In St. Petersburg, some entrepreneurs were not ready for the "Russification" of signage.

With the entry into force of the requirements for the use of the Russian language in outdoor information on March 1, some entrepreneurs were not ready for changes and did not fully understand which signage needed to be changed. This was announced on March 18 by the Delovoy Peterburg portal.

Daria Filina, Partner, Head of the Real Estate and Construction Practice at the Legal to Business Bureau of Legal Strategies, explained that there are a number of exceptions to the general rule on translating foreign words, and, in particular, the sign can be used unchanged if there is a registered trademark or brand name.

The Press and Media Relations Committee of St. Petersburg informed DP that signs and advertising structures posted before March 1, 2026, can be used until the expiration of permits. It takes up to five years for signage and up to ten years for advertising structures. However, new permits for the use of a foreign language are issued only if conditions are met, including the presence of a registered trademark or an equivalent translation into Russian.

"The installation and operation of advertising structures and information placement facilities in St. Petersburg is allowed only with the committee's permits. The absence of a permit for an advertising structure is an administrative offense, for which a fine of 1-1.5 thousand rubles is threatened for citizens, 3-5 thousand rubles for officials, from 500 thousand to 1 million rubles for legal entities," the department stressed.

Contrary to the discussions on social media, the mass renaming of well-known brands should not be expected. Large companies such as marketplaces and restaurant chains have already confirmed that their names are registered as trademarks, so they do not require changes.

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Starting from March 1, 2026, entrepreneurs will face fines for using foreign words.

At the same time, part of the business has already faced the need to adapt. Owners of catering establishments and fitness clubs reported additional costs for replacing signage, redesigning menus and schedules. On average, updating a single point can cost from 10 thousand to 30 thousand rubles or more, depending on the format.

Shopping malls and major operators have begun to bring information materials in line with the law, primarily by updating digital platforms and notifying tenants of the need for changes. Many companies, as noted by market participants, have prepared for innovations in advance by registering trademarks.

Experts emphasize that the new requirements primarily concern information for consumers — signage, signs and other elements that must be understandable in Russian. However, the use of a foreign language is allowed if the Russian text is equivalent in content and decorated no less noticeably.

Despite this, the business notes the continuing uncertainty in the interpretation of certain norms and is awaiting clarification from regulators. According to market participants, the new requirements have already led to an increase in the number of trademark registration applications, as well as an additional burden on companies, especially in the segment of small and medium-sized businesses.

Daria Balich, head of the legal department of the Kokoc Group, announced on February 19 that the FAS, Rospotrebnadzor and Roskomnadzor would monitor compliance with the new requirements for the use of the Russian language in public space. For violation of consumer rights in the design of signage, fines are provided under art.

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