The short answer
The exclusive right to a Russian trademark lasts 10 years from the filing date of the state registration application and can be extended for further 10-year periods. File the extension request in the last year of the term. A 6-month grace period can be granted on petition after expiry. Protection can be terminated early if the mark is not used continuously for 3 years. Foreign legal entities and non-resident citizens deal with Rospatent through registered patent attorneys, unless a treaty provides otherwise.
Trademark deadlines in Russia at a glance
These rules come from Part Four of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Chapter 76 on trademarks), in the English translation published by Rospatent (FIPS). The authority is Rospatent. International sanctions and payment restrictions can affect filings and fees from some countries, so we check the current position before every filing.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years, extendable for further 10-year periods, and the extension can be repeated (Article 1491). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date. The exclusive right is effective for 10 years after the filing of the state registration application (Article 1491). |
| When can I renew? | File the extension request during the last year of the term of the exclusive right (Article 1491). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. On the right holder's petition, a period of 6 months after expiry may be granted to file the extension request (Article 1491). A missed term can also be restored on petition within 6 months of its expiry under the rules on missed periods (Article 1501). |
| Opposition period | After the application data are published and before the decision, any person may file a written petition arguing that the mark does not meet the requirements of Articles 1477 and 1483. The Code does not set a fixed deadline for these petitions (Article 1493). The applicant's own objection to a refusal must be filed within 4 months (Article 1500). |
| Priority claim | A Convention priority claim requires filing within 6 months of the first application in a Paris Convention state (Article 1495). |
| Non-use | Protection of a trademark can be terminated early if the mark is not used continuously for 3 years. An interested person can first send the owner an offer, and a court decides on the termination (Article 1486). |
| Assignment | A contract of alienation transfers the exclusive right, in full or for some goods. It is prohibited if it can mislead consumers about the goods, the manufacturer or the place of production (Article 1488). Assignments and licences must be in writing and registered (Articles 1232, 1234, 1235). |
| Fees | Fees apply to state registration of trademarks, and to recording transfers and licences (Article 1249). |
Who can register a trademark in Russia
Individuals and companies can apply to Rospatent. Applications are examined, and the data are published before the decision, during which any person may file a petition against registration.
Representation. Foreign legal entities and non-resident citizens deal with Rospatent through patent attorneys registered with it, unless an international treaty provides otherwise (Article 1247(2)).
Trademark registration process in Russia
Search
- Search the Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property), through a registered Russian patent attorney.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Registration and publication
- Rospatent examines the application, publishes the data and then decides on registration.
Opposition window
- After publication and before the decision, any person may file a written petition against registration (Article 1493).
Official fees are set by the Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property) and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
Russia trademark validity and renewal
- The exclusive right lasts 10 years from the filing date.
- File the extension request in the last year of the term.
- A 6-month grace period may be granted on petition after expiry.
- The extension can be repeated for further 10-year periods.
Diarise the extension window from the filing date, and renew early because the grace period depends on a petition.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Russian trademark
Assignment
Transfer of the exclusive right
A written alienation contract, registered with Rospatent, transfers the right in full or for some goods. It cannot mislead consumers (Article 1488).
Licence
Licensing
A licence must be in writing and registered (Article 1235).
Attorney
Registered patent attorney
Foreign owners act through a registered Russian patent attorney (Article 1247).
Name or address
Change of the owner's details
Record the change with Rospatent so notices reach the right address.
Non-use and cancellation of a Russian trademark
Under Article 1486, a trademark's protection can be terminated early if the mark is not used continuously for 3 years. The interested person may first send an offer to the owner, and a court decides on the termination. Keep dated proof of use in Russia.
Keep dated proof of use in Russia: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Russia
Search the Rospatent (FIPS) databases and check the publication, registration and expiry dates.
Sources used
- Civil Code of the Russian Federation, Part Four, English translation published by Rospatent (FIPS): Articles 1232, 1234, 1235, 1247, 1249, 1486, 1488, 1491, 1493, 1495, 1500 and 1501.
- Rospatent (FIPS) for the register, fees and forms. We also check the current sanctions position before filing.
Russia trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Russia, and from when?
10 years, extendable for further 10-year periods, and the extension can be repeated (Article 1491). It counts from the filing date of the state registration application (Article 1491).
When should I renew a Russian trademark, and is there a grace period?
File the extension request during the last year of the term of the exclusive right (Article 1491).
What is the opposition period in Russia?
After the application data are published and before the decision, any person may file a written petition arguing that the mark does not meet the requirements of Articles 1477 and 1483. The Code does not set a fixed deadline for these petitions (Article 1493). The applicant's own objection to a refusal must be filed within 4 months (Article 1500).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Russia?
The official fee is set by the Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property) and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Russia?
Yes, but foreign legal entities and non-resident citizens deal with Rospatent through registered Russian patent attorneys, unless a treaty provides otherwise (Article 1247(2)).
Can I assign a Russian trademark?
A contract of alienation transfers the exclusive right, in full or for some goods. It is prohibited if it can mislead consumers about the goods, the manufacturer or the place of production (Article 1488). Assignments and licences must be in writing and registered (Articles 1232, 1234, 1235).
Can a Russian trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Protection of a trademark can be terminated early if the mark is not used continuously for 3 years. An interested person can first send the owner an offer, and a court decides on the termination (Article 1486).
How can I check the status of a Russian trademark?
Use the Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
A Convention priority claim requires filing within 6 months of the first application in a Paris Convention state (Article 1495).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Russia
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Russian deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
