Intellectual Property to Become a Criterion in Uzbekistan’s Corporate Sustainability Ratings from 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved new measures to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection and digitalize related processes, aimed at supporting innovation and encouraging business development.

Starting from 1 March 2026, corporate sustainability ratings will include IP-related criteria: companies holding trademarks or service marks will receive additional points, while court fines or other penalties for IP violations will lead to deductions.

The initiative also seeks to stimulate the commercialization of scientific developments, allowing inventors and innovators to use IP rights as collateral for loans. Technology and innovation support centers are being established in universities, research institutes, and tech parks to assist with patenting, implementation, and commercialization of research outcomes.

Uzbekistan plans to increase the number of patent attorneys to 400, including 200 with international qualifications, with experts from the UK, China, South Korea, and Singapore providing training.

An annual national IP competition will be introduced with five categories: “Best Invention,” “Best Utility Model,” “Best Industrial Design,” “Best Computer Program,” and “Best Breeding Achievement.” Winners will receive awards from the Science Financing Fund: 1st place — 150 basic calculation units (US$5,800 approx.), 2nd place — 125 units (US$4,830), 3rd place — 100 units (US$3,870).

Additionally, the number of officially registered geographical indications will increase to 40, each with a special protection mark, with promotion abroad managed by oriGin Uzbekistan, which will also support businesses and artisans in commercializing their products.

The government will harmonize Uzbekistan’s international IP agreements with the WTO TRIPS standards. By 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Justice must propose revisions or cancellations of existing agreements that do not comply with TRIPS norms.