Uzbekistan Parliament Discusses Intellectual Property Rights

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan reviewed efforts to protect the rights of citizens and business entities in the field of intellectual property.

Minister of Justice Akbar Tashkulov presented information on measures to improve legal protections for intellectual property, support national brands, and stimulate innovation.

Meeting participants noted that Uzbekistan has joined 19 international intellectual property agreements in recent years and aligned its national legislation with the requirements of the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan's ranking in the Global Innovation Index improved from 93rd place in 2020 to 79th place in 2025.

Mechanisms have also been implemented to protect rights holders from the unauthorized use of trademarks, industrial property objects, and copyrighted works. Penalties for violations are being refined, including the confiscation of items used in patent infringements.

In addition, the Association of Patent Attorneys of Uzbekistan was established, and the right of patent attorneys to participate in judicial proceedings was anchored in law.

Justice authorities were granted the power to independently conduct test purchases to identify counterfeit goods and work with law enforcement agencies to uncover illicit manufacturing operations.

Deputies highlighted several issues requiring further action, including fostering public respect for intellectual property, creating intolerance toward counterfeit goods, effectively protecting rights holders, and introducing financial liability for legal entities that violate copyright and related rights.

Lawmakers also emphasized the need to expand the use of private prosecution and reconciliation mechanisms in administrative offense cases.

Deputies proposed amending legislation to simplify trademark registration, establish legal mechanisms for using intellectual property as loan collateral, and restrict state procurement participation for entities that systematically violate intellectual property rights.

Discussions also covered expanding digital and artificial intelligence-based public services, transitioning to electronic document exchange between intellectual property agencies, preventing legal violations, and enhancing protections for rights holders.

Following the meeting, the Legislative Chamber adopted a corresponding resolution.

The Ministry of Justice was instructed to expand digital services, improve legal mechanisms to increase the economic circulation of intellectual property assets, and take additional measures to prevent violations.