HBO Faces Trademark Risk in Ukraine
April 29, 2026 at 14:00
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✦ AI Summary
- Ludmila Ignatenko's name used in 'Chernobyl' without permission
- US courts awarded her compensation, still unpaid by HBO
- Potential trademark loss for HBO in Ukraine over this issue
In a noteworthy legal battle, HBO's miniseries "Chernobyl" has found itself under scrutiny for using the name of Ludmila Ignatenko, the widow of a Chernobyl disaster liquidator, without proper approval. The series, released in 2019, distorted her and her husband's true narrative. Last year, a Ukrainian court ruled in favor of Ignatenko, awarding her compensation for the unauthorized use of her identity, which HBO has yet to pay.
This ongoing situation has put HBO's trademarks at risk within Ukraine, as the company could potentially lose its rights in the country over these unresolved financial obligations.
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