The landscape for brand protection in Russia has entered a more surgical era. Following the enforcement of Government Resolution No. 1459 on October 4, 2025, the Russian Patent and Trademark Office (Rospatent) has moved away from flat class-based fees toward a more granular, item-based system.
For our clients at Exy Intellectual Property, this update is a call to review and refine. In a world where “your brand is who you are,” maintaining a lean and legally robust portfolio is the most effective way to secure a commercial edge.
The New “Per-Item” Reality
Previously, trademark fees in Russia were calculated primarily based on the number of Nice Classes. Under the new rules, while the base class fees remain, a new surcharge has been introduced:
- The Surcharge: 500 RUB for every item of goods or services exceeding 10 items within a single class.
- Localized Impact: At current 2026 rates, this is approximately RM 25.50 or SGD 8.25 per additional item. While this may seem small for a single mark, for a brand with hundreds of items across multiple classes, the costs can escalate rapidly.
Why This Matters for Your 2026 Strategy
Rospatent’s move is designed to clean up the register and prevent “patent trolling” or the hoarding of rights over products that a business does not actually provide.
- Auditing is Essential: Before your next renewal or new filing in Russia, a thorough audit of your specification of goods and services is vital. Removing “zombie” items that are no longer relevant to your business can lead to significant cost savings.
- Faster Examination: By encouraging more focused applications, Rospatent aims to reduce the burden on its examiners, potentially leading to faster approval times for compliant brands.
- Late Payment Risks: It is important to note that the grace period for trademark fees was recently shortened, and late payments now incur a 100% surcharge. Precision and punctuality are now the keys to solace and security.
Action and Confidence in Every Jurisdiction
Navigating international IP requires a partner who looks beyond the paperwork. Whether you are streamlining your assets in Russia or expanding into the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Exy IP provides the specialist consultancy required to protect your secrets and designs.
Is your Russian trademark portfolio cost-effective? Contact Exy Intellectual Property today for a specialist audit to ensure your brand is protected with precision and vision.
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