1. The Claim: Non-Use Cancellation
The Kaluga liquor and vodka plant «Kristall» has applied to the Intellectual Property Court (IPC) seeking early termination of the legal protection of the trademark Trump for goods in Class 33 of the Nice Classification — alcoholic beverages including whisky, vodka, and related products.
The legal basis is Article 1486 of the Russian Civil Code: where a trademark owner fails to use the mark continuously for three years, any interested party may initiate cancellation proceedings. The key argument advanced by the claimant is that the Trump brand has not been used on the Russian market for alcoholic goods during the statutory period.
Case at a Glance
- Claimant: Kaluga Liquor and Vodka Plant «Kristall»
- Respondent: DTTM Operations, LLC (USA) — entity affiliated with Donald Trump
- Subject of the claim: Early termination of the Trump trademark (Class 33 Nice Classification)
- Court: Intellectual Property Court of Russia (IPC)
- Date of filing: March 2026
- Legal basis: Article 1486 of the Russian Civil Code (non-use)
2. The Respondent: Who Holds the Trump Mark in Russia?
The American company DTTM Operations, LLC — a structure affiliated with Donald Trump — is the current registered proprietor of the Trump trademark in the Russian Federation. The history of this right is inseparable from the political biography of the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
The mark was originally registered by Trump himself during his business career, well before his first presidential term. Since then, the brand has travelled a long road — from corporate skyscrapers to the contested pages of international intellectual property law.
3. Timeline: How the Conflict Unfolded
Donald Trump personally registers the Trump trademark with Rospatent for Class 33 of the Nice Classification (alcoholic beverages).
Trademark rights are transferred to DTTM Operations, LLC — a Trump-affiliated entity.
2024
«Kristall» files an application with Rospatent to register its own Trump trademark for alcoholic beverages — and runs into the existing registration held by DTTM Operations.
2025
«Kristall»'s legal team sends the respondent three proposed solutions — including licensing arrangements and other commercial structures. No response is received.
2026
«Kristall» files its claim with the Intellectual Property Court seeking cancellation of the Trump trademark protection.
4. Key Points: What You Need to Know
Claim filed under Article 1486 of the Russian Civil Code
«Kristall» seeks to terminate protection of the Trump mark for Class 33 goods (whisky, vodka and other spirits) on the ground of non-use within the Russian market.
Central argument: non-use
According to «Kristall»'s legal team, the Trump brand has not been continuously used in Russia for alcoholic goods during the last three years — an independent statutory ground for cancellation under the Russian Civil Code.
Diplomacy remains a priority
Despite the litigation, «Kristall» remains open to negotiation — including licensed production of beverages under the Trump brand for export markets. The claim was a forced step following the respondent's silence.
Scope extends beyond Class 33
The Trump brand covers not only spirits but also non-alcoholic beverages. The potential for commercial use — and accordingly the stakes in this dispute — are global in nature.
5. Legal Context: Article 1486 and IPC Practice
The institution of early termination of trademark protection on grounds of non-use is firmly established in Russian jurisprudence. The Intellectual Property Court has accumulated an extensive body of decisions under Article 1486 of the Civil Code — from disputes involving major domestic brands to high-profile cases with foreign rights holders.
The Kristall v. DTTM Operations case illustrates a classic construction: a Russian company seeking to register a mark encounters the "dormant" right of a foreign proprietor. In the absence of evidence of genuine use in Russia, the respondent will face a very difficult task in defending the protection.
The pivotal question for the IPC to resolve is whether the Trump brand was actually placed into commercial circulation in the Russian Federation in respect of Class 33 alcoholic goods during the last three years. The answer will determine the outcome of the case.
6. The Stakes: What Both Sides Stand to Win or Lose
«Kristall»'s Interest
Secure the right to register and use the Trump brand for alcoholic beverages — both domestically and in export markets, including potential licensed production arrangements.
DTTM Operations' Interest
Preserve the legal protection of a global brand in Russia. Loss of registration could set a precedent for similar proceedings in other jurisdictions.
Market Potential
Class 33 covers the full spectrum of alcoholic beverages. A brand carrying the globally recognised name "Trump" commands significant commercial value for export markets.
Precedent Value
The case may become a landmark example of applying Article 1486 of the Civil Code to politically significant international brands. Its outcome will be closely studied by IP practitioners.
7. The iPpro Perspective: Intellectual Property as a Platform for Dialogue
This case vividly illustrates that intellectual property tools are not merely instruments of confrontation — they are a platform for constructive engagement. «Kristall» consistently pursued a pre-litigation path, offering the respondent alternative scenarios: licensing, joint use of the brand in export markets, and other commercial formats.
Silence in response to such proposals is not only a legal risk for the rights holder — it is a missed business opportunity. Licensed production under the Trump brand for Russian exports could have become a remarkable story, both from a PR and a commercial standpoint.
Now the word lies with the Intellectual Property Court. We will be watching developments closely.
Keep an eye on this case — it has every chance of becoming a landmark in international brand management and in the application of Article 1486 of the Civil Code to politically significant trademarks. In the meantime, we are rooting for constructive dialogue and elegant label designs. 🥂
"Intellectual property is not a battlefield — it is a stage for creative collaboration. We believe that even the most complex case can be transformed into a success story: with brilliance, depth, and a signature gold logo."
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