Coca-cola and Starbucks seek trademark protection in Russia amid conflict

Coca-Cola and Starbucks left Russia after Vladimir Putin began an illegal invasion of Ukraine. However, the Russian economic and business newspaper "Vedomosti" reported that both giants have filed applications for (re)registration of trademarks in the aggressor country.

After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, there began an exodus of international, especially Western, companies from Russia. Among them were the Coca-Cola Company and Starbucks. Meanwhile, according to the Rospatent database, both companies are attempting to re-register their trademarks - reported the newspaper "Vedomosti."

According to information provided by Russian media, Coca-Cola has filed applications concerning brands such as Sprite, Powerade, and Fanta. However, it is essential to note that Reuters could not locate the documents on the Rospatent agency's site, which also did not respond to journalists' inquiries.

Both giants responded to reports from the Russian media, which resonated widely in Ukraine. Western companies' applications are interpreted as a desire to return to the Russian market.

"Intellectual property assets are of high value and importance to the Coca-Cola Company, and we continuously take steps to enhance and reinforce these assets worldwide," a Coca-Cola spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. "Our filings in Russia are intended to maintain our trademark rights," a Coca-Cola spokesperson stated in a message to Reuters.

A representative of Starbucks said that the Seattle-based company routinely files trademark applications worldwide to protect its brand. Reuters points out that the Swedish furniture giant Ikea filed similar documents after leaving Russia.