X5 Retail Group prepares for Wal-Mart’s arrival in Russia

X5 Retail Group is bracing for Wal-Mart’s arrival in Russia, registering the Wal-Rus trademark, similar to that of the world’s largest chain, the local press reported. The bid to register the Wal-Rus logo, featuring the typical Wal-Mart star between the two words, was filed with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents and Trademark by Perekrestok, one of X5’s banners.

According to the local press, the move has come ahead of the US rival’s arrival in the Russian Market. X5 Public Relations Manager Maksim Trapeznikov said that the group had no intention whatsoever of using the trademark. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart representative in Russia, Konstantin Dubinin, said that the company had a different trademark after a rebranding in 2008, when it abandoned the start and the 'super center' inscription below the name.