Tether secures 10-year trademark in Russia, accelerating the globalization of stablecoins

Tether’s asset tokenization platform Hadron has completed trademark registration in Russia, valid for 10 years until 2035. This is another step in Tether’s recent strategic layout and also reflects the accelerating expansion of stablecoins in the global market.

Strategic Significance of Trademark Registration in Russia

In October 2025, Tether submitted an application for the Hadron trademark to the Russian Federal Intellectual Property Service (Rospatent), which was approved in January 2026. The exclusive rights to the trademark are valid until October 3, 2035, covering areas such as blockchain financial services, cryptocurrency trading and exchange, crypto payment processing, and related consulting services.

This timing is noteworthy. The trademark registration of Tether in Russia coincides with the rapid expansion of the global stablecoin market. According to the latest data, in 2025, global stablecoin trading volume reached a record $33 trillion, a 72% year-over-year increase. Among them, USDT trading volume was $13.3 trillion, second only to USDC’s $18.3 trillion.

Hadron Platform’s Positioning

Hadron is Tether’s asset tokenization platform. The trademark registration in Russia indicates that Tether plans to formally promote this platform’s business in the region. Asset tokenization is an important direction for blockchain applications, involving converting traditional assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.) into digital tokens on the blockchain.

The scope of services covered by the trademark is quite broad, ranging from basic cryptocurrency trading and payment processing to higher-level consulting services, all within Hadron’s planning. This suggests that Tether aims not only to provide USDT trading in Russia but also to establish a more complete financial infrastructure.

A Microcosm of Global Strategy

This trademark registration is not an isolated event. Based on a recent series of actions, Tether is actively pushing for global expansion:

• On January 9, Tether minted an additional $1 billion USDT, marking its first large-scale issuance in 2026.
• Simultaneously, Tether partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to jointly combat cybercrime and human trafficking in Africa.
• Tether and video platform Rumble launched a non-custodial crypto wallet supporting USDT and Bitcoin tipping.

These initiatives outline a clear picture: Tether is evolving from a simple stablecoin issuer into a global blockchain financial infrastructure provider. The registration of the trademark in Russia is a legal confirmation of this strategic direction.

Geopolitical Considerations

Registering a trademark in Russia also carries geopolitical implications. As a BRICS member, Russia has been promoting a de-dollarization agenda in finance. Tether’s formal presence in Russia may be seen as a response to this trend. Although USDT is still priced in USD, its legalization in Russia provides institutional support for the local crypto financial ecosystem.

Summary

Tether’s trademark registration in Russia may seem like a mere intellectual property event, but it reflects the acceleration of stablecoin globalization and the expansion of Tether’s business footprint. From USDT’s market position, recent large-scale issuances, international collaborations, to the establishment of the Russian trademark, Tether is demonstrating through concrete actions that it is not just a stablecoin issuer but is building a global blockchain financial infrastructure. For the Russian market, this means USDT and the Hadron platform will gain a more formal legal status, benefiting the development of the local crypto financial ecosystem.