Russian sources have spread the claim that McDonald's is planning to return to Russia. This conclusion was drawn from the fact that the company submitted over 50 applications to the Russian patent office for the registration of trademarks, including names of drinks and dishes, as well as company slogans.

However, these conclusions are premature, and updating its patents does not mean the chain will return to Russia. According to StopFake, McDonald's is renewing its trademarks and patents in Russia to protect its intellectual property and prevent unauthorized use of its brand or technologies by third-party companies. This helps avoid unfair competition, where local businesses might use the recognizable brand to mislead consumers.

McDonald's announced its intention to retain its trademarks in Russia back in 2022, in a press release where the company announced its exit from the Russian market: “The company intends to begin the process of ‘de-arching’ these restaurants, which involves discontinuing the use of the name, logo, branding, and menu of McDonald's, although the company will continue to retain its trademarks in Russia”. The company sold all its outlets to the new Russian chain Vkusno i Tochka - though with the option to repurchase them within 15 years. Therefore, there is no basis to believe that McDonald's is returning to the Russian market: the company has made no such statements in its official communication channels.

Last year, there were claims about Starbucks and Visa returning to Russia. Given that neither of these companies has announced a return to the Russian market, McDonald's' return to Russia also seems highly unlikely.