Russia Expands IP Protection for Software-Implemented, Biotech and Interface Solutions
What changed
Federal Law No. 296-FZ of 4 August 2026 amends Part IV of the Russian Civil Code. The amendments cover copyright, inventions, utility models and industrial designs, and enter into force on 1 January 2027.
For computer programs, amended Article 1261 will no longer refer only to computers and other computer devices. It will cover programs intended to obtain a result through computers and other devices capable of automated information processing based on algorithms, together with preparatory materials and displays generated by the program.
Article 1350 will expressly list protein and genetic constructions among products that may be protected as inventions. It will also cover a technical solution implemented through a device or system capable of automated information processing based on algorithms, as well as a method carried out using such a device or system. Article 1351 similarly confirms utility model protection for qualifying technical solutions implemented through such devices.
Article 1352 will extend industrial design protection beyond the traditional appearance of a product to a program-generated visual display intended for human interaction with a computer program, or an independently significant part of that display.
Who is affected
The changes are relevant to developers of software-implemented products and algorithm-based devices, biotech companies, interface designers, and applicants planning Russian patent, utility model or design filings.
Practical action
Applicants should review planned claims and filing materials ahead of 1 January 2027. The law does not make software “as such” automatically patentable: software-related inventions must still be framed as technical solutions and satisfy the usual patentability requirements. Interface filings should identify the protectable visual display or independently significant part. Existing portfolios may also merit a filing-strategy review where earlier subject-matter framing was restrictive.
Source and status
Federal Law No. 296-FZ was signed and officially published on 4 August 2026. It is enacted but not yet in force and will take effect on 1 January 2027.
Official publication: Federal Law No. 296-FZ of 4 August 2026
Federal Law No. 296-FZ of 4 August 2026 amends Part IV of the Russian Civil Code. The amendments cover copyright, inventions, utility models and industrial designs, and enter into force on 1 January 2027.
For computer programs, amended Article 1261 will no longer refer only to computers and other computer devices. It will cover programs intended to obtain a result through computers and other devices capable of automated information processing based on algorithms, together with preparatory materials and displays generated by the program.
Article 1350 will expressly list protein and genetic constructions among products that may be protected as inventions. It will also cover a technical solution implemented through a device or system capable of automated information processing based on algorithms, as well as a method carried out using such a device or system. Article 1351 similarly confirms utility model protection for qualifying technical solutions implemented through such devices.
Article 1352 will extend industrial design protection beyond the traditional appearance of a product to a program-generated visual display intended for human interaction with a computer program, or an independently significant part of that display.
Who is affected
The changes are relevant to developers of software-implemented products and algorithm-based devices, biotech companies, interface designers, and applicants planning Russian patent, utility model or design filings.
Practical action
Applicants should review planned claims and filing materials ahead of 1 January 2027. The law does not make software “as such” automatically patentable: software-related inventions must still be framed as technical solutions and satisfy the usual patentability requirements. Interface filings should identify the protectable visual display or independently significant part. Existing portfolios may also merit a filing-strategy review where earlier subject-matter framing was restrictive.
Source and status
Federal Law No. 296-FZ was signed and officially published on 4 August 2026. It is enacted but not yet in force and will take effect on 1 January 2027.
Official publication: Federal Law No. 296-FZ of 4 August 2026
10.08.2026