In 2025, the Korean automakers, Kia and Hyundai intensified their work with the Rospatent database. Kia obtained protection for a number of trademarks, including designations of future electric models, while Hyundai submitted a package of new applications. Against the backdrop of the continuing shortage of official supplies, this looks like “legal groundwork” — without a direct promise of an immediate return.
What Exactly Kia Registered
Since the beginning of 2025, Rospatent has registered at least six Kia trademarks. Some applications were filed in autumn 2024, and registration decisions came in spring/summer 2025. Separately, protection of the designations KIA EV7 and KIA EV9 in the electric vehicle category has been confirmed. The term of protection for these new entries extends until 2034 (the standard 10-year protection from the date of filing).
What Hyundai Is Doing
On August 14, 2025, Hyundai filed six new applications for trademark registration with Rospatent. The classes of protection include, in addition to automobiles and spare parts (Nice Class 12), related areas such as telecom/navigation services and other adjacent services. Earlier in 2025, at least four Hyundai trademarks were also mentioned as registered. This fits into the strategy of “keeping rights in force” and expanding class coverage for the future.
Important: This Does Not Mean a Quick Market Return
Trademark registration is a legal tool for protecting brands and models: it preserves exclusive rights to names, prevents “capture” by third parties, and provides room for maneuver in case of a market shift. It does not equal launching sales “tomorrow.” Nevertheless, systemic actions (bulk applications, class extensions, fixation of model names) are usually interpreted by the market as maintaining the option of a return. Industry media have also pointed to the growth of such applications and to Hyundai’s negotiable options regarding assets in Russia.
Why Automakers Are Spending on “Paperwork” Now
- Legal hygiene: without valid trademarks, the brand would find it harder to stop illegitimate use of its designations.
- Option preservation: if distribution/localization contours change, the legal base is already prepared.
- Parallel imports: the brand’s presence in circulation stimulates registration actions to formally distinguish “official” from “other” use.
How It Works Legally (Briefly)
A trademark is registered under the Nice Classification (ICGS) by relevant classes: for cars — primarily Class 12, for oils/lubricants — Class 4, for service/maintenance — Class 37, for telecom services — Class 38, etc. Protection lasts 10 years with the possibility of renewal. The 2025 practice of Kia/Hyundai shows expanded class coverage for related goods and services.
What This Could Mean for Consumers in 2025–2026
— Short term: there will be no direct consequences for car availability in dealerships; an official price list will not appear tomorrow.
— Medium term: new registrations make it easier to legally launch official supplies, should a corporate decision be made. For Kia, this is especially notable with the registration of EV7/EV9 designations — a signal “placeholder” for the future.
RIA Novosti
Conclusion
In 2025, Kia and Hyundai are consistently strengthening their rights to names and logos in Russia: Kia has confirmed six trademarks and separate entries for EV7/EV9; Hyundai filed six fresh applications in August, on top of earlier registrations. This is the maintenance of legal readiness and the protection of brand assets — not an announcement of an immediate comeback. The next signs to watch: new applications for specific models, staffing and distributor moves, and corporate statements from the companies.
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