Client: Rozetka.ua

Essence: Strategic IP protection and legal support for an online retailer and marketplace

Specialists: Viktoriia Ostapchuk, Anna Kravchuk

Result: Development of a strong international IP portfolio and legal support for brand expansion within the marketplace business model

Project Overview

Since 2011, our team has been providing comprehensive legal support to one of the largest online retailers in Ukraine — Rozetka.ua. Our work covers the full spectrum of intellectual property matters, from building and scaling the client’s IP portfolio to structuring, commercialization, and enforcement of rights in the context of e-commerce and cross-border operations.

Our deep integration into the client’s business processes allows us to address the specific challenges arising from Rozetka’s dual role as both a retailer and a marketplace. This includes a multi-vendor platform model involving third-party sellers, international supply chains, the use of the brand across multiple jurisdictions, and extensive online use.

IP Protection and Portfolio Development

Over the years, we have supported the systematic development and expansion of the client’s IP portfolio both in Ukraine and internationally.

Key results include:

  • more than 900 trademark applications filed in Ukraine;
  • trademark registrations obtained in the EU, Poland, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and other jurisdictions;
  • registration of copyright works and industrial designs in Ukraine;
  • development of a long-term trademark protection strategy aligned with the client’s international expansion and business growth.

A particularly significant strategic achievement was the recognition of the client’s trademark as well-known in Ukraine for Class 35 services.
For this purpose, our team prepared an extensive evidentiary package demonstrating the intensity of the brand’s use, its level of public recognition, and its market value. The Appeal Chamber of the Ukrainian IP Office issued a decision recognizing the trademark as well-known as of January 1, 2018.

IP Structuring and Contractual Models

Given the complex ecosystem of the marketplace business model, we assisted the client in designing and implementing contractual frameworks governing the use of intellectual property.

Our work included, in particular:

  • agreements governing the use of the Rozetka marketplace platform and the Rozetka Pay payment system;
  • adaptation of franchise agreements to align with the client’s business needs;
  • legal advice on the use of trademarks across multiple jurisdictions.
Cross-Border E-Commerce Support

Another important part of our work involved advising the client on its international retail operations, including the sale of original goods purchased from European suppliers to Ukrainian consumers through the Rozetka platform.

Our advice covered issues such as:

  • compliance risks under EU, Polish, and Ukrainian law;
  • trademark exhaustion in the context of imported goods;
  • distribution restrictions;
  • consumer protection regulations;
  • unfair competition risks in cross-border trade.

Based on this analysis, we provided practical recommendations to minimize legal risks associated with the client’s cross-border e-commerce model.

Trademark and Domain Name Enforcement

We also conduct ongoing monitoring and enforcement of the client’s IP rights in the online environment and registration systems, including:

  • monitoring third-party trademark applications for confusingly similar marks;
  • preparing and filing oppositions against conflicting trademarks;
  • sending cease-and-desist letters to owners of infringing domain names and websites;
  • conducting negotiations with infringers and securing the transfer of domain names to the client.
Business Impact

Our long-term comprehensive support has enabled the client to build a strong international IP portfolio, safely scale its brand within the marketplace model, and minimize legal risks associated with online retail and cross-border sales.

Our work combines strategic IP planning, proactive enforcement, and a deep understanding of the specific challenges of large-scale e-commerce platforms, where multiple sellers, brands, and jurisdictions interact.