KBSU – At the Forefront of Protecting Kabardino-Balkaria’s Intellectual Capital

The Technology and Innovation Support Center of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov and the Federal Institute of Industrial Property have signed an agreement that opens a new chapter in the region’s intellectual property protection.

This initiative is a response to the urgent need for specialists capable of quickly and accurately registering intellectual property rights. The shortage of such experts created a real threat of loss of authorship and the unauthorized use of unique developments and recognizable brands in Kabardino-Balkaria and neighboring regions.

The new agreement bridges this gap. As part of its collaboration with the Federal Institute of Industrial Property, the university has hired four graduate students who will focus on information security, software development, and the preparation of invention applications. They will also complete distance learning programs offered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), receiving official certificates in Russian upon completion of the free courses.

According to Maryana Marzhokhova, Head of the Technology and Innovation Support Center, the agreement will not only resolve the personnel issue but also significantly simplify the process of registering intellectual property rights for residents of Kabardino-Balkaria and neighboring regions. They no longer need to waste time and money traveling to Moscow to register their inventions, trademarks, or other intellectual property. All necessary procedures can be completed at KBSU.

As an authorized representative of the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent), the Technology and Innovation Support Center can register rights not only to the developments of university scientists but also to inventions of residents of the entire North Caucasus region. This applies to such objects as trademarks, utility models, and industrial designs.

Unique brands with historical and cultural significance associated with a specific territory are particularly valuable. Their legal protection is key to preserving the identity and uniqueness of regions.

Maryana Marzhokhova, Head of the Technology and Innovation Support Center at Kabardino-Balkaria State University, identified over 30 such regional brands that comply with the requirements of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and can be legally protected.

These include Circassian saddles, national clothing, Kabardian horses (Adyghesh), mats (ardzhen), shikapshina, lakum, jewelry, Balkar khichins, Kabardian cheese, Kabardian pasta, Balkar ayran, kiyiz carpet, Kahun tomatoes, Zol potatoes, mineral springs, and many others.

«Kabardino-Balkaria has rich traditions in crafts, cuisine, art, and tourism. The agreement with the Federal Institute of Industrial Property will help the region more effectively utilize these cultural and intellectual resources, protect them from unfair competition, and increase recognition in Russian and international markets. This will also create new opportunities for business development and attracting investment,” notes Maryana Marzhokhova.