Defense in a Trademark Non-Use Cancellation Action

What kind of documents evidencing use of the trademark can the trademark owner present to the court?


Current legislation provides that a trademark can be terminated based on a non-use cancellation action filed by an interested party with the Intellectual Property Court in case the mark is not in use for a continuous period of 3 years.
In order to maintain legal protection of its trademark the owner should provide the court with proper evidence of use.
The following can be submitted as proof of use:

  • payment documents showing that the goods marked with the trademark were introduced into civil circulation;
  • documents showing that the trademark was used under the control of the owner if the mark was used not by the owner itself (e.g. distribution or license agreements regarding the trademark);
  • advertising material;
  • customs declarations confirming the imports of the marked goods to the territory of the Russian Federation; and
  • documents showing the goods with the trademark were exhibited at fairs.

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