The Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved a law on July 10th that provides for Uzbekistan's accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement. This step marks the country's twentieth international treaty in the field of intellectual property.
Simplifying Access to the Global Market
The new document significantly eases the process for local producers to enter international markets by minimizing bureaucratic complexities when registering unique goods outside the country. According to information from the Ministry of Justice press service, a 'one-window' system is being implemented through the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Brand Registration Mechanism
Exporters will no longer need to submit numerous separate documents to various agencies in dozens of countries. Now, it is sufficient to send one application, which will be valid across the entire territory covered by the agreement. This new procedure will reduce business costs for foreign brand registration by an average of a quarter.
Expansion of Protection Scope
International protection now covers not only fully produced products but also goods whose fame is closely linked to a specific region. Currently, 36 such trademarks are registered in Uzbekistan, including Chust knives, Samarkand bread, Margilan adras, and Khorezm melons. The new regulation will ensure reliable protection of these trademarks against counterfeiting abroad and accelerate the republic's accession to the World Trade Organization.
Other Adopted Legislative Acts
In addition, on Thursday, July 9th, the senate approved a number of other laws. These include initiatives aimed at tightening fire safety requirements, as well as laws on the protection of women and children from violence and 'On Social Work.'
