The Covid-19 pandemic has created enormous challenges for businesses and officials and disrupted the normal course of life and work for all people worldwide. Recently, the Mayor of Moscow issued an order obliging all residents to stay at home in self-isolation, with certain exceptions. In this new reality, the authorities have had to react quickly and implement measures not only to protect their employees and the public order, but also to ensure uninterrupted service.
In response to the situation, Rospatent has established temporary rules for handling incoming and future correspondence and other communication during the obligatory self-isolation period. The relevant information is published on the official websites of Rospatent and the Federal Institute for Industrial Property. In particular the following measures have been taken:
- Until a special order, acceptance of paper-based correspondence is suspended, including applications and other correspondence;
- Until 8 May 2020, all hearings before the Chamber for Patent Disputes will only be held remotely by video conference;
- In-person consultations have been discontinued; consultations will be done by telephone or email;
- Educational programmes have been converted into webinars.
Applications can be filed and correspondence submitted electronically and by post. Noerr continues to provide all trademark-related services involving communication with Rospatent as normal, including electronic filing of new applications and submitting correspondence on pending matters. We will continue to monitor the situation and would be happy to assist with any queries you might have on Russian trademark-related matters.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.