Water Producer “Rucheyok” (“Little Stream”) Challenges Rights to “Svyatoy Istochnik Rucheyok” (“Holy Spring Little Stream”)

Krasnodar-based water producer “Rucheyok” (literally “little stream”) is attempting to challenge IDS Borjomi’s rights to the “Svyatoy Istochnik Rucheyok” trademark.

Water under the “Svyatoy Istochnik Rucheyok” brand is not currently produced in Russia. Since 2016, the trademark has been owned by Cyprus-based Highroad Holdings, the sole owner of Russian company IDS Borjomi. The Edelweiss L plant, controlled by IDS Borjomi, holds a license to manufacture the products.

“Rucheyok” was founded in 1998 in Goryachy Klyuch, Krasnodar Region, and produces mineral water and soft drinks.

Patent attorney Sergey Zuykov points out that in May 2026, “Rucheyok” registered a trademark of the same name with Rospatent. It was at this point that the company may have learned about IDS Borjomi’s rights to the “Svyatoy Istochnik Rucheyok” trademark and decided to seek its cancellation on the grounds of similarity. This could help the company avoid conflicts in the future.

The strength of a brand is particularly important in the bottled water market, explains Alexey Popovichev, Executive Director of the Rusbrand Association, as differences in taste between products are often minimal. Brand recognition influences consumer choice, he argues.

Source: Kommersant