Intellectual Property: Beyond Borders and Politics by Dr. Alexey Vakhnin

Intellectual Property: Beyond Borders and Politics Written by Dr. Alexey Vakhnin, Partner and Managing Director of Vakhnina and Partners, Russia  In The Global IP Matrix Issue 22, Dr. Alexey Vakhnin, Managing Director of Vakhnina & Partners and 2024 President of the Chamber of Patent Attorneys of the Russian Federation, addresses global misconceptions about IP in Russia. In a time marked by geopolitical tension and misinformation, Dr. Vakhnin sets the record straight: intellectual property in Russia remains protected, impartial, and internationally compliant.

Separating Facts from Fiction

While the media often portrays IP in Russia as being crippled or irrelevant, Dr. Vakhnin’s article provides a reality grounded in data and legal practice. He confirms that Russia’s Patent Office (Rospatent) and judicial system continue to safeguard rights for both local and foreign applicants—regardless of nationality or origin.

According to WIPO statistics, Russia ranked third globally for trademark filings in 2023, behind only China and the United States, with over 543,000 applications. This growth is driven by both domestic innovation and a wave of international interest—particularly from Asia and Latin America.

IP Trends Behind Russia’s Filing Boom

Russia’s recent surge in IP activity stems from several interconnected trends:

• Rising Filing Activity due to fee adjustments and newly introduced provisions allowing individuals to register trademarks.

• Market Gaps Created by Departing Western Brands that are now being filled by Russian businesses and Asian companies.

• Increased Trust in Rospatent as a neutral, non-discriminatory office that upholds international IP norms.

Vakhnina & Partners continues to represent clients globally—from Europe and North America to Asia and Africa—affirming that IP rights are upheld in practice, not just principle.

Rebranding, Refiling, and Returning

Despite many Western companies having officially exited the Russian market, filings from these same entities are surging again—albeit through new trademarks, shell companies, or “refiled” brand portfolios. This strategy ensures continued trademark protection in anticipation of a future market return and avoids complications from Russia’s three-year non-use trademark rule.

Asia and the Rise of New Investment

Asian manufacturers—particularly from China and India—have rapidly expanded their footprint in the Russian market. From electronics to industrial equipment, their growth has directly translated into a rise in IP filings, reshaping Russia’s brand and innovation ecosystem.

Beyond Geopolitics: The Professional Community Grows

Despite sanctions, Russia's IP community is growing and organising. With over 2,500 registered patent attorneys, associations like the Chamber of Patent Attorneys and the newly formed Eurasian Patent Attorneys Assembly (EPAA) are uniting professionals across borders. EPAA’s upcoming conferences in Armenia and Kazakhstan in 2025 aim to promote global dialogue and collaboration, regardless of political affiliation.

Conclusion As Dr. Vakhnin makes clear, intellectual property in Russia is not only alive—it is thriving. The nation’s filing volumes, legal infrastructure, and international cooperation reflect an IP system that continues to grow, adapt, and welcome applicants from around the world. Read the full article in The Global IP Matrix Issue 22 to explore how IP in Russia is transcending political boundaries and creating new pathways for global collaboration.

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