Maria Girich, Researcher of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for Vedomosti on the new realities of intellectual property protection in trade. Following the departure of western brands and the rise of parallel imports, Russian businesses have faced increased legal risks, requiring companies to reconsider their strategies.
As the expert noted, changes in supply chains contributed to new disputes. "Changes in supply chains and logistics have complicated tracing of goods' origins, increasing the risk of trademark, industrial design, and copyright claims," explained Maria Girich.
In this context, retailers are forced to adapt to parallel imports, balancing on the brink of counterfeiting. Establishment of a special registry of abandoned brands could have been one of the possible solutions, but, as the expert recalled, this initiative has not gained support.
In addition to counterfeit protection, Maria Girich emphasized the importance of protecting proprietary IT developments. She believes the bill expanding patent protection to technical solutions implemented in software code will play a key role. "This applies to algorithms that solve technical problems, including those using artificial intelligence, as well as programs that, in conjunction with equipment, manage processes, process data, or ensure the operation of devices," the expert explained.
Maria Girich summarized that today, successful intellectual property protection depends not only on legislation but also on businesses’ internal processes. "Companies could develop internal policies, conduct audits of title documents, and, if necessary, coordinate their approaches with Rospatent," the expert recommended.