In a notable move within Russia’s intellectual property landscape, a domestic syrup producer identified as Vkusnaya Zhizn has launched a formal challenge to the protection status of the well-known Aperol and Aperol Spritz trademarks. The company filed a lawsuit against Davide Campari Milano, commonly referred to as DCM, the Italian entity that owns these brands. Reports from the financial press indicate the case’s profile has risen quickly; the matter has been sent to the Intellectual Property Court, with the first hearing anticipated in June. Observers view this development as a substantial broadening of the domestic firm’s approach to contesting international brand marks within the national market. The decision could influence how foreign luxury and consumer brands operate in Russia and how national courts interpret protection rights tied to these marks. At stake are questions about the scope of trademark protection, permissible commercial use, and the boundaries concerning deprotection or revocation. The case exemplifies a broader pattern where Russian manufacturers attempt to leverage local judicial processes to shape the branding environment for globally recognized products, a trend that has drawn commentary from industry analysts and market observers tracking intellectual property dynamics in Russia and nearby markets. The parties are contending over the legal thresholds that govern registration consistency, market use, and potential territorial limitations on trademark enforcement. The outcome may also affect how international brand governance interacts with national regulatory frameworks, including the assessment of confusingly similar marks and the balance between consumer protection and brand autonomy. As the court proceeds, stakeholders in the branding and consumer goods sectors are watching closely to see how this confrontation may recalibrate risk for foreign brands seeking access to the Russian consumer base, and how such domestic legal maneuvers could set precedents for future trademark disputes across the region. Analysts highlight that the case could shape strategies for both licensors and licensees, influencing how licensing agreements are structured, how brand portfolios are defended, and how market entry plans account for evolving IP protections in Russia and its neighboring markets.
