29.03.07

Holders of Russian trademarks may be able to register them outside of Russia starting Monday.

This is contingent on whether the Russian Federation joins the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks adopted in Geneva on March 27, 2007.  The treaty essentially unifies national registration and licensing systems for trademarks by establishing common registration rules. According to the Head of the International Department of the Federal Service for Intellectual Property and Trademarks, such steps are brought about by Russia’s efforts to become more globally integrated, including within the area of trademarks security.

The treaty has already been signed by 52 countries, including all G-8 members except Russia and Germany. It deals mostly with administrative procedures, but also contains other regulations pertaining to additional privileges for trademark license applicants and holders. For example, it expands the list of those who can apply and hold rights. It also includes provisions for extending the registration of a trademark in the absence of license registration by providing proof that is still being used by the license holder. 

The treaty allows the contracting parties to receive applications by electronic means.