The fate of Starbucks in Russia has finally been settled. From suspending operations in March of this year to announcing its exit from the market in May, 130 stores were once at a standstill. At the end of July, Russian rapper Timati announced via social media that the local catering company Pinskiy&Co had successfully completed the acquisition of Starbucks' assets in Russia. The new brand name and logo have not yet been determined, but the first store is scheduled to open in August, and the number of stores will exceed 200 by September. What are the details behind this acquisition? How will the new brand make a fresh start? This article takes you through the entire course of events. [more…]

After Starbucks announced to suspend its business in Russia and withdraw from the Russian market last year, the founder of the local famous catering company Pinskiy & Co, Anton Pinsky, and the Russian rap singer Timati collaborated to acquire Starbuc [more…]

After Starbucks exited the Russian market, its trademark protection in Russia may face termination. The owner of Stars Coffee, which acquired Starbucks' Russian assets, has filed a claim with a court seeking to terminate the protection of Starbucks' trademarks. This move aims to reduce trademark infringement risks and pave the way for store expansion. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the background, progress, and possible impact of this event. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks was reported to have filed multiple trademark registration applications with the Russian Federal Intellectual Property Office, covering core brand identifiers such as "Starbucks Coffee" and "Frappuccino," as well as related categories including instant coffee, beverage preparation, and membership management. This move quickly sparked speculation about whether the company plans to return to the Russian market. After exiting Russia in 2022, Starbucks' assets in the country were acquired by a local company and rebranded as "Stars Coffee," and a trademark legal dispute between that brand and Starbucks still persists. Over the past two years, Russia's coffee market has undergone significant changes, with intensified competition, shifting consumer habits, and continued uncertainty in the political and economic environment. Even if Starbucks returns, it may not be smooth sailing. So far, there has been no official response. [more…]

Starbucks recently filed a trademark registration application with the Russian Federal Intellectual Property Office and has received a registration decision, which may mean that this coffee chain giant will return to the Russian market soon. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022, Starbucks announced its withdrawal from Russia and closed all 130 stores, and its assets were subsequently acquired by a local company and transformed into Stars Coffee. Now, as the international situation changes, the possibility of Starbucks re-entering Russia is increasing, and this development has also put Stars Coffee, which took over its original business, in an awkward position. [more…]