A European Union court has turned down a request from Ukraine’s border guards to trademark a colorful battle cry directed at a Russian warship on the first day of the invasion, which has since inspired numerous memes.
This phrase marked the last known radio exchange on February 24, 2022, involving Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island in the Black Sea, who responded to the vessel’s demands for surrender with, “Russian warship: go f**k yourself.”
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine aimed to use these words to register a diverse range of products as well as services in publishing, education, entertainment, and sports across the European Union.
However, the General Court based in Luxembourg ruled that the phrase had evolved into a political slogan, becoming “a symbol of Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression” soon after it was first expressed.
The court dismissed the appeal filed by the border guards against a 2023 decision from the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which had initially turned down the trademark application.
This ruling is subject to appeal at the EU’s highest court.
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The exchange between Snake Island defenders and the attacking Russian ship, the Moskva, gained global attention and became a rallying theme for Ukrainian resistance, appearing in a multitude of memes, banners at pro-Ukraine demonstrations abroad, and even on postage stamps.
The Ukrainian soldiers were captured but were subsequently exchanged for Russian prisoners.
The Moskva sank in the Black Sea in April 2022, following what Moscow described as an explosion onboard.
Ukraine claimed responsibility, stating they struck the warship with missiles.
Ukrainian forces successfully retook the island in June 2022.
