Bitcoin trademark officially registered in the Russian Federation
Such a move is not unprecedented. There have been several attempts at registering the trademark in Russia and abroad. The perspective of benefiting from openware has tempted many a person. However, it proved to be challenging.
At least 4 companies have tried to attach their names to the Bitcoin. Most attempts have been undertaken at the end of 2013 during the Bitcoin boom, when 1BTC was going for over 1000 USD.
“M-Group” were the first to make a claim to the trademark on December 12, 2013, NICE articles 36 and 38. Boris Bulochnik, former chairman of the “Master Bank” (ended its existence in November 2013), made his claim the next day. Both claimants declared a monetary interest in the trademark, despite having nothing to do with the invention and development of the cryptocurrency.
“M-Group” were the first to make a claim to the trademark on December 12, 2013, NICE articles 36 and 38. Boris Bulochnik, former chairman of the “Master Bank” (ended its existence in November 2013), made his claim the next day. Both claimants declared a monetary interest in the trademark, despite having nothing to do with the invention and development of the cryptocurrency.
Alex Fork told Bits.media about his decision to register the trademark and his plans for Bitcon:
Bits.media: When was the claim first made and when did you get the trademark confirmation?
Alex Fork: I first heard about the trademark registration by Boris Bulochnik, the Master Bank owner, from the news on December 17, 2013. I though it unjust for the Bitcoin trademark to go to a person who is not a part of the industry.
We made the claim on December 30 2013, and I received the confirmation/patent in the winter of 2015/2016.
I was not sure of success of this venture. Now, however, I publicly declare that businesses may freely use “Bitcoin” without any danger of patent trolling from me. This is a sign of good will; which I hope will help to invigorate the bitcoin industry in Russia.
On a side note, I would gladly recommend to anyone the team that ensured the success of the claim.
Bits.media: Are you planning on using the trademark in the future?
Alex Fork: Naturally. I founded “Bitcoin”. The company possesses the trademark, and is involved in many things bitcoin, such as a book about it, various online resources on blockchain and others.
Bits.media: : Is it the case that “Bitcoin” will not pursue anyone for in any way using the Bitcoin trademark in the Russian Federation?
Alex Fork: Yes.
Further Details
Alex Fork's claim was composed professionally and was thusly successful despite having been submitted later than the competing claims were. Articles 9, 35 and 41 were included apart from the obvious article 36 of NICE.
Rospatent is currently reviewing another claim on the Bitcoin trademark: this time from “Smile-Expo”. The enterprise is known for organising several cryptocurrency conferences. The review process started in August of 2015. The new claim mostly concerns itself with organisation of conferences and meetings. In other words, it is not directly related to cryptocurrencies per se. Taking into consideration the successful registration already granted to the “Bitcoin” as well as the claim to the logo, the chances of the new registration are negligible.
