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A trademark allows you to legally secure the rights to a name, logo, packaging or slogan. Its registration is necessary for the legal use of the brand, protection against copying and participation in commercial turnover.
Trademark registration
Registration and maintenance of intellectual property includes legal expertise, registration of rights to trademarks, inventions, software, industrial designs and other IP objects. The service helps businesses protect their developments, minimize the risks of legal disputes and build a manageable system of ownership of intangible assets.
Registration and maintenance of intellectual property and rights
Compensation for harm and losses to legal entities covers a set of legal actions to protect the property interests of business. The service includes legal analysis of the situation, assessment of real damage and lost profits, collection of evidence, preparation of claims and lawsuits, negotiation and representation in court.
Compensation for damage, losses to legal entities
Compliance
Sanctions compliance and consulting includes a legal assessment of the risks associated with the current US, EU, UK and Russian sanctions. We check counterparties, analyze contracts and corporate structure, build an internal control system to protect your business from blocking, fines and loss of reputation.
Sanctions compliance and consulting
International Business Expansion
The entry of business into foreign markets opens up new opportunities for expansion and increase in profits, but at the same time poses a number of serious challenges for entrepreneurs. Support of foreign companies and structures is a range of professional services that include business registration abroad, tax optimization, legal and accounting support, as well as assistance in opening bank accounts. The key goal of such services is to provide entrepreneurs with a confident start and stable development of business abroad, eliminating legal, tax and administrative risks.
Support of foreign companies and structures
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About Us
We specialize in providing legal support for modern international businesses and dispute resolution. Our approach is centered on efficiency, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and delivering clear, actionable legal solutions. That is why our clients include leading IT companies, developers, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
We understand that time is a crucial asset when launching and running a business. Instead of dealing with legal complexities, focus on your growth while we handle the legal aspects.
Our team comprises experienced lawyers, legal analysts, and IT specialists who have developed numerous successful legaltech solutions under the SmartAct brand.
We simply solve complex problems. Try our services and see the difference!
More about us
Legal Team
Managing Partner
Daniil Kadyrov
I specialize in property law, commercial disputes, private international law, IT, and e-commerce.
Опыт more than 8 years
Языки English, Chinese
Образование National Research University Higher School of Economics (LLB, LLM)
Lawyer
Ksenia Parfenova
I specialize in intellectual property protection, IP rights registration and management.
Опыт more than 5 years
Языки English, German
Образование National Research University Higher School of Economics (LLB, LLM)
Partner
Vladimir Rogulin
I specialize in civil and commercial disputes, arbitration, corporate criminal defense, trade compliance and intellectual property protection.
Опыт more than 22 years
Языки Russian, English
Образование Moscow Academy of Law and Management (specialist degree)
Why Choose Us?
20+
Jurisdictions
800+
Satisfied Clients
Long-term Results
Our expert legal strategies streamline business processes and ensure desirable outcomes, even in complex litigation cases
Unique Legal Solutions for Every Jurisdiction
Our deep international expertise allows us to offer customized solutions beyond standard legal service packages
Industry Expertise & Recognition
Our specialists publish in leading legal journals, shaping industry trends and reinforcing their authority in the legal field
Collaboration with Market Leaders
We work with major corporations and key market players
46 years
Of Combined Experience
Our proprietary legaltech developments
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SmartIndex
An automated service that provides the ability to calculate the indexation of awarded monetary amounts, create an application and send it to the court online.
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Cancellation of a court order
A modern solution that allows you to cancel a court order in just a few minutes. The service automatically generates an application and sends it to the court.
Go to serviceArticles and publications
Liability for Defects Identified During the Project Implementation Stage
When defects are identified during the project implementation stage, the key issue becomes determining who is responsible for them. Unlike everyday disputes, where identifying the responsible party is simpler, construction projects involve several participants, each responsible for their own scope of work.
