Christian Dior, a luxury fashion house that publicly denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ceased operations in the country in 2022, has paradoxically filed for trademark registrations in Russia.

This surprising move comes amidst a broader trend of Western brands facing intellectual property challenges in Russia. Following the imposition of sanctions against Russia, the country enacted legislation allowing domestic companies to utilize the patents and technologies of “unfriendly” nations without repercussions. This has opened a door for potential trademark squatting and intellectual property theft.

Dior’s decision to seek trademark protection in Russia has raised eyebrows and questions about the company’s stance. While the exact reasons behind this move are unclear, it highlights the complex legal and ethical landscape for businesses operating in the current geopolitical climate.