Tyumen Dispute Over Potato Sack Art Object
The disputed art object, a stele resembling a potato sack, is located on Dambovskaya Street in Tyumen.
A conflict over a stele in the shape of a potato sack has erupted in Tyumen, Russia, on Dambovskaya Street in the Lesobaza district. The city administration considers the object illegal advertising and insists on its removal.
The advertising committee of the Tyumen mayor«s office issued an order to the agrofirm »KRiMM« for dismantling, citing violations of the Federal Law »On Advertising«. According to the authorities, four advertising structures were installed at addresses Dambovskaya, 9 and Dambovskaya, 9/3 without the necessary permit. If the company refuses, it faces forced dismantling with recovery of costs through the court.
The mayor«s office explained: »On the land of the Tyumen Region Road Administration stood a sack with the name «KRiMM». This is advertising, so the company was issued an order. Representatives of «KRiMM» stated that the structure is a real estate object and is not subject to dismantling. We did not agree with this position, after which the company went to court. Meanwhile, the object was moved to another plot of land.«
The agrofirm «KRiMM» filed a lawsuit with the Arbitration Court of the Tyumen Region, demanding that the order be declared illegal. The company also wants to recover 50,000 rubles (approximately $549 at current rates) from the advertising committee as compensation for legal costs. The statement of claim indicates that the potato sack does not contain advertising appeals and does not promote goods or services — only a trademark is placed on it. In the plaintiff«s opinion, the object is not advertising and does not require a special permit for installation.
Similar disputes have already arisen in the region. The Arbitration Court previously considered a case on the claim of the company METRO Cash & Carry, in which it sided with the business. The court recognized the demolition order as illegal and ordered the advertising committee to pay 50,000 rubles (approximately $549 at current rates) in court costs. Currently, this decision is being appealed.
