Insights | Denuo

Trademark troll alert: protect your brand in Russia

The year 2025 marks three years since many international brands exited the Russian market. Under Russian law, trademarks that have not been actively used for three consecutive years become vulnerable to cancellation, giving interested parties the opportunity to initiate legal actions to terminate their protection. While some businesses may be quietly exploring how to rebuild bridges, trademark trolls are already lurking beneath these bridges, ready to capitalise on trademarks that appear unused.

Draft law on the right to deny foreign investors who have left the market the option of repurchasing assets

The Draft Law proposes amendments to Federal Law No. 160-FZ “On Foreign Investment in the Russian Federation” dated 9 July 1999.

New EU and UK sanctions against Russia

On 20 May 2025, the European Union (“EU”) and the United Kingdom (“UK”) announced new coordinated sanctions targeting Russia. Among the key sectors of the economy affected by the sanctions are the energy and military sectors. Our team summarises the main new introductions of the 17th EU sanctions package and UK sanctions in this legal update.

Denuo advises Samolet on sale of Domyland proptech platform to Yandex

Denuo has advised Samolet, one of the largest proptech and real estate development corporations in Russia, on the sale of Domyland, a technology solutions platform for real estate developers and management companies, to Yandex.

EU adds criteria for imposing sanctions and makes it harder to challenge them

On 14 May 2025, the Council of the EU published Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/904, which added the criteria for imposing EU blocking sanctions and significantly changed the proof process in cases of sanctions challenges by leading Russian businesspersons.

Increasing profits tax rate for organisations using trademarks of foreign companies that have ceased their activities in Russia

In response to the exodus of foreign companies from the Russian market and the subsequent discussion of their possible return, the State Duma has introduced two interrelated draft laws, No. 879837-8 and No. 879812-8, aimed, as lawmakers suggest, at protecting the domestic market and supporting domestic business.

Denuo’s team leads Russia’s M&A for eighth consecutive year

For the eighth consecutive year, Denuo’s team has been recognised as the highest-ranked legal advisor in Russia for M&A deal count, according to Mergers.ru league tables.

31 / 03 / 2510:00 msk

Personal data and legal risks: how to protect your business in 2025

Denuo defended Skyeng in corporate dispute

Denuo has successfully defended the interests of Skyeng online school and its subsidiary LLC “Q” in a dispute over the rights to participation interest in LLC “Q”. The lawsuit was filed by the ex-wife of one of the former participants of LLC “Q”.

02 / 04 / 2510:00 msk

Comprehensive tax treaty of the Russian Federation with the UAE. New opportunities for companies and business owners