The government of Uzbekistan has taken significant steps to improve the protection of intellectual property (IP), particularly in the realm of copyright. One of the key initiatives in this direction is the establishment of a single database for the permanent storage of electronic control copies of copyrighted works in Uzbekistan. This move was formalized with the approval of Resolution No. 469 by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on August 23, 2022 "On the Procedure for Storing Electronic Copies of Copyright Objects in a Single Database". This resolution will come into effect on April 1, 2023, marking a new era of copyright protection and transparency in Uzbekistan.
Establishment of a Centralized Copyright Database in Uzbekistan
A major element of the resolution is the creation of a centralized database designed to store electronic control copies of various works, including artistic, literary, and scientific materials, specifically in Uzbekistan. The full list of copyright-protected works that must be stored in this database is outlined in the resolution itself, which serves as a comprehensive guide for rights holders. The Intellectual Property Center, operating under the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan, has been designated as the operator responsible for maintaining and updating this database in Uzbekistan.
According to the resolution, the submission of electronic control copies to the single database is mandatory for authorized institutions referred to as depositories in Uzbekistan. These depositories are entrusted with safeguarding copyrighted works and must submit relevant details such as the name of the depository, the copyright owner who granted rights for storage, the author’s name, the type and name of the copyright object, the date of creation, the date of first publication, and the entry date into the database.
Open Access to Copyright Information in Uzbekistan
One of the most critical features of this centralized database in Uzbekistan is its public accessibility. The data stored within the system will be open for general review, enabling the public in Uzbekistan to access essential copyright-related information, which includes details of works, ownership, and creation dates. This measure is aimed at increasing awareness of copyright laws in Uzbekistan, while also acting as a proactive tool to prevent potential infringements. With the database's open-access nature, it will be easier to identify whether a work is already under copyright protection in Uzbekistan, thus serving as a deterrent to copyright violations.
Legal Implications and Future Prospects for Copyright Protection in Uzbekistan
In addition to the new database system, Uzbekistan has introduced legislative reforms to further enhance IP protection. The Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Further Enhancement of Legal Protection of Intellectual Property Objects," enacted on August 20, 2021, imposes significant fines for copyright infringement. These measures reflect Uzbekistan’s commitment to aligning the country’s copyright protection with global standards, creating a more secure environment for authors and rights holders in Uzbekistan.
The creation of the single database and its accessibility to the public are expected to contribute significantly to raising copyright awareness among creators, users, and enforcement bodies in Uzbekistan. By offering a clear and organized system for the management of copyright information in Uzbekistan, it is hoped that this initiative will also help reduce the number of copyright disputes in the country, supporting the further development of the creative industries in Uzbekistan.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan’s approach to copyright protection is evolving through technological advancements and legislative improvements. The establishment of a centralized database for copyrighted works in Uzbekistan, coupled with public access to copyright information, represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights of authors and creators in the country. These initiatives, underpinned by strong legal reforms, ensure that Uzbekistan continues to promote a fair and transparent environment for intellectual property protection.