1. A New Regulatory Architecture:
The recently adopted Presidential Decree № 358 dated November 27, 2025 marks a turning point in the development of Uzbekistan’s intellectual property ecosystem. It initiates a full-scale modernization of legislation, digital infrastructure, inter-agency coordination, examination processes, professional standards, and international cooperation. Rather than making incremental improvements, the decree reshapes the entire strategic framework of IP governance in the country.
The reform covers a wide range of areas: artificial intelligence in examination, digitalization of public services, inter-agency integration, improved protection tools, support for geographical indications, development of human capital, and alignment with global best practices. It effectively builds a modern, long-term regulatory model designed to enhance transparency, support innovation, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in international markets.
2. Artificial Intelligence in Examination
One of the most technologically advanced components of the reform is the introduction of artificial intelligence into the examination of trademarks, patents, and other IP assets. AI will support rapid data processing, similarity checks, formal examination, and the preparation of analytical conclusions.
However, an important clarification must be made: international convention-based deadlines will remain unchanged. These are mandatory timeframes under international agreements, and they cannot be shortened. Therefore, the purpose of AI is not to alter legal deadlines but to accelerate internal workflows, eliminate administrative delays, and improve expert efficiency.
In practice, this means faster and more disciplined examination cycles, timely compliance with statutory deadlines, and higher internal productivity of the IP Office without sacrificing examination quality.
3. IP Integration platform
A key pillar of the digital reform is the introduction of the IP Protection system, a platform long discussed among government agencies and now approaching full implementation. This is not merely a user-friendly portal but an inter-agency digital infrastructure designed to unify state authorities, provide access to IP databases, and enable automated compliance checks.
One of the first practical applications of the system will be the mandatory verification of dietary supplements for potential trademark infringements. Starting 1 March 2026, all dietary supplement products entering the market will be screened through IP Protection to ensure they do not violate registered trademark rights.
This mechanism will:
- improve transparency in the pharmaceutical and supplements market,
- enable regulators to assess risks instantly,
- provide right holders with an additional tool for early detection of infringements,
- give businesses clarity about risks before products reach consumers.
In essence, IP Protection will become the digital core of the country’s entire IP infrastructure, enabling seamless inter-agency cooperation and automated enforcement.
4. IP Assets as Collateral: From Legal Possibility to Practical Mechanism
Although Uzbek legislation has never prohibited the use of IP assets as collateral, in practice such transactions were extremely rare. The absence of clear regulations, valuation standards, and enforcement procedures made it nearly impossible to implement IP-based collateral in the financial sector.
The new reform changes this fundamentally. The government now plans to:
- amend the Law on Collateral,
- adopt an administrative regulation on IP-based collateral,
- introduce valuation standards for intangible assets,
- develop risk assessment and insurance tools.
This will create an entirely new financial market segment:
- banks will be able to accept trademarks, patents, and software as security;
- valuation companies will receive a new line of business;
- insurers will develop products to cover IP-related collateral risks;
- right holders will gain access to new financing instruments based on their intangible assets.
This is a major step toward establishing a modern innovation economy.
5. Patent Attorneys in Court
One of the most widely discussed aspects of the reform is the decision to grant patent attorneys the right to appear in court in IP-related disputes. Until now, their participation was limited, and many cases were handled by lawyers without specialized technical expertise.
The change significantly strengthens the professional status of patent attorneys. They will now be able to fully represent clients in litigation, participate in hearings, submit evidence, engage with expert examinations, and build legal positions.
This reform aligns Uzbekistan with European practices and is expected to: improve the quality of IP litigation.
6. TRIPS Alignment, Geographical Indications, and Human Capital Development
The decree also focuses on harmonizing national legislation with the TRIPS Agreement, including enforcement mechanisms, procedural standards, responsibility for infringements, and protection of right holders’ interests. This enhances predictability for international companies and strengthens Uzbekistan’s integration into the global IP system.
It includes significant support for geographical indications (GIs), ensuring institutional development, improving registration procedures, and promoting national products at international level. A dedicated section focuses on human capital development:
- new educational programs,
- support for students and young professionals,
- advanced training opportunities,
- development of a long-term national expert community.
This demonstrates that the reform is not limited to institutional adjustments but aims to build a sustainable intellectual ecosystem.
7. Conclusion: A Comprehensive and Forward-Looking IP Reform
The adopted decree represents a systemic and forward-looking transformation of the intellectual property landscape in Uzbekistan. It enhances legal protection, streamlines inter-agency interaction, creates a modern digital ecosystem, strengthens enforcement, and supports long-term development of human capital. The introduction of the IP Protection system, AI-assisted examination, IP-based collateral mechanisms, expanded powers of patent attorneys, TRIPS harmonization, and support for geographical indications collectively form a new regulatory model that will shape the country’s IP environment for decades to come.