On November 10, 2025, amendments to Uzbekistan’s criminal legislation aimed at protecting intellectual property (IP) rights will take effect. Under the new rules, the illegal use of copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property on a large scale will be subject to criminal liability.
First-time offenses may be punishable by fines, corrective labor, or imprisonment for up to two (2) years. Repeat offenses or those causing significant damage can result in imprisonment for up to three (3) years. The law also provides for mitigation: if the offender voluntarily eliminates the violation and compensates for the damage, they may be exempt from criminal liability.
These reforms are part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to combat counterfeiting and piracy and are linked to the country’s preparation for joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). The changes are expected to increase foreign investor confidence and strengthen the overall business environment.
The new rules provide an opportunity to effectively combat piracy, counterfeiting, and the trafficking of fake products.
Timely registration of IP rights and proper structuring of patent and trademark portfolios remain essential for doing business in the jurisdiction. However, the new regulations allow full leverage of the legal mechanisms designed to strengthen the protection of IP rights for fair manufacturers and service providers, as well as ensure the protection of consumers’ rights.
In general, the announced measures serve as a positive marker of continuing development in the legal and business landscape of the Republic of Uzbekistan and ongoing efforts by its government to improve the business environment for innovative business.
Patent and trademark attorneys of IPR GROUP continue monitoring important changes in IP legislation in our jurisdictions, posting summaries on our webpages, and directly informing our esteemed clients’ of the most urgent matters. However, in case of any questions, please feel free to contact us directly for additional consultations regarding the practical application of the new IP legislation and guidance on how to make full use of the strengthened enforcement provisions.
