Strengthening penalties for intellectual property rights violations in Uzbekistan: key changes

Effective August 8, 2025, Uzbekistan has enacted new legislation (No. 1080) that significantly toughens penalties for intellectual property (IP) violations. These changes demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering innovation, protecting copyrights and patents, and creating a safer business environment for inventors and entrepreneurs.

As Uzbekistan advances toward digitalization and innovation, the government is cracking down on illegal use of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and other IP assets. These measures enhance the country’s appeal to investors and tech startups. Key changes regarding criminal liability (Articles 149¹, 149², 149³ of the Criminal Code) will take effect 3 months after publication — i.e., starting November 8, 2025.

Old vs. New Penalties:

1. Copyright and related rights violations

Before:

Fines up to ~$1,350 or corrective labor.

No clear distinction between different types of violations.

Now:

Article 149¹: Fines ranging from $1,350 to $4,050.

Aggravating circumstances (e.g., abuse of official position) may lead to up to 3 years in prison.

 

2. Illegal use of trademarks

Before:

Administrative fines up to ~$810 for legal entities.

Now:

Article 149²:

Fines up to $2,700.

Repeat offenders face imprisonment for up to 3 years.

 

3. Patent rights and breeding achievements violations

Before:

Lenient penalties, typically fines under $1,000.

Now:

Article 149³:

Fines up to $2,025.

In cases of major damages – corrective labor or imprisonment up to 3 years.

 

Other key reforms

Digitalization – patents and certificates now issued electronically with QR codes;

Faster Processing – trademark registration reduced to 1 month;

Discounts – small businesses and research institutions receive a discount on official fees.

 

Implications for businesses and IP owners

Stronger protection against counterfeiting and piracy;

Higher risks for violators – penalties increased 3-5 times;

Boost for innovation – creators and companies can develop projects with greater legal security.

 

If you have any questions or need our assistance in obtaining IP protection in Uzbekistan, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@patentica.com.