November 18, 2025

Coca-Cola Comeback?


Coca-Cola Comeback?
Coca-Cola has recently ben replaced by "Dobry," or "Nice," cola. Could the trend be reversing? The Russian Life files

The Coca-Cola Company recently registered two of its trademarks, Coca-Cola and Sprite, in Russia. 

The trademark applications were filed on April 23, 2025, but were only recently approved. These trademarks are registered for a period of ten years. While the drink’s production has not yet bubbled up in Russia, the trademark registrations suggests that the company may soon return. The trademark registrations are set to expire August 14, 2035. 

The original Coca-Cola Company trademark for Russia was filed in 1946, but the product was not widely available until the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In March of 2022, following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Coca-Cola suspended its operations in Russia, causing the trademark to expire. While the company officially cut ties with the Russian market, its products can still be purchased in stores, often imported via other countries where the beverage is available. 

In the absence of Coca-Cola products, several Russian brands stepped up, offering a lineup of alternatives. Dobry ("Nice") Cola, a former subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, has a relatively strong presence on the market, and its branding reflected its tie to the American company. Numerous other versions include Komi Cola (a regional drink produced in the Komi Republic) and Cool Cola. 

In South Ossetia, a "Coca-Cola Сompany LLC" was registered by Novosibirsk-based PKV LLC. Beginning production last March, the beverage is reportedly nearly identical to the original. The American Coca-Cola Company filed a lawsuit against the South Ossetia-based Coca-Cola Company LLC on September 8. The next court hearing is scheduled for December 12. 

Coca-Cola joins other international businesses that have recently renewed their trademarks in Russia after being suspended in 2022. Among them is Starbucks’ new premium coffee brand, “We Proudly Serve.” While Starbucks storefronts are not (yet) returning, its coffee will be served in Russian restaurants and cafes. 

Additionally, U.S. payment company Visa registered its trademark in Russia, as did the fast-fashion giant Zara. 

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