IP/IT/Crypto Practice

We advise on licensing agreements, copyright and related rights, patent law, trademark rights, and crypto law (including the taxation of digital financial assets). We also provide judicial protection of exclusive rights.

Case Studies

Chinese franchise

Task

C Cases client was considering becoming the Russian franchisee for a major Chinese chain of everyday goods, accessories, and gift items. The project involved several interconnected documents: a master license agreement, a supply agreement, and a service agreement. It was crucial for the client to verify the model proposed by the Chinese side, understand the risks for the Russian franchisee, and negotiate the documents to ensure they would be viable in Russia.

Legal Work

The C Cases team supported the client throughout the negotiation and contract documentation phase.

As part of the project, the team:

  • analyzed the master license agreement, the supply agreement, and the service agreement;
  • verified the mechanism for transferring brand and trademark rights for use in Russia;
  • identified risks associated with registering license rights with Rospatent;
  • addressed issues regarding cross-border payments, tax residency, retail pricing, and currency clauses;
  • evaluated provisions concerning sanctions, unilateral termination, supply, product quality, liability, and indemnification;
  • collaborated with Chinese legal partners to review the documents in accordance with Chinese law;
  • prepared amendments and represented the client's interests in negotiations with the Chinese partner.

A key part of the work involved protecting the Russian franchisee's right to use the brand: C Cases pointed out the risks of the proposed structure and recommended drafting a license agreement that complies with Rospatent requirements.

The team also worked with Chinese partners to draft amendments to the master license agreement, including terms regarding payments, security deposits, the franchisee's right to terminate the agreement, and the franchisor's liability.

Result
C Cases prepared a legal opinion and proposals for amending the contracts. The client gained a clear understanding of the risks before signing the deal and entered negotiations with the Chinese partner with a well-defined legal position. As a result, the documents were developed not as standard international franchise templates, but as a model adapted to the Russian market, Chinese law, and the commercial interests of the Russian franchisee.

IT Group

Task

C Cases provides legal support to a group of companies in the IT, software development, and technology services sectors, operating in Russia and the UAE. Our team’s mission is to provide ongoing legal support for the business, including contract management, corporate restructuring, international structuring, employment matters, personal data protection, investment documentation, and compliance.

Legal Work

The C Cases team assists the client with a wide range of operational and strategic tasks.

As part of the project, the team:

  • analyzes and drafts agreements with counterparties, including service agreements, sales contracts, lease agreements, NDAs, and cooperation agreements;
  • develops contractual frameworks for working with individuals, sole proprietors, self-employed professionals, and legal entities;
  • manages corporate changes for the group’s Russian entities, including address changes, updates to business activity codes (OKVED), and preparation of filings for the Federal Tax Service;
  • provides consulting on establishing and operating companies in the UAE;
  • reviews investment documentation, including subscription agreements, shareholders’ agreements, and heads of terms;
  • prepares legal opinions on outstaffing, personal data, anti-money laundering (115-FZ) regulations, and other compliance matters.
Result
C Cases has established an ongoing legal support system for the client that addresses both the Russian and international needs of the IT group. The client receives support across contractual, corporate, employment, investment, and compliance matters, as well as practical solutions tailored to the specifics of the IT business and the group’s cross-border structure.

Company operating in the Digital Financial Assets (DFA) sector (NDA)

Financial result

33 million ₽

Task

To ensure the Client's activities related to the creation of a unique cryptocurrency index, tracking the growth of the top 20 cryptocurrencies, comply with current legislation and to protect the Client's rights.

Result
A jurisdiction was selected to ensure the legality of the client's operations from a corporate, tax, and investment regulatory perspective (UAE and Cayman Islands). Necessary documentation was prepared for the sale of the Client's product, including a token offering memorandum, a token sale agreement, referral program terms, and legal documents for the client's online platform.

International Packaging Manufacturing Group of Companies (NDA)

Financial Result

6.5 million ₽

Task

Ensuring legal protection and enforcement of intellectual property assets for the Client's group of companies

Result
Trademark searches were conducted in jurisdictions selected by the Client (USA, EU countries, UAE, Egypt, Singapore, Japan, etc.). The Client's trademarks and agreements for the disposition of rights were registered using national and international registration systems. Protection against the unauthorized use of the client's trademarks was provided in the Russian Federation and CIS countries (in courts and the Chamber for Patent Disputes).