The designer is responsible for the accuracy of the design documentation. Even if the documentation has undergone expert review and received a positive conclusion, this does not exempt the designer from subsequent liability. If errors in calculations, inconsistencies in drawings, or violations of technical regulations are discovered during construction, the designer must revise the documentation and compensate the customer for damages.
Registration of a Foreign Company in Russia and Choice of Tax Regime
A foreign company has decided to enter the Russian market — where to start?
Dozens of business support mechanisms operate in Russia. Corporate income tax incentives, exemption from corporate property tax, government support programs, special conditions for residents of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (Free Economic Zones (FEZs)) and Territories of Advanced Socio-Economic Development (TASEDs) — all this allows foreign companies to build flexible and effective business models.
What forms of presence are available, what tax regimes can be chosen, and how to enter the Russian market systematically and with a perspective for growth.
Russian Tax Liabilities, Audit Risks, and Criminal Exposure for Foreign-Owned Companies and Directors
Foreign corporations, international investors, and non-resident executives operating subsidiaries or commercial branches in the Russian Federation face heightened scrutiny from the Federal Tax Service (FTS) and enforcement authorities. Russia’s tax administration relies on automated digital monitoring systems—including cross-border transaction tracking and unified tax accounting—making compliance failures costly. Unpaid tax liabilities exceeding RUB 18.75 million trigger mandatory criminal referrals under Article 199 of the Russian Criminal Code, exposing company executives and beneficial owners to personal liability, asset freezing, and criminal prosecution.
Violation of Deadlines and Phasing of Design Works
In accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the condition on deadlines for performing design works is mandatory: the contract must specify the start date, the final date, and intermediate stages.
The Urban Planning Code of the Russian Federation establishes the staged nature of preparation of design documentation and the mandatory nature of its expert review.
In state and municipal contracts, deadlines are always classified as essential terms; their modification is possible only in cases expressly provided for by Federal Law No. 44-Federal Law and Federal Law No. 223-Federal Law.
Who bears liability for violation of deadlines and what consequences await the parties to the contract are examined in this article.
Liability for Defects Identified During the Project Implementation Stage
When defects are identified during the project implementation stage, the key issue becomes determining who is responsible for them. Unlike everyday disputes, where identifying the responsible party is simpler, construction projects involve several participants, each responsible for their own scope of work.
The designer is responsible for the accuracy of the design documentation. Even if the documentation has undergone expert review and received a positive conclusion, this does not exempt the designer from subsequent liability. If errors in calculations, inconsistencies in drawings, or violations of technical regulations are discovered during construction, the designer must revise the documentation and compensate the customer for damages.
Registration of a Foreign Company in Russia and Choice of Tax Regime
A foreign company has decided to enter the Russian market — where to start?
Dozens of business support mechanisms operate in Russia. Corporate income tax incentives, exemption from corporate property tax, government support programs, special conditions for residents of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (Free Economic Zones (FEZs)) and Territories of Advanced Socio-Economic Development (TASEDs) — all this allows foreign companies to build flexible and effective business models.
What forms of presence are available, what tax regimes can be chosen, and how to enter the Russian market systematically and with a perspective for growth.
Russian Tax Liabilities, Audit Risks, and Criminal Exposure for Foreign-Owned Companies and Directors
Foreign corporations, international investors, and non-resident executives operating subsidiaries or commercial branches in the Russian Federation face heightened scrutiny from the Federal Tax Service (FTS) and enforcement authorities. Russia’s tax administration relies on automated digital monitoring systems—including cross-border transaction tracking and unified tax accounting—making compliance failures costly. Unpaid tax liabilities exceeding RUB 18.75 million trigger mandatory criminal referrals under Article 199 of the Russian Criminal Code, exposing company executives and beneficial owners to personal liability, asset freezing, and criminal prosecution.
Violation of Deadlines and Phasing of Design Works
In accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the condition on deadlines for performing design works is mandatory: the contract must specify the start date, the final date, and intermediate stages.
The Urban Planning Code of the Russian Federation establishes the staged nature of preparation of design documentation and the mandatory nature of its expert review.
