Result
As a result, our legal position was accepted, and the infringer complied with our demands by changing their company name. This helped prevent potential losses for our client and preserved their market reputation.
Background
Since 2009, "I-PLAST" LLC (Nizhnekamsk, Russia) has held exclusive rights to its company name. The company actively operates across Russia and the CIS countries, with production facilities exceeding 100,000 square meters and employing over 800 people. The company’s main activity is the production of large-scale containers and other products made from polymer raw materials.
In March 2023, a new organization named "I PLAST" LLC (Kazan, Russia) was registered. The name of this company is almost identical to our client’s name, with the only difference being the absence of a hyphen between the elements "I" and "PLAST".
The new entity’s activities were also similar to those of our client, creating a risk of confusion among consumers and potential partners. This could have led to significant reputational and financial losses for "I-PLAST" LLC.
In March 2023, a new organization named "I PLAST" LLC (Kazan, Russia) was registered. The name of this company is almost identical to our client’s name, with the only difference being the absence of a hyphen between the elements "I" and "PLAST".
The new entity’s activities were also similar to those of our client, creating a risk of confusion among consumers and potential partners. This could have led to significant reputational and financial losses for "I-PLAST" LLC.
Practice
We analyzed the business of the infringing party and then sent them an official letter demanding they change their company name.
After receiving no response within the specified timeframe, we investigated the business owner’s social media profiles and sent him direct messages.
After receiving no response within the specified timeframe, we investigated the business owner’s social media profiles and sent him direct messages.
Strategy
Enforced the company name "I-PLAST" LLC
"I-PLAST" LLC (Nizhnekamsk, Russia)
Client
See also
Protecting the client's new technology abroad
We have planned and implemented a strategy for protecting the client's new technology, which was a subject of interest for foreign customers.
Effective rebuff to a brand squatter in Kazakhstan
We protected the interests of a Russian food manufacturer against a brand invader in Kazakhstan.
Restoration of Protection of Illegally Invalidated Patent
We retained the client's patent, initially invalidated based on documents fabricated by a competitor.
Consulting and handling disposal of trademark rights
We provided consultations and carried out the necessary actions to dispose of the client's trademark rights in connection with the business restructuring.
Overcoming the PTO’s refusal to register a trademark
We overcame Rospatent's refusal to register our client's mark by filing a non-use cancellation lawsuit against the cited trademark.