Creation of IP Courts Delayed

The government did not approve the draft law establishing a special court for intellectual property rights. It appears that the court will not materialize by 2012 as planned.

According to President Medvedev such a court would improve Russia's image as a country with poor copyright protection. Yet the President's word was not enough: since its introduction a year ago the bill has not even reached a first reading.

Vladimir Putin’s government does not oppose the idea in principle but seems reluctant to push this costly step-child of the Skolkovo initiative forward. There are technical objections too.

The government does not like the court to consider all cases collectively, including those of the first instance. Also it believes that the legal position of the professionals involved in advising the court needs clarification. According to the draft law, the same judicial body would act as the court of the first instance and the court of cassation.