David Beckham’s company, DB Ventures, has registered the “David Beckham” trademark in Russia, allowing it to sell textiles and home goods under his name, according to official records from Russia’s intellectual property office, Rospatent.

The trademark application was submitted in June 2024 and officially registered in February 2025. It falls under International Class 24, covering items such as bed linens, curtains, towels, yoga mats and pet blankets. The move has raised speculation about Beckham’s business intentions in Russia, particularly given his previous public support for Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Beckham, a former England football captain and global sports icon, has built a successful business empire through DB Ventures, managing brand deals with Adidas, Tudor and Haig Club whisky. In 2022, he sold a 55% stake in DB Ventures to US-based Authentic Brands Group, which owns Reebok and Juicy Couture.

Despite the trademark registration, there is no confirmation that Beckham plans to launch business operations in Russia. The decision has sparked controversy due to his vocal support for Ukraine, which included donating GBP1mn ($1.2mn) to humanitarian efforts and allowing a Ukrainian doctor to take over his Instagram account to highlight the war’s impact.

The registration suggests an interest in maintaining brand protection in Russia, a common business strategy even in politically sensitive regions. However, whether this will translate into an active business presence remains unclear.