Amendments to trademark registration rules are to come into force in May 2023

Recent amendments into the Russian Civil Code, introduced by Federal Law No.143-FZ are aimed to prevent registration as trademarks any designations, which could be confused with places of manufacture. Previously only a confusion with a manufacturer itself was a ground for refusal.

Furthermore, the law puts a ban to register as trademarks designations which include, copy or imitate geographic designations (which have been introduced in Russia just 3 years ago) or protected designations of origin, or applications thereof, if these were registered or filed before priority date. Exclusions are made for applicants that own the right to use a corresponding geographic designation or designation of origin.

Another limitation concerns designations including, copying or imitating geographic designations or protected designations of origin if the use of a registered trademark could possibly result in associating with above designation(s) and negatively affecting their user(s). Respectively, Article 1537 of the Code bans circulation of goods illegally labeled by designations, including, copying or imitating geographic designations or designations of origin.

Amendments shall come into force on 29 May 2023.
http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202205280007