The ongoing dispute over licensing for the Moomins, the beloved characters created by Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson, continues to unfold without stopping the publication of Jansson’s books in Russia. Reports indicate that the Jansson family’s popular works remain available through Russian publishers TASS AST and Azbuka-Atticus, who continue to sell and reprint Moomin titles in the Russian language. This signals that the core literary material remains in circulation locally, even as licensing discussions evolve on the rights front.
Public statements from AFI Development previously indicated that the license for Moomin characters had been revoked by official copyright holders, Moomin Characters, a company established in the 1950s by Tove Jansson and Lars Jansson. The revocation has practical implications for any new licensing agreements and the renewal of existing ones, shaping how Moomin-related products can be marketed and distributed within Russia. The tension between publishers and rights holders underscores the fragility of international licensing in a climate of shifting sanctions and regulatory controls.
The decision to cancel the children’s event known as the Spring Moomin Festival, which had been planned for Afimall Shopping Centre, reflects the downstream effects of the licensing changes. With rights tied up in question, organizers faced the impossibility of hosting activities that feature Moomin characters in a Russian venue. The cancellation illustrates how shifts in copyright status can ripple through local cultural programming, affecting audiences who were looking forward to interactive experiences with Jansson’s creations.
Under the license framework managed by Moomin Characters, the primary product categories have historically included porcelain items and souvenirs—such as glassware and dinnerware adorned with images of the Moomin family. These tangible goods form a key revenue stream that supports continued interest in the brand, even as broader rights negotiations unfold. Consumers looking for Moomin-themed objects in Russia would typically encounter a range of items designed to appeal to families and fans of all ages, from decorative keepsakes to practical tableware.
Explaining the licensing pause, Sergey Tishkov, who heads the Children’s Literature Department at AST Publishing House, noted that the suspension affects the sale of new licenses and the renewal of existing licenses. This stance highlights a cautious approach by publishers who must navigate a complicated landscape of sanctions, geopolitical developments, and evolving intellectual property rules. While existing stock may remain available through distributors, the door to new Moomin collaborations is temporarily closed as rights holders reassess market access and compliance requirements.
Given the current sanctions and the broader position taken by rights holders, Russian licensees are stepping back from formal agreements to use the Moomin characters. This pause signals a shift in strategy as publishers and retailers seek to maintain compliance while continuing to offer safe alternatives to audiences. In the short term, some industry representatives suggest pivoting to other popular characters that are seen as stable and broadly appealing in the present market environment. One such alternative mentioned by concerned parties is Cheburashka, a character with enduring appeal in Russia. Supporters argue that Cheburashka represents a culturally resonant option for licensed products and events that can be organized within current regulatory confines.