Over 1,300 Russian Brands Still Legally Protected in Ukraine

The Status of Russian Trademarks in Ukraine

According to Главком: More than 1,300 Russian trademarks remain under legal protection in Ukraine even after the onset of the full-scale invasion. Among them, 16 brands have managed to extend their certificate validity at the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations since February 24, 2022. This loophole in the law, which does not prohibit scheduled certificate renewals, has made these extensions possible.

The largest concentration of Russian trademarks falls within the advertising and business services sector. Meanwhile, Ukraine has imposed a moratorium on registration actions for residents of Russia and Belarus. Despite this, the legislation does not block automatic or planned renewals of existing certificates. As a result, 196 trademarks have expired certificates but continue to appear as active in the official registries.

How Ukrainian Brands Are Adapting

Amid these developments, some Ukrainian companies are rebranding. For instance, the Ukrainian beverage brand Zhyvchyk has updated its visual identity. Additionally, the company Roshen has launched its own line of ice cream, showcasing how local businesses are staying active under challenging conditions.

Examples of renewed Russian trademarks include:

• Algerica, an antiepileptic medication,
• Smirnov, an alcohol brand,
• the graphic logo of the dairy brand Prostokvashino.

These facts highlight the complex landscape of intellectual property in Ukraine during wartime.

This situation underscores the need for legal reform in Ukraine to close loopholes that allow Russian brands to maintain a foothold in the Ukrainian market.

The rebranding efforts of Ukrainian companies are crucial steps to support national businesses in a time of crisis. These moves could influence future initiatives to protect intellectual property and foster the growth of local brands.

As the landscape of intellectual property continues to evolve, it's important to consider the broader implications for the Ukrainian economy. In a related development, the surge in the number of foreign citizens registering as individual entrepreneurs in Ukraine reflects a growing trend of adaptation and resilience within the business community. This shift highlights the dynamic changes occurring in the market, emphasizing the need for local businesses to innovate and thrive amidst ongoing challenges. To learn more about this significant increase, read about the rise in foreign entrepreneurs in Ukraine.