Kirill Katkov has commented for Novy Prospect on Yandex’s disputes with a Swiss company over the Ultima brand

Yandex is trying to have the Ultima trademark cancelled in Russia through the courts. The brand is registered to Ultima Capital, a Swiss luxury housing operator, which is engaged in leasing elite residences, chalets and villas in Switzerland, France and Greece. The Ultima brand is used by Yandex for Yandex Go luxury taxis, food delivery from Yandex Food restaurants, and as part of a project with premium and niche brands on the Yandex Market. 

Previously, the parties have already sued over this matter. But, as Kirill Katkov, Associate at Maxima Legal, explained to Novy Prospect, Yandex abandoned the lawsuit in connection with the settlement of the dispute in peace. The right holder provided the Russian company with a letter of consent, which was sent to the Rospatent (the Federal Service for Intellectual Property). This means that Ultima Capital has authorised the registration and use of the trademark, so Yandex’s interest in early termination of the trademark’s legal protection has disappeared, the expert said.

According to Kirill, in the current proceedings, the court may take the side of the Swiss company, if it can also prove that the trademark was not used for circumstances beyond its control, such as international sanctions.

To read the full article (in Russian), please, see Novy Prospect website >>>