Trademark Registration in Russia
1. Trademark Application Form
The application form should contain comprehensive details regarding the applicant, whether an individual or a company, as well as specific information about the trademark. It serves as the foundation for the registration process, providing crucial data for the Russian Intellectual Property Office (Rospatent) to evaluate the application.
2. Representation of the Trademark
A high-quality and clear visual representation of the trademark, such as a logo or word mark, is required. This must adhere to the specified format and size standards, typically 10 cm x 10 cm for logo representations. A precise and accurate depiction of the trademark helps in its proper identification and classification.
3. Applicant's Details
For individuals, a copy of the passport is necessary, while legal entities need to provide a copy of their registration documents.
If the applicant is based outside of Russia, appointing a local representative, preferably a professional trademark agent, is mandatory. This agent will act on behalf of the applicant during the registration process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and procedures.
4. List of Goods/Services
Accurate classification of the goods or services associated with the trademark is vital. Applicants must specify the relevant class(es) according to the Nice Classification (NCL), which systematically organizes products and services into 45 distinct classes. This classification determines the scope of protection for the trademark.
5. Power of Attorney
In cases where a local agent is engaged, a notarized power of attorney document is indispensable. This legal instrument authorizes the agent to act on behalf of the applicant, giving them the necessary rights and responsibilities to handle the trademark registration process.
6. Priority Documents (if applicable)
If claiming priority based on an earlier foreign application, a certified copy of the priority document must be provided. It is crucial to file this within six months from the date of the earlier application to avail of the priority rights.
7. Filing Fee
The filing fee, which is payable directly to Rospatent, is required at the time of application submission. The exact payment details will be furnished by either the agent or the Russian IP office.
Trademark Registration in Russia
Timeline for Trademark Registration
Filing and Examination: The initial examination phase usually spans approximately 1-3 months. During this period, Rospatent reviews the application for compliance with formal requirements and conducts a preliminary search to check for any potential conflicts with existing trademarks.
Publication in the Official Trademark Bulletin: After a successful formal examination, the trademark is published in the official bulletin. This allows third parties to oppose the registration if they believe it infringes on their rights. The opposition period lasts for 3 months.
Total Registration Time: On average, from the filing date to the final registration, the process generally takes between 12-18 months. However, this timeline may vary depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the application and any potential oppositions or disputes that may arise.
Cost of Trademark Registration in Russia
Official Filing Fees: The base fee for filing a trademark application for one class is approximately 5,000–6,000 Russian Rubles (RUB). For each additional class, an extra fee of around 1,500 RUB is applicable.
Attorney/Agent Fees: If engaging a trademark attorney or agent in Russia, their fees typically range from $150 to $500 USD. The actual cost depends on the complexity of the application and the specific services provided, such as conducting trademark searches, preparing and filing the application, and handling any potential oppositions.
Other Costs: There may be additional expenses for document translations if the original documents are not in Russian. Moreover, in the event of a legal dispute or opposition during the registration process, further costs will be incurred for legal representation and resolution.
By ensuring the accurate and timely submission of all required materials and understanding the associated costs and timelines, applicants can enhance their chances of a successful trademark registration in Russia.
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