The Italian fashion house Max Mara has lost a lawsuit against TSUM (Mercury Fashion LLC) in a case of infringement of exclusive rights to its trademarks. The department store used the MaxMara and Weekend MakHmag trademarks in advertising, brand clothing corners, and on labels.
Max Mara filed a lawsuit in October 2025, demanding 10 million rubles — 5 million rubles for each token. The claims were caused by a corner on the fourth floor of the Central Department Store with signs MaxMara Studio and Weekend MakHmag. The court noted that the company had not given permission for the use of trademarks, but on March 5 ruled in favor of TSUM. The use of a trademark for informational purposes, including to indicate the location of a store in a shopping center, is not prohibited, the decision says. At the same time, the defendant uses his own trademarks in advertising, indoor navigation and on hangers. According to the court, there is no confusion for buyers.
In an article for Shopper’s, Anna Zabrotskaya, Managing Partner at Nordic Star in Russia and head of the Fashion Industry and Luxury Goods practice, explained whether it is possible to use a trademark on a corner without violating the law.
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