Uzbekistan to join WIPO

Geneva, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan Muzraf Ikramov met with Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Daren Tang in Geneva.

At the meeting, Muzraf Ikramov informed about the importance of intellectual property in Uzbekistan, activities and changes in this area, and opportunities provided to youth, women, and entrepreneurs. It was noted that the expenses of national exporters for registration abroad of appellations of origin (geographic indications) of goods carried out before January 1, 2025, are fully covered by the State Budget. From January 1, 2023, reduced rates of import customs duty on imported products of some international trademarks are applied. From June 1, 2023, until January 1, 2025, the state registration of trademarks will be free for artisans, included in the “National Catalog of Masters of Folk and Applied Art” and “Register of Artisans Engaged in Tourism”.

Daren Tang noted that he is aware of the work in the country, that the current state policy on youth, women, and entrepreneurs corresponds to the plans established by WIPO, and expressed readiness to support Uzbekistan in this regard.

At the meeting, WIPO Director General Daren Tang and Deputy Minister of Justice Muzraf Ikramov signed a Memorandum of Understanding on joining the WIPO Alert Platform. One of the platform’s main goals is to stop the activities of pirate sites that earn money from advertising, create a list of websites that violate copyrights, and transfer it to local advertising agencies and entrepreneurs in the countries that are members of the platform.

Following the meeting, views were exchanged on emerging issues in the field of intellectual property and their solutions, as well as prospects for further cooperation.