Russia Issues Decree Affecting IP Rights For "Unfriendly Countries"

With Western countries increasingly sanctioning Russia and a growing number of boycotts from brands due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russia has started to respond with its own measures. On Monday, March 7, 2022, Russia issued a decree, according to which intellectual property rights should not be paid to patent holders from "unfriendly countries," which include, among others, all the 27 members of the European Union.

While this decree specifically addressed patents, early reports indicate that Russia is considering lifting restrictions on the use of all intellectual property, including trademarks, specifically for certain goods that are limited in Russia. Russian media outlets have already reported that the Ministry of Economic Development may opt to do away with civil liability for trademark infringement in connection with goods in short supply due to sanctions or as a result of companies closing up shop for the time being.