Starbucks filed trademark applications in Russia

We are talking about qualifications for classes 21, 30, 35 and 43 of the International Classification of Goods and Services (CIGS): instant coffee, preparation of drinks and food for consumption on site, administration of a loyalty program, etc.

According to Forward Legal lawyer Lyudmila Lukyanova, Starbucks brands were previously registered in Russia only under class 43 of the ICGS. Most likely, the company wants to protect its brand when it sells coffee machines, cups, coffee capsules, coffee drinks and some other products. In her opinion, there may be problems with protecting against misuse of a trademark in these areas.

The CEO of the online patent company, Alina Akinshina, suggested that the filing of a trademark application confirms Starbucks Corporation’s interest in being able to return to Russia “with brands familiar to consumers.”

• In March 2022, Starbucks discontinued supplies to the Russian Federation and closed its locations. The new owners of the business were restaurateur Anton Pinsky, singer and businessman Timati and Senator Arsen Kanokov’s company Sindika. In August, the first coffee shop under the new Stars Coffee brand was opened in Novi Arbat.
• In January 2024, all owners of Stars Coffee, except Timur Yunusov (Timati) and Sergei Kropachev, pledged their shares in the company to Sberbank. Experts say this is common practice when a company needs working capital to expand its business, but the fact that not all of the participants’ shares are pledged raises questions.