Uzbekistan has adopted amendments aimed at coordinating national legislation with the agreements of the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking a crucial step in facilitating trade and intellectual property rights within the country, Legal Information reports.
One of the key amendments involves the setting of state duty amounts for the registration of both foreign-invested and local enterprises. In compliance with the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services, the state duty for enterprise registration has been established at the level of 1 minimum wage (UZS 330,000 / $26.8).
Intellectual Property Rights Enhancements
In an effort to align the national intellectual property system with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, several measures have been introduced:
- Use of Patents: Specific circumstances have been outlined wherein the government may allow the use of patents without the permission of the owner, with provisions for compensation.
- Compulsory Licensing: Provisions have been made for obtaining compulsory licenses for the use of industrial property objects, with norms set for compensatory payments to patent owners.
- Dispute Resolution: Clarifications regarding the burden of proof in disputes arising from patented methods have been provided.
- Trademark Registration: The statute of limitations for canceling registered trademarks due to unfair competition has been eliminated.
- Equal Opportunity: Equal opportunities for domestic and foreign applicants in the state registration of intellectual property objects have been ensured, with unified patent duty amounts for non-residents and residents.
Support for Specific Groups
During the state registration of inventions and utility models, certain groups are entitled to fee discounts:
- Persons with II group disabilities receive a 90% discount.
- Students, scientific and scientific-pedagogical staff enjoy a 30% discount.
- Small business entities, state-accredited educational organizations, and scientific organizations receive a 25% discount.
Protection of Medicinal Products
Additionally, the legislation provides support for companies producing original medicinal products. Provisions have been made for the protection of results obtained from pre-clinical and clinical trials conducted during the creation of medicinal products. Compensation to the right holder is ensured even in cases of natural disasters, accidents, epidemics, and other emergency situations where industrial property objects are utilized.
These amendments signify Uzbekistan's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to international trade and innovation while ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights and promoting inclusivity within its legal framework.
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