Russian Pop Star Shaman Files Trademark for ‘Ya Russky’ Brand
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Loading... - Ruth Huppe
- 17 Oct 2024
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Yaroslav Yuryevich Dronov, better known as Shaman, has filed to trademark the phrase “Ya Russky” (“I’m Russian”) for a diverse range of products, including alcohol, cosmetics, household items, and even sex toys, according to reports from the Moskva news agency on Wednesday.
The patriotic slogan, which has become synonymous with Shaman's pro-war image, gained prominence after his rise to fame following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trademark Details
The filings, submitted to Russia’s intellectual property agency Rospatent, seek approval for two separate categories:
- Alcoholic beverages, including vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, cider, and more.
- A wide variety of household and lifestyle products, including soap, shampoo, hair gel, lipstick, food products, jewelry, musical equipment, and sex toys.
If approved, the trademarks would also allow Shaman to organize concerts and record music under the “Ya Russky” brand.
Political Controversy and Sanctions
Shaman's pro-war stance and open support for Moscow’s invasion have made him a controversial figure both inside and outside Russia. In summer 2024, the European Union sanctioned Shaman and other Russian artists for their public support of the war. Following these sanctions, platforms such as YouTube and Spotify removed his accounts, further limiting his international presence.
A Pop Star Turned Political Symbol
“Ya Russky” has become more than just a slogan for Shaman—it reflects his nationalist brand and the politically charged identity he has cultivated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His personal life has also attracted public interest, with the singer recently announcing his divorce from PR manager Yelena Martynova.
While some see his move to trademark the phrase as a way to capitalize on patriotism, others view it as an attempt to extend his brand across different industries—even into unconventional areas like sex toys and alcohol.
Shaman’s push to register “Ya Russky” highlights the intersection of culture, commerce, and politics in Russia today, where artists aligned with the state’s messaging seek to monetize national identity. Whether authorities will approve the unusual application remains to be seen.