In state and municipal contracts, deadlines are always classified as essential terms; their modification is possible only in cases expressly provided for by Federal Law No. 44-Federal Law and Federal Law No. 223-Federal Law.
Who bears liability for violation of deadlines and what consequences await the parties to the contract are examined in this article.
FAQ
Can we sign a legal services agreement?
Yes, we ensure transparency in our partnerships by outlining all terms, responsibilities, and expected outcomes in a formal contract.
Can I get a consultation, and how much does it cost?
We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your situation, assess your options and determine what services you need. Our lawyers will analyse your case and suggest the best way to achieve the desired outcome.
If you decide to continue working with us, the cost of the consultation will be included in the total price of the service. We are committed to providing quality legal assistance focused on your needs and guarantee transparency in pricing.
Is it possible to resolve a dispute concerning design errors and construction defects without going to court?
Yes. In practice, many issues are resolved at the claim stage. This saves time and resources for both the customer and the contractors.
What should the customer do if it is unclear whether defects are related to the design or to construction works?
An independent expert examination should be appointed. It will determine the source of the defect — design documentation, surveys, or construction works — and will serve as the basis for presenting claims to the specific contractor.
Can a surveyor be held liable for inaccurate engineering survey results several years after they were conducted?
Yes. If building defects are specifically related to survey errors, the surveyor bears liability. Time limits depend on the nature of the contract and the moment when the defects were discovered.
Does a positive expert review of design documentation release the designer from liability?
No. A positive conclusion confirms compliance of the documentation with established requirements but does not eliminate the designer’s liability for errors discovered during construction or operation of the facility.
Must the contractor suspend construction works if errors are discovered in the design documentation?
Yes. Under Article 716 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the contractor must immediately notify the customer and suspend works until instructions are received. If the contractor continues construction based on a defective design, liability for the consequences will be imposed on the contractor.
Who is responsible for defects if they arise simultaneously from errors in design documentation and violations during construction works?
In such a situation, the court may impose joint liability on the designer and the contractor. The customer has the right to demand elimination of deficiencies or compensation for damages either from both jointly or from any of them individually.
What risks exist for a foreign company when entering the Russian market?
The main risks are related to tax control (incorrect choice of regime, recognition of activity as a permanent establishment, claims on transfer pricing), as well as the need to adapt to Russian regulatory requirements. Therefore, at the start, it is recommended to enlist professional support.
Can a foreign company hire employees in Russia directly?
No, only a Russian legal entity or a branch accredited with the FTS is entitled to conclude employment contracts. A representative office can hire personnel, but exclusively to perform representative functions.
At the same time, a foreign company can work with individuals on the basis of civil law contracts (CLC), for example, service contracts. Such a format does not constitute an employment relationship and is regulated by civil legislation. Read more about the differences between these contracts in our article: Employment Contracts and Civil Law Contracts (CLC).
Can a foreign company conduct cash settlements in Russia?
Yes, within the limits established by law. In accordance with Article 861 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (CC RF) and the Ordinance of the Bank of Russia No. 3073-U, cash settlements between legal entities and individual entrepreneurs are allowed in an amount of no more than 100,000 rubles under one contract. For transactions exceeding this limit, as well as for the payment of taxes and most business operations, non-cash settlement is required.
Does a foreign company need to open a current account in a Russian bank?
Opening an account is not a formal requirement for the state registration of a legal entity or an individual entrepreneur. However, by virtue of current legislation, settlements for taxes, insurance contributions, customs payments, as well as most contractual obligations must be carried out in a non-cash manner. Therefore, without a current account, it is virtually impossible to conduct full-fledged economic activity in Russia.
How long does it take to register a foreign company in Russia?
Registration of a subsidiary in the form of an LLC with foreign participation in the FTS takes about 5–7 working days. The period may increase due to the preparation of documents — translation, legalization, and notarization. For a branch or a representative office, the accreditation procedure is longer and is accompanied by additional requirements.
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Leave a request and our lawyers will contact you shortly to provide a consultation on your issue.