Russia has succeeded in legalizing the theft of patents from people associated with its “hostile” countries, notes the Washington Post. As we read, the US government has long warned against violations of intellectual property rights in Russia. Last year, the country was among nine countries on the “watch list” for alleged negligence in this area. Now, however, it goes much further.
A Russian decree removes protection for patent holders who are registered, do business or have citizenship in hostile countries. The key is that Under Russian law, Russian entities cannot sue for damages if they use certain patents without permission.
“This is just another example of how Putin forever changed Russia’s relationship with the world“comments Josh Gerben, a lawyer specializing in intellectual property in Washington.
See also: Concerns are turning away from Russia. Nestlé, Sony and KFC join a long list of companies
The American daily cited a few days ago information from the Kremlin’s TASS agency, which announced that the Russian Ministry of Economic Development was considering the possibility of lifting restrictions on the use of intellectual property for a number of goods including import to the Russian Federation became limited. “This is an interim measure for the limited supply period.“- reported the agency.
According to the Washington Post, the effects of losing patent protection will vary from company to company. Gate computer-swiat.pl he explained that Russia’s actions lead de facto to incl. legalize computer hacking. The country faced a software glitch after Apple and Microsoft shut down operations there. Stolen software would fill this gap.
For now, the decree does not cover trademarks, but this may still change. The Washington Post explains the possible effects on the example of the McDonald’s chain. Without brand protection, Russia could take restaurants that have closed and let local operators run restaurants and call them McDonald’s.
