In frame of upcoming changes in IP legislation of Uzbekistan new mechanisms of protection of exclusive rights are suppose to be introduced.

Below we present major amendments, in our opinion, which are expected in IP legislation:

- IP AGENCY OF UZBEKISTAN AND PERSPECTIVES FOR THE YEAR OF 2017
New changes have been introduced to the number of functions of the IP Agency of Uzbekistan. The functions of the Agency on state registration of copyright on scientific, literature and artistic production and registration of collective management societies have been abolished.
Furthermore, the Agency is endowed with following new functions, which should be implemented by the end of 2017:
Implementation of information system which will unable online applications for patent;
Creation of patent fund open access database;
Introduction of interactive government services based on the principle of «one window»

- STRENGTHENING THE RIGHT OF AUTHORS TO RECEIVE REMUNERATION
New changes are under discussion to amend the existing laws and regulations and provide authors without the patent with right to receive remuneration for exploiting their scientific research. This amendment will serve as a strengthening tool of the authors rights for remuneration.

- UPCOMING CHANGES IN LEGISLATION ON UNFAIR COMPETITION
Expected changes in 2017 cover the effective measures in combating unfair competition practices. New draft law «On Competition» assumes the amendments and additions to number of legislative acts, which will bring the legislation in line with international IP practices.

In particular, the adoption of a legal acts, will allow further improvements in protection of holders of intellectual property rights from exploitation of their trademarks and unfair competition. Moreover, new legal changes will assist in providing businesses with faster access to information on registered trademarks and clearly and explicitly formulate a verdict in judicial decisions to protect businesses from abusive registration of trademark.

- EXCISE TAX IS INDEXED ON MANUFACTURED EXCISABLE GOODS

According to the Decree of President the excise tax on ethyl alcohol (per 1 decilitre) is increased by 25 % compared to level of excise tax in 2016.
Pursuant to the Presidential Decree “On the forecast of the main macroeconomic indicators and parameters of the State Budget of Uzbekistan for the year of 2017” excise tax on number of products has been indexed. In particular, excise tax on natural wine of natural fermentation has been increased by 5 %, whereas other type of wine by 20%. The level of excise tax on tobacco products has been fixed quite high compared to the year 2016, which amounts to 30 % increase.

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