Russia has now responded to the economic sanctions recently imposed by various countries, following the military invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Prime Minister has announced a suspension of normal compulsory licensing rules. This means that, whereas IP owners would expect a "reasonable compensation" for compulsory licensing of their IP in Russia, now, such owners from sanction countries would receive 0% compensation.
Also, whereas compulsory licensing rules usually only apply to pharmaceuticals and associated goods, the range of products to which the law extends has been broadened. It's reasonable to assume that the Russian authorities will respond sympathetically to any Russian entity wishing to use IP from a sanctioned country in the present circumstances.
IP owners have unsurprisingly responded to this news with dismay. However, there is, as yet, no clarity on whether this only applies to patents, or to other IP rights. It's also not clear how long this regulation will apply for. No doubt more information will materialise as the situation evolves.
Russia's prime minister Mikhail Mishustin announced yesterday, March 7, that rights owners from territories that have sanctioned Russia would not be entitled to any compensation for the unauthorised use of their intellectual property.
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