Why brand protection matters
A registered trademark is only the first step. Without active protection, competitors can use similar signs, misleading consumers and damaging your reputation.
Fact: According to Rospatent, more than 100,000 trademark rights violations are identified in Russia every year.
Methods of protection
1. Market monitoring
Regularly track:
- New trademark registration applications with Rospatent
- The appearance of similar brands on marketplaces
- Registration of domains using your name
- Activity on social media
2. Pre-trial claim
When a violation is discovered, the first step is to send a claim to the infringer. Often this is enough to stop the unlawful use.
The claim should contain:
- Details of your trademark (certificate number)
- A description of the violation with evidence
- A demand to cease use
- A deadline for voluntary compliance
3. Filing with the FAS
If the infringer uses your mark in advertising or on goods, this may be deemed unfair competition. The antimonopoly service can impose a fine and order the violation to cease.
4. Customs protection
Enter your trademark in the Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects (TROIS). This allows customs to detain counterfeit goods at the border.
5. Judicial protection
If pre-trial measures do not help, go to court. You may demand:
- Cessation of the unlawful use
- Compensation from 10,000 to 5,000,000 rubles
- Recovery of damages
- Destruction of counterfeit goods
Preventive measures
- Register your mark in all the necessary classes — do not leave loopholes for competitors
- Use the ® marking — it gives notice of registration
- Document violations — screenshots, notarized inspection reports
- Keep track of renewals — an expired mark loses protection
Recommendation: Set up a monitoring system or entrust it to specialists. Early detection of violations makes protection significantly easier.