Filing a Trademark Registration Application in Russia for Foreigners

In a world where business borders are fading, foreign entrepreneurs increasingly seek to protect their brands in the Russian market. With its vast consumer potential, Russia attracts companies from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, but safeguarding intellectual property requires trademark (TM) registration through Rospatent. For non-residents, the process has its nuances, from the mandatory involvement of a patent attorney to document translation. This article focuses specifically on the application filing stage, based on the latest insights as of September 2025. We’ll break down how to compile the application package, choose the submission method, and avoid common pitfalls to ensure your application sails through smoothly.

Why Foreigners Should Act Fast with Application Filing

Before diving into the details, let’s set the context. According to Rospatent, the first half of 2025 saw a 15% increase in trademark applications from foreigners compared to the previous year, particularly from China and the EU. This surge is tied to recovering trade and new sanction-related realities, prompting brands to establish a local presence. Filing an application isn’t just a formality; it secures a priority date, which can be critical in disputes. For foreigners, the Paris Convention grants a six-month window to transfer priority from their home country, but without a properly filed application, this advantage is lost. Mistakes can lead to the application being returned, forcing you to start over and lose time and money.

Step 1: Preparation for Application Filing – Choosing an Attorney and Conducting a Preliminary Search

Foreign individuals and companies cannot file directly – this is a requirement under Article 1247 of the Russian Civil Code. You must engage a Russian patent attorney accredited by Rospatent. This professional acts on your behalf, prepares documents, and handles correspondence. Choose your attorney early: check the Rospatent registry, read reviews on forums, or contact reputable firms like Patentus or Dvitex. Attorney fees range from 30,000 to 100,000 RUB, depending on complexity.

Before assembling documents, conduct a preliminary search in Rospatent’s database (free on their website or through paid services). This helps identify similar marks and avoid refusals. For foreigners, consider how your brand (e.g., in Latin script) might sound or appear in Cyrillic – this can sometimes cause conflicts.

Step 2: Compiling the Required Documents

The application is the core of the process and must be in Russian, even if your original documents are in English or another language. Here’s the essential list, updated for 2025:

• Registration Application: Use the form provided on Rospatent’s website (per Order No. 483 of the Ministry of Economic Development, 2015, with amendments). Include the applicant’s details (your name/company name, address in the home country), a description of the mark (word, figurative, or combined), and an image (8×8 cm, in color if needed).
• List of Goods and Services: Based on the Nice Classification (12th edition, 2025). Select classes – from 1 (chemicals) to 45 (legal services). Don’t overreach: each additional class increases the fee.
• Power of Attorney: Signed by you, notarized, and apostilled (if from a Hague Convention country). This is a critical document for foreigners.
• Priority Document: If claiming conventional priority (from your home country), include a copy of the initial application with a certified translation.
• Consent to Process Personal Data: Mandatory for all applicants, but for foreigners, it must comply with GDPR or similar regulations.
• Image of the Mark: In electronic or paper format, clear and meeting requirements.

For non-standard marks (e.g., 3D or sound), include a description. All translations must be certified. In 2025, Rospatent has tightened checks on document completeness, so missing even a minor paper can lead to rejection.

Step 3: Paying Fees – How Much and How

Fees must be paid before or with the application. For 2025, base rates (with a 30% discount for electronic filing) are:

• For application filing and formal examination: 2,450 RUB + 700 RUB per class beyond the first.
• For substantive examination: 8,050 RUB + 1,750 RUB per additional class.

For one class, expect around 10,500 RUB with the discount. Paper submissions cost more. Pay through a bank, specifying “Rospatent” and the application number (if known). Foreigners can pay in rubles via their attorney or through an international transfer.

Step 4: Submission Methods

Rospatent offers flexible options, but electronic or postal submission via an attorney is most convenient for foreigners.

• Electronically: Through the personal account on the FIPS portal (www.fips.ru). The attorney registers an account, uploads scans, and uses a digital signature (EDS). This is the fastest method – applications are registered in days, plus the fee discount.
• By Mail: Send originals to FIPS at Berezhkovskaya Nab., 30, Bldg. 1, Moscow, 125993. Use registered mail with an inventory. For foreigners, opt for DHL or similar with tracking.
• In Person: The attorney can submit at FIPS’s Moscow office. Rare for foreigners but possible.
• By Fax: Only for urgent cases, with originals sent within 2 weeks.

In 2025, the updated “ARM Registrar” service simplifies online filing for attorneys. After submission, you’ll receive a notification with the application number – keep it for tracking.

Common Mistakes by Foreigners and How to Avoid Them

Many stumble on minor issues: incomplete translations, incorrect classifications, or missing apostilles on powers of attorney. Last year, Rospatent returned 20% of applications from foreigners due to formal errors. Tip: have your attorney double-check everything. If planning international protection via the Madrid System, ensure your base application in your home country is already filed – this simplifies extension to Russia.

Filing a trademark application in Russia as a foreigner is manageable if approached strategically. With a reliable attorney, a complete document package, and timely payment, you’ll secure your rights and avoid surprises. In 2025, Rospatent’s digitization has sped things up, but accuracy remains key. If you’re new to this, start with a consultation – it saves months. A protected brand is your passport to the Russian market, unlocking opportunities for growth and partnerships.