Russia: Mass Cancellation of Trademarks Due to Non Use

The wave of trademark cancellations affecting Western (European and U.S.) brands that exited the Russian market is now moving into a phase of mass enforcement. The three‑year “non‑use” clock, which started when many companies withdrew in early 2022, has run its course for most of these marks by the spring of 2025.

Judicial Landscape (2025‑2026)

Russian courts are now routinely dismissing trademark protection when owners cannot demonstrate any use of the mark in the Russian Federation during the 2022‑2025 period. More than 300 foreign companies face full or partial cancellation of their rights, and the courts are no longer accepting sanctions or other geopolitical factors as a valid excuse for non‑use.

High‑Profile Cases that Illustrate the Trend

Nokia (Finland) – In June 2025 the court stripped protection from a batch of Nokia trademarks after the holder failed to provide any evidence of use and did not prove the existence of insurmountable obstacles in Russia.

Amazon (USA) – The Intellectual Property Court annulled the “Amazon” and “Амазон” word and composite marks (Reg. Nos. 411587, 474050, 735102, etc.) in June 2025, following a lawsuit by a Russian entrepreneur seeking to register similar names for marketplace and logistics services.

Ericsson (Sweden) – A October 2024 decision terminated protection for Ericsson marks in Class 11 (lighting, heating equipment). The Supreme Court of Russia upheld the ruling in February 2025, rejecting the Swedish company’s appeal.

Bershka (Spain, Inditex) – In July 2025 the court removed protection for certain Bershka trademarks covering ancillary goods that had not been sold in Russia for three years, while preserving the main clothing/footwear category.

Victoria’s Secret (USA) – The court cancelled several of the brand’s trademarks due to the complete lack of use in the Russian Federation after 2022.

These rulings demonstrate a clear judicial willingness to terminate rights that have remained dormant for the statutory period.

Iconic Brands Facing Cancellation Risks

• Giorgio Armani & Calvin Klein – Experts warn that the high visibility of these labels, combined with an absence of official sales, makes them prime candidates for early termination.

• Starbucks – Re‑registration attempts have been repeatedly blocked.

• Sheraton – Hotel‑brand rights are now the subject of cancellation proceedings initiated by interested Russian parties.

• H&M & IKEA – These retailers top the list of companies receiving the largest volume of claims from local entrepreneurs.

• Apple & Microsoft – Although both maintain limited infrastructure in Russia, their trademarks in “retail trade” and “service” categories are under active legal attack.
  

How Courts Are Interpreting “Non‑Use”

• No “valid reasons” defense – Sanctions, embargoes or other geopolitical factors are not accepted as justification for the three‑year non‑use period.

• Full and partial cancellations – Courts are comfortable stripping protection for entire marks or only for specific goods/services that have not been used.

• Burden of proof – The onus is on the foreign right‑holder to demonstrate continuous use between 2022 and 2025; failure to do so results in cancellation.
  

Why New Registrations Are Not Always Granted

Even when a trademark is cancelled, Russian courts frequently refuse to allow a third party to register the now‑vacant mark. The rationale is that many of these brands remain widely recognized among Russian consumers. Granting registration to a new owner could mislead the public and constitute unfair competition, so the courts preserve the “well‑known” status of the mark despite the lack of recent use.

Bottom Line for International Brands

The current legal climate in Russia sends a clear message: if a trademark is not actively used for three consecutive years, the courts will move swiftly to cancel it, and the brand’s fame alone will not guarantee a new owner can take over. Companies that wish to preserve their intellectual‑property rights in the Russian Federation must either maintain a demonstrable presence or be prepared to face mass cancellation proceedings in the near term.

For businesses navigating this landscape, proactive monitoring of court decisions and timely evidence of use are essential to safeguard valuable trademarks.

"Vakhnina and Partners" will be glad to assist you with renewing of existing and filing of new trademarks in Russia and Eurasian countries. Please do not hesitate to contact us via ip@vakhnina.ru.