Kalashnikov to protect the rifle image from copying

14 April 2014 by Rostec

The Group will record a three-dimensional image as a trademark

The Kalashnikov Group has lodged an application for the registration of the three-dimensional images of the AK and the AKM rifle family as trademarks. If the application is approved, the toy manufacturers that copy the famous weapons will have to obtain a license for the importation of these products in Russia.

The documents for the registration were submitted for 21 types of goods (total number of the types in the international classification of goods and services is 45). The company’s representatives emphasize that the registration of a three-dimensional image is the principal question because the "flat" image patent can be сheated by changing its angle.

According to Izvestia, it is clarified in the application that a three-dimensional rifle’s image “has distinctive ability because of his wide fame”, and “it is associated with the applicant historically, since the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles from the beginning and to this day is localized in the city of Izhevsk in the enterprises, on the basis of which the Kalashnikov Group was founded”.

The Group’s representative said, “The Kalashnikov Group has a task to promote the brand, including the assault rifle. We protect our products”.

In case if the application is approved, the Kalashnikov rifle images cannot be used in the manufacture of various goods without communicating it to Kalashnikov. The ban will include, for example, deodorants, fuel, knives, razors, computer software, ammunition, firearms, jewelry, leather goods, furniture, bed covers, fasteners, toys, sports equipment, smoking accessories and others.

The experts believe that the main goal of the application is to prevent the inconsistent use of a recognizable brand, and not to prevent the production of other products under this brand.  The majority of children's toys in the form of a Kalashnikov are produced abroad, so the Russian ban does not affect the release of such products. However, after the trademark is patented, such toys will not pass our customs. The manufacturer will be required to obtain a license from the copyright holder to import goods to Russia.

The review of the application will take between 14 to 16 months, and before that time it is possible to use the image of the Kalashnikov rifle in Russia without the consent of the company.  The possibility of registration of the trademark abroad is not excluded, but the concrete plans have not been revealed.

The Kalashnikov Group is the largest Russian developer and manufacturer of automatic and sniper weapons, guided artillery shells, as well as a wide range of civil products. It is a member of the State Corporation Rostec.