FAQ: How do I register a trademark in Russia?

Registering a trademark in Russia grants Indian businesses exclusive rights to use their brand and enables enforcement against counterfeits on marketplaces like Ozon, Wildberries, and Yandex Market.

1. Requirements for foreign applicants

Foreign companies can register trademarks without establishing a Russian legal entity. However, foreign applicants must appoint a registered Russian patent attorney to handle all interactions with Rospatent (Russia’s intellectual property office).

2. Checking availability

Before filing, search Rospatent’s database to make sure your mark is available. Russian law prohibits anything that creates visual, phonetic, or conceptual confusion with existing registrations.

3. National vs Madrid Protocol

Indian companies may file directly with Rospatent or use the Madrid Protocol for international registration. The Madrid system covers 130+ countries but requires an existing Indian trademark registration or pending application first. Direct Russian filing offers independent protection without dependency on home registration.

4. Documentation

Applications must include the trademark image or word mark, a list of goods and services under the Nice Classification (ICGS), details about the applicant, and a POA for the patent attorney.

5. Registration process and timeline

A standard examination takes 10–12 months, though many applications are approved within 6–8 months. The process includes formal examination, substantive examination, publication, and registration.

6. Fees

As of December 2025, filing fees are 4,000 roubles, plus 1,000 roubles per additional ICGS class. Substantive examination costs 13,000 roubles, plus 2,500 roubles per additional class and 500 roubles for each item of goods or services exceeding 10 per class. Registration and certificate issuance require 18,000 roubles, plus 2,000 roubles for each class exceeding five. Renewal fees are 22,000 roubles, plus 2,000 roubles for each class exceeding five and 500 roubles for each item exceeding 10 per class.

7. Duration and renewal

Russian trademarks are valid for 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely. Rights holders must demonstrate actual use within three years to maintain protection against cancellation challenges.

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