A federal commercial court remanded for review to a trial court on Thursday a lawsuit filed by a major alcohol beverages producer to overrule the federal Patent agency’s refusal to register the “Russian Alcohol” trademark, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI).
After considering the agency’s appeal, the court overruled lower-court decisions satisfying Russian Alcohol’s claim.
The Patent agency refused to register the brand as it is confusingly similar to the “Russkaya” (“Russian”) and “Russkaya Vodka” (“Russian Vodka”) trademarks.
The Russian Alcohol Group is a major producer of strong alcohol beverages in Russia. CEDC, one of the largest vodka producers and distributors in Poland, is the 100-percent owner of the company. CEDC owns the Zubrowka, Bols and Soplica brands.
CEDC distributes more than 700 brands, including Remy Martin, Jaegermeister, Metaxa, Corona, Foster’s, Jim Beam and Guinness. It also operates in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Some 90 percent of its shares are in free float.
Natalia Belova
RAPSI