Starbucks Refiles Trademarks in Russia: Comeback or Legal Safeguard?

Starbucks has taken a significant legal step in Russia, formally re-registering its core trademarks with the intellectual property office, Rospatent. The filing secures Starbuck’s brand – including the names “Starbucks Coffee” ☕ and “Frappuccino” – for services covering cafes, instant coffee, and loyalty programs until 2034. 🛡️

The action comes more than two years after the company suspended operations and fully exited the market in 2022 following the Western sanctions. geopolitics 🌍

This move does not signal an immediate return to Russia though. Instead, it is a crucial legal maneuver to protect its intellectual property. Under Russian law, a trademark becomes vulnerable to cancellation for non-use after three consecutive years. ⏳

What do you think? Is this a genuine sign of a future return, or simply a long-term legal insurance policy against the risk of trademark cancellation? 🤔