The Swedish company IKEA has officially registered a trademark in the Russian Federation, as reported on April 17, 2025, in the bulletin of the Federal Service for Intellectual Property. This registration comes after the company suspended its operations in Russia in March 2022, following the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The trademark registration, which is valid until July 28, 2033, was submitted back in July 2023. The owner of the trademark is Inter IKEA Systems, a company registered in Delft, Netherlands. The application included a variety of goods and services, ranging from paint products and furniture to furniture assembly and catering organization.
According to the information provided by the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, the trademark features a simple black "IKEA" inscription on a white background. This design choice reflects the brand's global identity, which has been recognized worldwide since its founding in 1943.
In a statement to RBC in February 2024, Inter IKEA Systems explained the rationale behind extending its trademark registration in Russia. "As the owner of the intellectual property rights for the IKEA concept, including trademarks, we have IKEA trademarks registered all over the world, including in Russia," the company noted. This indicates a strategic move to protect their brand from potential misuse or registration by third parties.
After announcing its withdrawal from the Russian market in 2022, IKEA management began the process of selling its factories. By the end of 2023, the company had sold its Russian production sites, including the IKEA Industry Novgorod plant, which was acquired by Slotex in November 2024. Additionally, the Mega shopping centers were purchased by Gazprombank, while Yandex.Market acquired over 20 million products left after the closure of the retail chain.
While the registration of the trademark might suggest a potential return to the Russian market, industry experts caution against jumping to conclusions. Reports have surfaced indicating that the primary purpose of this trademark registration is likely to prevent others from registering similar or identical trademarks, rather than signaling an immediate intent to resume operations.
In early February 2025, Rospatent registered the IKEA trademark for one of the applications with an expiry date of August 1, 2033. Another application is still under consideration, highlighting the ongoing legal processes surrounding brand protection in Russia.
The news of IKEA’s trademark registration comes amidst a backdrop of changing dynamics in the Russian retail market. Many Western brands exited the market following the conflict in Ukraine, leaving a vacuum that has been slowly filled by local companies and some new entrants. However, the lingering question remains whether established brands like IKEA will ever return.
In a recent interview, a spokesperson for the Ingka Group, which operates IKEA globally, expressed hope for the future. "We still hope that one day we will be able to bring IKEA back to many people in Russia. However, today there are no conditions for that," they stated, reflecting the uncertainty that still looms over the brand's future in the region.
As IKEA navigates this complex landscape, the trademark registration serves as a crucial step in safeguarding its intellectual property. The company’s history in Russia dates back several years, and the brand has become synonymous with affordable home furnishings for many Russian consumers.
In conclusion, while the registration of the IKEA trademark in Russia might hint at future possibilities, it primarily serves as a protective measure in a volatile market. The company’s commitment to safeguarding its brand reflects a broader trend among multinational corporations as they adapt to rapidly changing global conditions.
