With Uzbekistan’s accession to the Hague System, the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) international design system now covers 98 nations. This membership strengthens the country’s standing in global commerce and intellectual property protection, marking an important turning point for Central Asia.

In addition to promoting regional economic progress, Uzbekistan’s membership in the Hague System gives its people and companies access to a simplified procedure for obtaining industrial design protection abroad, thus integrating the nation into the global economy. 

On October 10, 2024, the Uzbekistan government deposited their document of accession to the Hague Agreement’s 1999 Geneva Act. The country is the 81st member of the Hague Union and the 75th Contracting Party to the 1999 Act.

Beginning on January 10, 2025, Uzbekistan will be able to be included in a worldwide design application, which will make it easier for companies to grow in Central Asia. By submitting a single worldwide application, Uzbek designers and companies would be able to seek protection for their designs in any of the 75 Contracting Parties to the 1999 Act.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco