INTERFAX

The FKP Soyuzplodoimport is Resolute to Continue Fight for the Trade Marks of 

Famous Russian Vodkas Abroad

14.10.2003

October 14. INTERFAX – Soyuzplodoimport Federal State Enterprise that disposes of the trade marks of famous Russian vodkas in the name of the State in this country, is resolute to continue fight for these brands abroad, said Vladimir Uvatenko, Soyuzplodoimport spokesman, to the INTERFAX reporter.

The dispute arose in connection with the fact that currently the rights to the trade marks of Russian vodkas (Stolichnaya, Moskovskaya, Русская (Russkaya) and others) in Russia belong to the State. However in a number of countries the rights to these brands belong to the S.P.I. international group and distributing companies. The issue is to be resolved in court.

V. Uvatenko brushed aside the release of the S.P.I. group published Tuesday, which says that Soyuzplodoimport FSE opted out of the fight in the West. This statement is based on the fact that the term of appeal in connection with the decision of the Rotterdam district court of May 15, 2003, has recently expired. The court allegedly decided that Spirits International N. V. (S.P.I. Group of companies) is the legal owner of the trade marks Stolichnaya and Moskovskaya all over the world and is a bona fide purchaser.

According to the press release the appeal was to be entered by Soyuzplodoimport FSE and its Belgian distributor Sacap. Now S.P.I. "has the right to prohibit distribution of Moskovskaya vodka, imported by Soyuzplodoimport”, stresses the press release. However, according to V. Uvatenko, S.P.I. group juggles with words for on May 15 the court decided the issue of release of two containers of Moskovskaya Russian vodka, delivered to Sacap Company. We followed the advice of our lawyers to focus on the main claim entered to the district court of Rotterdam, he said. In this claim Soyuzplodoimport FSE seeks Spirits International N. V. to be adjudged unlawful owner of the brands Stolichnaya and Moskovskaya, which were registered in Benelux states, elaborated V. Uvatenko. According to him, the first hearing of this claim in court is to take place in February 2004. Further the Soyuzplodoimport spokesman said that Soyuzplodoimport has already exported 40 thousand decalitres of state vodka.