The Ukrainian Defense Ministry Secures a Trademark for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Trademark Registration for the AFU

According to Главком: On June 3, 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense officially registered a trademark and emblem for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The Ministry holds ownership of the trademark, with the certificate remaining valid until October 21, 2034. The emblem, filed on the same date, features a cross design with the small State Coat of Arms of Ukraine set inside a blue medallion. This move is part of broader efforts to legally protect military symbols as the country continues to face ongoing challenges.

Background and Significance

These developments come 1,592 days into the full-scale war in Ukraine. Notably, in early November 2024, the political party "Union. Chornobyl. Ukraine" rebranded itself as "Always Strong Ukrainians" (ZSU), sharing the same acronym as the Armed Forces. This trademark registration underscores the importance of preserving the distinct identity of Ukraine’s military amid the current political landscape.

Securing legal protection for the AFU’s trademark and emblem marks a critical step in safeguarding its symbolism. It also has the potential to bolster national identity and patriotism among the public during the prolonged war. Given the recent party name change, these patents may serve as part of a wider strategy to reinforce the image of the Armed Forces within Ukrainian society and politics.