Interfax

May 30, 2001

Experts Forecasts Active Development of IP Market in Russia

"The IP market will actively develop in Russia during the coming years," said the General Director of Rospatent of the Russian Federation, Mr. Alexander Korchagin, at a press briefing on Wednesday in Moscow.

According to Korchagin, the Russian IP market has only begun to develop in the last two years. Korchagin believes that this is evidenced by the absolute lack of legislation in domain name trademark protection in the country.

Mr. Korchagin mentioned that, due to the weak development of the IP-related legislation, only 34 applications to recognize trademarks as well known were submitted by companies to Rospatent during the last year.

However, the Paris Convention on Industrial Property Protection, ratified by Russia, guarantees protection of well-known trademarks, even if they are not registered at the patent agency. In addition, well-known status allows for the cancellation of the registrations of other trademarks that are in violation [of the well known trademark].

According to Mr. Korchagin, the number of applications for recognition of a trademark as well known will grow considerably. He hopes that such world leading companies as Smirnoff, McDonald's, Coca-Cola and others will file applications with Rospatent.

"The improvement of legislation will further this process," emphasized Mr. Korchagin. He also announced, that Rospatent developed the draft Federal Law on Introduction of Modifications and Amendments to the Law of the Russian Federation on Trademarks, Service Marks and Appellations of Origin of Goods, which pays special attention to well-known trademarks. The draft Law was revised by the Government of the Russian Federation in mid-May and submitted to the State Duma. Rospatent experts believe that the draft will be approved by the end of this year and will take effect in early 2002.

The press briefing was conducted in relation to a seminar on Protection of Well-Known Trademarks in Russia scheduled for June 14 in Moscow. The seminar will be co-sponsored by Rospatent and the Coalition for Intellectual Property Rights.