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Russian authorities are developing a mechanism to transfer the intellectual property of foreign companies that left the domestic market for political reasons but continue to protect their rights. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, speaking at a meeting of the Rospatent collegium on 4 March, Interfax reports.

"Another important issue concerns foreign manufacturers from unfriendly countries who ceased doing business in Russia but continue to uphold their exclusive rights. The Economic Development Ministry and Rospatent are currently working on a mechanism for the temporary management of those companies' intellectual property rights," Novak said, adding that the temporary administrator will "issue licences [for the use of intellectual property rights] to manufacturers." 

Rospatent head Yuri Zubov said that the mechanism will be unveiled in mid-2026, Kommersant reports.

Lawyers asked by the publication believe that a mechanism such as this has no precedent in global practice. Russian law already has a compulsory licensing procedure for inventions and other patentable subject matter, which is primarily used by pharmaceutical companies. However, patents do not apply to things like computer programs, trademarks, and video content, and temporary management may be introduced in these areas. Under the new mechanism, a special government organisation will probably issue short-term licences without the copyright holder's consent.