Ministry of Justice to gain powers to inspect and seize counterfeit goods

The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis has approved a bill in its first reading to enhance intellectual property (IP) protection in Uzbekistan, introducing stricter penalties for violations.

Key Measures:

• Higher fines for copyright violations.
• New liability for breeders' rights violations.
• Confiscation and destruction of counterfeit goods at the offender's expense.
• Criminal liability for infringing IP property rights.
• Justice authorities to gain powers to inspect and seize counterfeit goods.

In 2023 alone, over 249 IP-related violations were reviewed by courts. The bill aims to reduce counterfeit goods, protect IP rights, attract foreign investments, and accelerate Uzbekistan’s WTO accession.

#Oliy Majlis #Ministry of Justice