Register a Trademark in Russia

Foreign entrepreneurs entering the Russian market are recommended to secure their trademarks by registering them with the Federal Executive Authority on Intellectual Property. Trademarks can only be registered through our Russian lawyers, and the registration process is quite simple.

Trademark registration steps in Russia

Just like when opening a company in Russia or completing any other operation that requires dealing with local authorities, trademark registration also implies going through several steps. These are:

1. documents preparation;
2. filing;
3. examination;
4. publication in the Official Gazette;
5. approval;
6. trademark certificate issuance.

An intermediary step is trademark verification. However, this procedure is not mandatory; it is optional and can be completed by our law firm in Russia.

The registration procedure of a trademark in Russia

Before starting the registration process, it is recommended to verify the Russian trademark to be registered with the trademark search service. This verification significantly increases the chances of the final registration. Trademarks in Russia can be represented by words, sounds, three-dimensional designs, or any combination of these.

The registration can be done according to the Nice classes of trademarks, and it can contain an unlimited number of these items. The Russian trademark registration system is based on the first-to-file policy, meaning the rights to use the trademark belong to the first person applying for its registration. The priority of a trademark in Russia is based on the filing date of the application, and no evidence of use is required when deciding to register the trademark.

Documents required for the registration of a trademark in Russia

The application for trademark registration in Russia will be submitted to the Federal Executive Authority on Intellectual Property. The application must contain the following:

• a request for registration of the particular sign that will be a trademark, 
• the residence of the applicant,
• the sign and its description,
• a list with the goods or services the trademark will be used to represent (the goods or services must be grouped according to the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks).

It is important to know that the application must be submitted in Russian.

The application must be accompanied by the proof of payment of the application fee and, in case of a collective trademark, its by-law. Once the documents are filed, they will be published.

The Authority on Intellectual Property will then examine the application, process that will take a month and, at the end of it, the trademark will be entered in the State Register of Trademarks and Service Marks of the Russian Federation.

Types of trademarks recognized in Russia

There are several types of trademarks that can be registered in Russia. Some of the most common are:

• words;
• logos;
• tri-dimensional marks;
• signs;
• any combination of the above.

Russian trademarks can also be categorized into:

• generic;
• descriptive;
• collective;
• service;
• sound;
• certification.

Our lawyers in Russia can offer detailed information on the categories of trademarks accepted, so you know what to register. With respect to the registration language, both Latin and Cyrillic words can be used.

How long does trademark registration take in Russia?

The entire procedure to register a trademark in Russia takes around 7 to 8 months. This timeframe is not a long one, considering there are countries where it can be up to one year. To understand it, here is how it is completed:

• The first stages are easy and can be completed in a matter of days;
• The formal examination phase, on the other hand, takes 1-2 months to complete;
• The substantive examination steps take around 5 or 6 months, during which opposition can be filed;
• If the trademark is in order, the certificate of registration is issued in about 1 or 2 months from the payment of the issuance fee.

Please note that only companies, sole traders and (since 29 June 2023) self-employed individuals can file for trademark registration in Russia. In the case of foreigners, local representation is required. If you are in the latter situation, our Russian lawyers can represent you based on a power of attorney. Furthermore, by working with us, you will receive regular updates on your request.

Validity and renewal of Russian trademarks

Russian trademarks have a 10-year validity period and are renewable. With respect to renewal, the following aspects need to be considered:

• The application can be filed anytime during the last 12 months before expiry;
• In case of expiry, the application cannot be filed later than 6 months.

We can also provide support in trademark renewal in Russia.

Our lawyers are at the service of foreigners with various solutions, among which we mention support for immigration to Russia and assistance in setting up companies.

Our Russian law firm can help you with the registration of trademarks. You can also contact us for details on the Russian Intellectual Property Law.