Although LEGO suspended its operations and stopped supplies to Russia in 2022, the company continues to actively safeguard its intellectual property rights in the country. This strategy is common among international brands that maintain trademark protection even after leaving the market.
What LEGO Did in 2025
- New UDRP Action
In May 2025, LEGO initiated a case through WIPO against domain names registered in Russia —<legohublimited.net>(registered on February 16, 2025), as well as<legolandialtd.net>and<legolandltd.net>. While this is not a trademark registration per se, it demonstrates the company’s active enforcement of its rights online. - Formal Trademark Registrations
According to WIPO data from a May 2025 domain dispute, company officially owns the following registrations in Russia:- No. 280003 — LEGO, class 28, since December 10, 2004No. 42932 — , class 28, since December 10, 1971No. 474693 — , class 28, since November 14, 2012
- Corresponding applications were also filed with Rospatent in June 2025. The Danish manufacturer of educational construction toys, Lego Group, plans to register in Russia an educational project that includes not only toys and construction sets but also board games, books, and other educational products.
- Thus, in 2025 no new trademarks have been registered, but existing ones remain valid, and company continues to enforce them.
Why Does Company Maintain Trademark Activity?
- Preventing expiration due to non-use. Under Article 1486 of the Russian Civil Code, trademark protection can lapse if the mark is not used for three years (ipkitten.blogspot.com). Renewals and enforcement help preserve rights.
- Preparing for possible market re-entry. Even if business is halted, the brand retains the option to return.
- Filtering domain infringements. Through UDRP cases, LEGO fights against domain registrations using its name (e.g.,
<legohublimited.net>), which is crucial for preventing phishing, fraud, and reputational risks (wipo.int).
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