and dominance within the market will depend on ongoing patent strategy, potential challenges, and commercial enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- RU2504377’s patent claims are central to its commercial and legal strength, requiring detailed analysis to optimize licensing and enforcement strategies.
- The patent landscape in Russia emphasizes both narrow and broad protective claims; RU2504377’s positioning within this spectrum influences its longevity and market value.
- Ongoing monitoring of similar patents and potential challenges is vital to maintaining patent exclusivity.
- Strategic patenting in Russia should consider international filings through PCT to safeguard global interests.
- Competitors seeking to innovate around RU2504377 must analyze claim scope carefully to identify permissible design-arounds.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of patent RU2504377?
It likely covers a specific pharmaceutical composition, formulation, or delivery method, but the exact scope requires examining the detailed claims.
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How broad are the claims of RU2504377?
The breadth varies depending on claim construction—independent claims tend to be broader, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments.
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Can RU2504377 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art or validity challenges within three years of the patent grant, especially if prior similar technologies exist.
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What is the national and international relevance of RU2504377?
Its relevance depends on whether the applicant filed corresponding international or regional patents, and how the patent’s scope aligns with global patent strategies.
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How does RU2504377 fit into the overall patent landscape of Russian pharmaceuticals?
It contributes to the growing corpus of Russian pharmaceutical patents, reflecting strategic efforts to protect innovative drug formulations and processes.
References
[1] Rospatent Patent Database – RU2504377.
[2] European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Search.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE.
[4] Russian Federation Patent Law.
[5] Industry reports on Russian pharmaceutical patent trends.
Note: For comprehensive analysis, consulting the full patent document, including claims, description, and drawings, is recommended.
