Misha Verbitsky is an important Russian mathematician who is facing legal problems. He was sued because he wears a beard which another Russian citizen registred as trademark. The whole story can be read here:http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/mathematician-slapped-with-travel-ban-at-request-of-bearded-prince/457074.htmlAs stupid as it may seem, Misha has to defend himself in court and, in the meantime, he is not allowed to leave Russia. He was arrested when trying to attend a mathematics conference.

It is important for him and for Russian democracy that such practices be stopped.

P.S. As several people informed me, Misha was sued for using the Logo of that guy, not for wearing a beard. Mea culpa. Still, I think the situation is Kafkaian.