“The State Border Service of Ukraine has registered a trademark for “Russian warship” in Ukraine and will continue to work to prevent possible unfair manipulations around this expression.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
The State Border Service of Ukraine has registered a trademark for “Russian warship” in Ukraine and will continue to work to prevent possible unfair manipulations around this expression.
Source: Colonel Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Service, in a comment to “Ukrainian Pravda” on a request to comment on the loss of the appeal in the EU court regarding the registration of such a trademark in Europe
Direct speech: “Of course, it is unfortunate that such a decision was made, but I am convinced that the European Intellectual Property Office and European courts are guided by the rules of the law and we have to accept it. We hope that they will also not allow possible registrations by anyone else.
Something additional can be said after reading the full court decision. However, I can assure you that the State Border Service of Ukraine will continue its work to prevent possible dishonest manipulations around this statement. We must protect the symbols that demonstrate the heroism and courage of Ukrainian defenders, including border guards, who are an integral part of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.”
Details: The expression “Russian warship, go to hell” became a peculiar symbol of the struggle of the Ukrainian people. It was spoken by a border guard from Snake Island on February 24, 2022, the first day of a full-scale invasion of Russia. And this saying needs protection, first of all, against dishonest intentions, explains Demchenko.
Therefore, the DPSU initiated the registration of authorship, as a confirmation of indomitability in opposing the Russian occupiers.
The State Border Service also conducted trademark registration work in Ukraine. And for now it is completed.
In 2022, such work began in Europe. In particular, to prevent the misappropriation of the expression and so that it does not become a way of commercial gain or a tool of dishonest manipulations, emphasizes the spokesperson of the DPSU.
A team of lawyers submitted an application to the European Intellectual Property Office. At the same time, this institution, after a long review, still refused registration. An appeal against this decision was filed in early 2024.
However, the court determined that a figurative sign consisting of a well-known phrase cannot be registered as an EU trademark.