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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 8 years
Языки English, Chinese
Образование National Research University Higher School of Economics (LLB, LLM)
Partner
Vladislav Drokonov
I specialize in international tax structuring, company registration, and corporate support abroad.
Опыт 6 years
Языки English, Italian
Образование Lomonosov Moscow State University (LLB), National Research University Higher School of Economics (LLM)
Lawyer
Ksenia Parfenova
I specialize in intellectual property protection, IP rights registration and management.
Опыт 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 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
Myths and Facts About the Digital Ruble
What is the difference between cash and non-cash money? Who issues cash and non-cash currency? And how does the digital ruble differ from non-cash funds?
How a Contractor Can Recover a Retention Payment Under a Contract for Work and Services
A guarantee retention is a portion of the payment under a contract for work and services that the client withholds from settlements with the contractor for the duration of the warranty period for the quality of the completed work. As a rule, a few percent of the contract price is withheld, and the amount and conditions for its return are specified in the contract. In practice, the contractor receives this money with a delay — after the agreed warranty period has expired or after other conditions have been met (for example, the commissioning of the facility), provided that the client has no claims regarding the quality of the work.
How to Recover Payment for Additional Work Under a Contract For Work and Services?
A contract for work and services assumes that the contractor performs the agreed scope of work for a specified price. However, in practice, additional work often arises that was not included in the original estimate or technical documentation. The issue of payment for such work frequently becomes a stumbling block between the client and the contractor. This article explains when the client is obliged to pay for additional work, how to document it properly, and what actions the contractor should take if payment cannot be obtained.
How to Challenge a Contractor’s Reference to Design Defects and Underestimation of Work Volume
Disputes in construction regarding the quality of design documentation and the scope of work are common. Often, when facing the customer’s claims, the contractor tries to justify themselves by referring to alleged “defects” in the project documentation or unforeseen circumstances, as well as by arguing that the initial work volume was underestimated. In other words, the contractor asserts that additional work had to be performed beyond the scope of the contract or that the quality of the result suffered due to circumstances beyond their control.
In such cases, the customer has the right to challenge the contractor’s arguments. Such conflicts are governed by Chapter 37 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on contracts for work and services and are generally considered by arbitration courts.
How to Recover an Advance Payment under a Contract for Work and Labour if the Work Has Not Been Performed
An advance payment under civil law is a prepayment under a contract that does not serve as a penalty (unlike a deposit). If the contractor fails to fulfil its obligations under the contract for work and labour, the amount of the advance payment is subject to recovery as the contractor’s unjust enrichment.
Myths and Facts About the Digital Ruble
What is the difference between cash and non-cash money? Who issues cash and non-cash currency? And how does the digital ruble differ from non-cash funds?
How a Contractor Can Recover a Retention Payment Under a Contract for Work and Services
A guarantee retention is a portion of the payment under a contract for work and services that the client withholds from settlements with the contractor for the duration of the warranty period for the quality of the completed work. As a rule, a few percent of the contract price is withheld, and the amount and conditions for its return are specified in the contract. In practice, the contractor receives this money with a delay — after the agreed warranty period has expired or after other conditions have been met (for example, the commissioning of the facility), provided that the client has no claims regarding the quality of the work.
How to Recover Payment for Additional Work Under a Contract For Work and Services?
A contract for work and services assumes that the contractor performs the agreed scope of work for a specified price. However, in practice, additional work often arises that was not included in the original estimate or technical documentation. The issue of payment for such work frequently becomes a stumbling block between the client and the contractor. This article explains when the client is obliged to pay for additional work, how to document it properly, and what actions the contractor should take if payment cannot be obtained.
How to Challenge a Contractor’s Reference to Design Defects and Underestimation of Work Volume
Disputes in construction regarding the quality of design documentation and the scope of work are common. Often, when facing the customer’s claims, the contractor tries to justify themselves by referring to alleged “defects” in the project documentation or unforeseen circumstances, as well as by arguing that the initial work volume was underestimated. In other words, the contractor asserts that additional work had to be performed beyond the scope of the contract or that the quality of the result suffered due to circumstances beyond their control.
In such cases, the customer has the right to challenge the contractor’s arguments. Such conflicts are governed by Chapter 37 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on contracts for work and services and are generally considered by arbitration courts.
How to Recover an Advance Payment under a Contract for Work and Labour if the Work Has Not Been Performed
An advance payment under civil law is a prepayment under a contract that does not serve as a penalty (unlike a deposit). If the contractor fails to fulfil its obligations under the contract for work and labour, the amount of the advance payment is subject to recovery as the contractor’s unjust enrichment.
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.
When does the limitation period for a claim to return the retention payment begin?
The limitation period (three years) starts from the day the client was obliged to return the retention payment according to the contract terms, or from the end of the warranty period if the date is not directly specified.
What documents must be submitted to court to recover a retention payment?
The contractor should provide: the contract for work and services, acceptance certificates (including unilateral ones if applicable), correspondence with the client, the pre-trial claim with proof of submission, documents confirming the retention amount (invoices, calculation statements), and other materials evidencing fulfillment of obligations.
Is it necessary to send a pre-trial claim to recover a retention payment?
Yes. For disputes between legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, compliance with the pre-trial claim procedure is mandatory (Part 5, Article 4 of the Arbitration Procedure Code of the Russian Federation). Failure to submit a pre-trial claim may result in the dismissal of the lawsuit.
Can interest be claimed for delayed return of the retention payment?
Yes. Under Article 395 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, if the retention amount is not returned on time, the contractor may claim interest for the use of another’s funds. This interest can be recovered regardless of whether a contractual penalty is provided.
Can the client withhold the retention payment due to identified defects?
Yes, but only to the extent proportionate to the cost of remedying verifiable defects if the contractor fails to correct them. Without documented justification, the client is not entitled to withhold the amount arbitrarily.
Is the retention amount considered part of the payment under the contract for work and services?
No. Judicial practice treats the retention payment as a security measure to guarantee the quality of the work performed. It is not part of the final payment but a separate obligation of the client to return the amount if there are no claims.
Can a retention payment be recovered if the contract does not include provisions for its return?
Yes. Even if the contract does not contain specific terms regarding the return of retention payments, the contractor is entitled to recover the amount upon expiration of the warranty period, provided that obligations were fulfilled and no defects were found. This follows from the principles of good faith and consideration under the contract (Articles 421 and 702 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
What should a contractor do if the client refuses to sign the acceptance certificate under the contract for work and services?
The contractor may prepare a unilateral acceptance certificate if the work has been effectively delivered and the client refuses to sign without valid reasons. Such a certificate, together with supporting documents, can be recognized by the court as sufficient evidence of work completion.
Is the client obliged to return the retention payment if there are no quality claims?
Yes. In the absence of justified claims regarding the quality of the completed work, the client is required to return the retention payment within the period specified in the contract. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of Articles 309 and 310 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and gives the contractor the right to recover the debt and interest for the use of their funds.
What If the Client Claims the Cost of Additional Work Was Overstated?
In this case, the court may appoint a construction and technical expert examination to determine the market value of the completed work. If it is established that the price was indeed inflated, the court has the right to reduce the claimed amount to a reasonable level.
Can a Contractor Recover Not Only the Cost of the Work but Also Interest for Late Payment?
Yes. If the contract provides for penalties or interest for late payment, the contractor may claim them. If the contract does not specify such terms, interest under Article 395 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation applies—for the unlawful use of another’s funds. The interest rate is calculated based on the key rate of the Central Bank of Russia on the date of performance of the obligation.
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