Russia is hosting a different kind of battle between crypto and fiat currency, with consumers soon to face Bitcoin and Ethereum vodka.
As local news outlet Life.ru reports, an entrepreneur from the city of Ekaterinburg has delivered three patent applications for Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ethereum Classic to become the brand names of the country’s famous spirit.
“Consumers can make positive associations with the names of cryptocurrencies in relation to certain products,” Dmitry Aydakhov told the publication.
“For some, these are positive, for some negative, which is why all manufacturers try to come up with original brand names.”
Clampdown
Despite an incoming government clampdown on free access to cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum in particular are rapidly making inroads into mainstream public consciousness.
Cointelegraph previously reported on Burger King Russia issuing its own domestic digital currency, while restaurant chain Dve Palochki last month launched an ICO-themed menu.
Russia is already known for its often bizarre brand names for vodka, with Russkaya Valyuta (‘Russian Currency,’ reflecting the ruble) already an extant trademark.
While Aydakhov does not yet know when the cryptobooze will come into being, he already foresees three varieties based on Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ethereum Classic which he says is the optimal number.
“If you have the opportunity to introduce a product, you need to register a trademark, but it’s pointless to register one if you’re just going to let it sit there afterwards