A year ago, there were all kinds of indications from Russia that Russian judges were inclined to interpret trademark law disadvantageously for trademark owners from 'unfriendly countries' (i.e. US and EU). For example, the Russian trademark office determined some time ago in opposition proceedings that manufacturer Chernogolovka's soft drink Fantola would not infringe the trademark rights of Fanta, a brand of the Coca-Cola company. According to the Russian trademark office, the trademarks are not at all similar.
Overruled
But there is good news. According to the Russian IP office Liapunov, in October last year, the Russian court overruled the trademark office: Fantola infringes Fanta's trademark rights, according to the court. Justice, finally! The trademark office will now have to review its decision in the opposition procedure. Let's hope this isn't a one-off.
Fanta vs Fantola: infringement, after all.