The Russian government has lodged objections with patent authorities in various countries regarding what it deems as the "inappropriate" registration of the transfer of rights to Baltika trademarks, Vedomosti reports.
International Notification Issued by Rospatent
As per the sources, Rospatent, the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, has dispatched notifications to the national intellectual property offices of several CIS countries, including Georgia and Mongolia. Notably, disputes over trademark rights involving Carlsberg Azerbaijan and Vista BWay Co. in Belarus have also come to light.
Disputed Agreements and Ownership
The controversy revolves around an agreement signed by former top managers of Baltika, division rights to the brand with Carlsberg subsidiaries. Signed shortly after the appointment of Taimuraz Bolloev as the president of Baltika, the agreement transfers rights to the Baltika trademark in several CIS countries, as well as in Georgia and Mongolia, to entities within the Danish conglomerate's umbrella. Baltika is contesting this decision, seeking to annul the transfer of brands.
Currently, only Kyrgyzpatent suspended the registration of the license agreement of Carlsberg Kazakhstan.
Background: Baltika's History with Carlsberg
Baltika, a renowned brewing company, became part of the Carlsberg group in 2008. Over the years, Carlsberg consolidated its ownership, acquiring shares from other stakeholders. However, in the wake of geopolitical tensions, Carlsberg announced its intention to divest its Russian business in 2022.
Legal Wrangling and Asset Transfer
Despite Carlsberg's plans to sell its Russian business to the Arnest holding, Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened, placing the group's assets, including Baltika, under temporary management by the Federal Property Management Agency. Carlsberg contested this decision and terminated its agreement with Baltika, citing unexpected circumstances. The brewing giant estimated the financial impact of its exit from Russia at $5.9bn.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Disputes
In response, Baltika pursued legal action to protect its brand assets, securing a court injunction against the revocation of rights to brands such as Tuborg, Kronenbourg, and Holsten in Russia. The company's former president and deputy were arrested on fraud charges, adding to the complexity of the legal saga. In a recent ruling, the Arbitration Court of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region sided with Baltika, depriving Carlsberg Kazakhstan of its rights to the brands in question.
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