Fast-track examination for coronavirus related patent applications provided by the Russian Patent Office

Patent applications relating to solutions aimed to combat coronavirus and related diseases are currently eligible for prioritized, fast-track examination program in the Russian Patent Office (Rospatent). Participating in the program does not require payment of any additional official fees in addition to the regular filing fee.

Under the program, the applicant can expect to receive a first office action of substantive examination within two months. Inventions and utility models relating to the following areas are eligible for fast-track examination, which will be carried out automatically:

1. Antiviral drugs;

2. Diagnosis of viral diseases (for example diagnostic test systems);

3. Medical devices (for example ventilators, inhalers);

4. Protective equipment (for example medical masks, protective suits);

5. Sterilizing and disinfecting agents.

As of 14 May 2020, 30 Russian patent applications and 13 utility model applications relating to solutions aimed to combat coronavirus and related diseases, such as pneumonia, are under examination. Rospatent has already issued acceptance decisions in relation to three patent applications and two utility model applications. Further, three patent applications relating to a vaccine against coronavirus have been filed in April 2020, two of said applications belonging to domestic applicants.

In addition, a new information section has been recently created on the Rospatent website. The section contains information and copies of relevant Russian patents and utility models as well as published applications that have been examined by Rospatent during the last 20 years.

The information covers patents and utility models filed by Russian applicants as well as foreign applicants, and is divided into the following 5 subsections:

Subsection 1 “Antiviral medicines” – includes information on patent documents relating to means of treatment and prevention of RNA-containing viral diseases of the bronchopulmonary system;

Subsection 2 “Diagnosis of viral diseases” – includes information on laboratory and instrumental methods for diagnosing viral diseases of the bronchopulmonary system;

Subsection 3 “Medical devices” – includes information on mechanical ventilation apparatus and inhalers;

Subsection 4 “Protective equipment” – includes information on personal protective equipment (masks, protective suits, eye protection) aimed at protecting a person from biopathogens;

Subsection 5 “Sterilizing and disinfecting agents”.

The goal was to provide inventors and developers of related technologies an efficient search portal and means for quickly browsing all relevant patent and utility model publications in the Russian language. The information section will be continuously updated, meaning that newly issued patents or published applications will be added to the website.

For more information, please contact Mr. Erik Viik, patent attorney, partner.