On October 7, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted Resolution No. 542, approving new Regulations on Patent Attorneys. The resolution replaces the previous framework established under Resolution No. 298 of July 1, 2003, and introduces significant changes to qualification requirements, professional practice, and regulatory oversight.
Key changes include:
1. Updated qualification requirements. Applicants must hold a higher education degree and complete at least 72 academic hours of specialized training, subject to certain exemptions. The qualification examination consists of 50–60 questions, with a minimum passing score of 60%.
2. Expanded professional authority. Patent attorneys may practice independently, within legal practices, or under employment contracts. Their recognized professional activities include IP portfolio management, domain name disputes, unfair competition proceedings, administrative appeals, and mediation.
3. Strengthened professional accountability. Patent attorneys must complete continuing professional education every three years. The regulations also establish confidentiality obligations and liability for losses resulting from improper performance of professional duties.
4. Digital State Register. The State Register of Patent Attorneys is maintained electronically, and professional certificates are issued with QR codes. The regulations also introduce additional grounds for certificate revocation, including repeated violations of applicable laws and professional ethics.
5. Enhanced role of the professional association. The Patent Attorneys Association of Uzbekistan is granted broader participation in legislative development, protection of professional interests, and the work of qualification and appeals commissions.
Practical implications
The new framework aims to strengthen professional competence, transparency, and accountability in Uzbekistan’s patent attorney profession. For foreign businesses and IP owners, these changes provide additional safeguards when engaging local representatives for intellectual property registration, portfolio management, and enforcement matters.