News

Draft law on the separate form of data processing consent

On 29 October, a draft law was adopted in its first reading on the separate form of consent to personal data processing. According to the text of the draft law, effective 1 March 2025, the consent to personal data processing will have to be drawn up separately from any other information or documents signed or accepted by the data subject.

Russia’s Ministry of Culture proposes to detail the procedure for applying the orphan works law

The Russian Ministry of Culture has prepared draft Government Resolutions intended to detail the procedure for applying the new provisions of the Russian Civil Code.

Rospatent increases fees

By the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 18 September, the fees for the registration of intellectual rights and transactions therewith have been increased. In addition, the discount for electronic filing has been abolished and late payment will now incur a fee of double the amount. The changes will enter into force on 5 October 2024.

Alternative jurisdictions for doing business: hidden pitfalls

In selecting a jurisdiction for transactions, the local tax regime and any restrictions on international money transfers must be considered, and it is important not to overlook special tax requirements and restrictions on transactions with foreign counterparties that are imposed directly by Russian law. Such special restrictions apply to transactions with countries that are “blacklisted” by the Russian Ministry of Finance (Minfin), the Central Bank, the Federal Tax Service and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service. Our team summarizes the restrictions (largely tax-related) that may be imposed on businesses that are residents of blacklisted countries.

Current issues in including design and engineering costs in the value of imported equipment

When determining the customs value of production equipment imported into Russia, questions often arise in practice as to whether it is possible to include the design and engineering costs in the customs value. Such costs may have a significant impact on the total amount of customs duties payable, so it is important to understand when and under what conditions they should be included in the customs value of equipment.

Amendments to laws on joint stock companies and limited liability companies effective 1 September 2024

Amendments to laws on joint stock companies and limited liability companies have become effective as of 1 September 2024. These amendments, in particular, introduce mandatory notarisation of resolutions on the election of the company’s general director, and regulate the suspension of dividend payments to “lost shareholders”, the forms of general meetings of participants/shareholders, etc.

Not just bloggers: new rules for mobile operators and mobile subscribers

Earlier in August the Russian President signed Federal Law No. 303-FZ “On Amending the Federal Law ‘On Communications’ and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”, which also introduces significant changes to the activities of mobile operators.

Orphan objects of copyright (neighbouring rights)

On 22 July 2024, Federal Law No. 190-FZ “On Amendments to Part Four of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation” dated 22 July 2024 was adopted, establishing the legal regulation of ‘orphan’ works.

Not just bloggers: new rules for messengers and social networks

On 8 August 2024, the Russian President signed a law imposing new obligations on the owners and users of messengers and social networks.

Reform of the corporate agreement

The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia is developing two draft laws envisaging amendments to the regulation of corporate agreements. The draft laws contain both innovations in the form of norms supplementing the regulation of a number of institutions in the area of corporate law and provisions aimed at legislative consolidation of mechanisms used by participants in civil turnover by virtue of the principle of freedom of contract.

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