Heineken Wins Parallel Import Case in Russia

On April 12, 2012, the Moscow District Federal Commercial Court upheld the appellate court decision against the Russian company Elitvoda Ru which imported Heineken Česká republika beer without the trademark owner’s authorization.

On December 12, 2011, the Ninth Commercial Appeals Court ordered Elitvoda Ru to pay a fine of USD 6,700 (EUR 5,100) to Heineken Česká republika, which is part of the Heineken brewing group. The appellate court thus repealed the Moscow Commercial Court’s September 20, 2011 decision dismissing Heineken’s USD 13,400 (EUR 10,200) lawsuit against the Russian importer.

Elitvoda Ru had imported into Russia a shipment of Krusovice Imperial, Krusovice Musketyr and Krusovice Сеrne beer. According to the local regulations, only trademark owners are authorized to import trademarked goods recorded in the official customs register. Otherwise, the customs authorities are obligated to seize the goods.

Author: Jelena Jankovic

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Source: Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI)