Geographical Indications Law in Uzbekistan
Here’s an overview of Geographical Indications (GI) law in Uzbekistan:
🇺🇿 Geographical Indications Law in Uzbekistan
1. Legal Framework
Uzbekistan protects Geographical Indications under its Law on Protection of Intellectual Property Objects, including trademarks, appellations of origin, and geographical indications.
The law has been updated to align with international standards, particularly the TRIPS Agreement under the WTO, which Uzbekistan joined in 2018.
The Intellectual Property Agency of Uzbekistan (IP Agency) administers GI registrations.
2. Types of Protection
Appellation of Origin (AO): Used when a product’s qualities or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to its geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
Geographical Indication (GI): Used when a product is attributable to a specific geographic origin but the qualities may not be exclusively due to the environment.
3. Registration Process
Applications for GI protection are filed with the Intellectual Property Agency of Uzbekistan.
The application must include:
Name and description of the product.
Definition of the geographical area.
Evidence of the link between the product and the geographical area.
The application undergoes examination, publication for opposition, and if approved, registration.
4. Protection and Enforcement
Registered GIs receive exclusive rights within Uzbekistan.
Unauthorized use or imitation of registered GIs is prohibited.
Enforcement is conducted through administrative bodies and courts.
5. International Agreements
Uzbekistan is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Complies with the WTO TRIPS Agreement.
Bilateral and regional IP agreements help enhance protection.
6. Examples
Uzbekistan has a rich heritage of agricultural and handicraft products that could be protected under GI law, such as:
Samarkand rice
Fergana silk
Bukhara carpets
Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Governing Law | Law on Protection of Intellectual Property Objects |
Administering Body | Intellectual Property Agency of Uzbekistan |
Types of Protection | Appellation of Origin (AO), Geographical Indication (GI) |
Registration Process | Application → Examination → Publication → Registration |
Enforcement | Administrative bodies and courts |
International Treaties | WIPO, WTO/TRIPS |
Examples | Samarkand rice, Fergana silk, Bukhara carpets |
0 comments