Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer who was released in a 2022 prisoner exchange for U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, has applied to trademark his name for beverages. His applications cover both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, excluding beer. Bout applied to register his first and surname in Cyrillic, the Latin transcription “Victor Bout” and the phrase “Kroot Kak Boot” (“Tough as Bout”) with the state trademark authority Rospatent. He stated that various products with his name have appeared recently, leading him to consult with lawyers and decide to register his trademark, although he currently has no plans to produce anything under the trademarks.
Bout gained global notoriety after his arrest in Thailand in 2008 during a U.S. sting operation, as he was accused of supplying arms to rebels in some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts. Following his extradition to the United States, he was tried and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012. While incarcerated, Bout reportedly brewed kombucha, or “mushroom tea,” which became popular among fellow inmates and wardens. However, he faced consequences when traces of alcohol were found in the drink, leading him to be placed in solitary confinement for 90 days. Since his release, Bout has joined Russia’s ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) and now serves as a member of the legislative assembly in the Ulyanovsk region.
The Moscow Times, an independent journalism outlet, highlighted the challenges they are facing due to Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office designating them as an “undesirable” organization and criminalizing their work. The authorities’ actions are seen as attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia, with claims that their work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” The journalists at The Moscow Times are determined to continue their work despite the risks, and they are seeking support from readers to help defend open and independent journalism in the face of repression. Support from the public, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on their ability to continue providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia.
Viktor Bout’s decision to trademark his name for beverages comes after various products with his name have begun to appear in the market. His applications cover a range of beverages, excluding beer, and he consulted with lawyers before deciding to register his trademark. Despite applying for the trademarks, Bout has mentioned that he currently has no plans to produce anything under them. Bout’s notoriety stems from his involvement in supplying arms to rebels in conflict zones, leading to his arrest in Thailand in 2008 during a U.S. sting operation. Following extradition to the United States, he was tried and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012. During his incarceration, Bout reportedly brewed kombucha, which became popular among inmates and wardens, although he faced consequences for traces of alcohol found in the drink.
Since his release from prison, Viktor Bout has aligned himself with Russia’s ultra-nationalist LDPR and is now a member of the legislative assembly in the Ulyanovsk region. Joining a political party and gaining a position in the local government marks a significant shift in Bout’s activities post-incarceration. His involvement in politics raises questions about his intentions and potential influence in the region. The Moscow Times, an independent journalism outlet in Russia, is facing unprecedented challenges due to government actions criminalizing their work and putting their staff at risk of prosecution. Despite these challenges, the journalists at The Moscow Times are committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia, seeking support from readers to defend independent journalism and continue their work in the face of repression.
The decision by Viktor Bout to trademark his name for beverages highlights an interesting development in his post-prison activities. The applications cover both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, excluding beer, and Bout sought legal advice before proceeding with registering his trademark. While he stated that there are currently no plans to produce anything under the trademarks, the appearance of products using his name likely prompted his decision to protect his brand. Bout’s criminal past as an arms dealer and his subsequent imprisonment have shaped his notoriety, making his move into trademarking beverages an unexpected turn in his story. His shift towards branding and potentially entering the beverage market raises curiosity about his future endeavors and the impact it may have on his public image.
The challenges faced by The Moscow Times, an independent journalism outlet in Russia, highlight the ongoing crackdown on free press and independent voices in the country. Designation as an “undesirable” organization and being labeled a “foreign agent” are part of the authorities’ efforts to silence critical reporting and independent media. The journalists at The Moscow Times continue to strive for accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia despite the risks involved. They rely on support from readers to defend open and independent journalism and ensure their work can continue in the face of repression. By standing with The Moscow Times and supporting their efforts, readers can contribute to upholding the values of free press and independent media in a challenging environment.
