Uzbekistan and China have signed two new agreements to strengthen cooperation in intellectual property, marking another step in expanding their strategic partnership and supporting innovation.

The documents were signed during the 68th Series of Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, where Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Justice and Head of the National IP Office, Muzraf Ikramov, met with Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation on the legal protection of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. They also explored opportunities to enhance patent examination procedures, exchange expertise, and improve professional training for intellectual property specialists.

Following the meeting, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice and CNIPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Intellectual Property Cooperation and a separate agreement to implement the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program, which is designed to accelerate patent examination and improve efficiency.

The agreements also provide for expanding Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), strengthening the skills of patent experts, promoting the commercialization of intellectual property, and deepening collaboration in innovation.

According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice, the new agreements are expected to reinforce strategic cooperation with China while fostering technological development, innovation, and a stronger intellectual property ecosystem in Uzbekistan.