THE BENEFITS OF CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FROM AN UZBEK PERSPECTIVE
16 Jun 2023
Uzbekistan
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Article 53 of the new version of the Constitution of Uzbekistan, which contains proposals to provide “guarantees of artistic creativity through the legal protection of intellectual property” is a current discussion point at parliamentary sittings. This Article will enable intellectual property to influence the development of the national economy and further recognise the instrumental role that intellectual property plays in that development. Statistics from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) indicate a correlation: in countries with a higher number of patent applications, purchasing power parity and gross domestic product (GDP) tend to increase. Statistics show that intellectual property makes up a significant part of the total GDP of many countries.
Uzbekistan itself has experienced an ascent on the global stage of innovation. Over the past eight years, starting from 2015, the country has climbed 40 places in the Global Innovation Index. This upward trajectory is a testament to Uzbekistan's unwavering commitment to fostering scientific and technological progress. Moreover, the commercialization of scientific developments in Uzbekistan between 2018 and 2022 yielded a value of approximately 455 billion Uzbek sums, which translates to around 37 million euros. This substantial economic value shows the potential for transformative growth that lies within intellectual property.
By consolidating the protection of intellectual property within the constitutional framework, Uzbekistan stands to reap many benefits. Foremost among them is the bolstering of the country's export potential. A constitutional decree safeguarding intellectual property rights would enhance the confidence of foreign investors, encouraging them to engage in collaborative ventures and establish partnerships with Uzbek entrepreneurs and innovators. As a result, the economy of the country would experience an upswing, fostering sustainable development and prosperity.
Moreover, the advantages of such constitutional guarantees go beyond the economic spheres. They also serve as a catalyst for scientific and technological progress. By creating a favourable environment for creativity and innovation, Uzbekistan can nurture a dynamic ecosystem that promotes the development of scientists, researchers, and inventors. This, in turn, will stimulate the production of discoveries, inventions and technological achievements, which will eventually bring the country to the forefront of global competitiveness.