Franchise in the CIS
Our research finds a small but highly sophisticated contingent of franchise lawyers in three countries in the region.
Baker & McKenzie emerges as the pre-eminent firm for this work, with two of its Moscow-based lawyers ranking highly. Counsel Vladimir Schitikov earns praise for his “first rate” intellectual and industrial property work as well as his licensing, regulatory and disputes expertise. Margarita Divina is a “brilliant name” for non-contentious IP work and advises numerous clients in issues pertaining to franchising and trademark licensing strategies overseas.
Ekaterina Tilling is a recent addition to Baker Botts LLP’s “very impressive” Moscow team. She represents domestic and international clients in contentious and non-contentious franchise, distribution and licensing proceedings in Russia, and sources hail her as “a national leader”.
The “excellent” Julianna Tabastajewa at Gowlings International in Moscow is currently assisting the Russian Franchising Association on the changes to the national franchising laws. Peers also recognise her “sterling expertise” in the IP field, where her clients include Quelle AG, Volkswagen AG and Audi AG.
Two lawyers rank highly in Kiev. Anna Tsirat of Jurvneshservice is known as a “leading name” in foreign investment in Ukraine, including the establishment of franchising and distribution networks on behalf of clients, as well as international trade negotiations and intellectual property work. Michael Doubinsky is the managing partner of Doubinsky and Osharova and a “world- class” franchise lawyer with “invaluable” IP, competition and tax experience according to sources.
Yuri Bolotov is based in Kazakhstan and represents BMF Group LLP. He is “very highly regarded” among our interviewees for his commercial negotiations and IP auditing work on behalf of international and Kazakh clients, as well as his “top flight” competition expertise.