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Important notice of 19 July 2024

No acceptance of new applications filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia

On 25 June 2024, Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1745 of 24 June 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine entered into force as part of the 14th sanctions package.

The regulation imposes, among other things, restrictions on accepting applications for registrations in the Union of certain intellectual property rights by Russian nationals, natural persons resident in Russia and Russian companies. The DPMA as an intellectual property office is supposed not to allow the filing of such applications. Article 5s(1) of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 specifies that the DPMA shall not accept new applications for registration of trade marks, patents, designs, utility models, protected designations of origin and geographical indications filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia. This applies even if the applications are filed jointly with one or more non-Russian natural or legal person(s) resident or established outside of Russia. In addition, the DPMA shall not accept any requests or submissions filed by Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia or by legal persons, entities or bodies established in Russia during the registration procedure relating to the rights mentioned above.

The restrictions do not apply to nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland; neither do they apply to natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland. As a consequence, the DPMA shall request the necessary information from natural persons and companies.

The DPMA will inform about changes to procedures required due to the restrictions for factual or legal reasons.

Last updated: 22 July 2024