The Russian Government has adopted a decree[1] which will allow local companies and individuals to use inventions, utility models and industrial designs held by owners from “unfriendly countries” without their consent and without paying any compensation. The decree relies on the provisions in the Russian Civil Code which give the government the right, in case of extreme necessity associated with supporting the defense and safety of the state, the protection of citizens’ life and health,…
The Russian Parliament has adopted a draft law that allows the executive branch to exempt certain goods from intellectual property rights protection. The draft law gives the Government authority to temporarily annul the rules on protection of intellectual property rights in relation to goods or groups of goods specified in the relevant act of the Government or authorized agency. We believe that the measure is likely to apply to certain essential goods, medicines and medical…