The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy of the Italian Republic, hereinafter jointly referred to as “the Participants”,

Considering the strategic importance of industrial property rights in fostering innovation and boosting national economic development,

Recognizing the importance of promoting cooperation in the field of industrial property for enhancing the economic, trade, scientific and technologic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Italian Republic,

Considering the need of creating favorable conditions for the protection and enforcement of industrial property rights based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit,

Desiring to strengthen the bilateral communication and cooperation in the above field,

Have reached the following understanding:

The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter “Memorandum”) is to build the overall framework for cooperation in the field of industrial property between the Participants.

The Participants will cooperate in the following areas:

1) exchange of information and knowledge in the field of industrial property examination procedures;

2) exchange of experience on the development and application of online services and on the electronic information system;

3) exchange of industrial property data in English;

4) exchange of knowledge about policy measures to support companies in the fight against counterfeiting and initiatives to increase public awareness on the impact of counterfeiting on business and society;

5) exchange of information on the practical application of legislation in this area, the practice of courts considering disputes from violations of industrial property rights, including practical measures to combat counterfeit products;

6) exchange of experiences on the development of industrial property in society, including the promotion of public awareness on industrial property and training activities;

7) organization of joint meetings, such as workshops and specialized seminars;

other areas jointly identified.

Any difference in the implementation or interpretation of this Memorandum will be settled amicably through direct consultations and negotiations between the Participants.

This Memorandum aims at enhancing and developing cooperation between the Participants and does not constitute an international agreement that may lead to rights and obligations under international law. No provision of this Memorandum will be understood and implemented as creating legal rights or commitments for the Participants.

The Participants will carry out the activities provided by this Memorandum in full compliance with the respective laws and regulations of their States, as well as in compliance with international obligations and those ensuing from Italyʼs membership of the European Union.

The activities foreseen under this Memorandum will be implemented by the Participants within the limits of their available financial and human resources, without any additional cost for the State budgets of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Italian Republic. Each Participant will bear the expenses for its own employees involved in the activities resulting from this Memorandum.

In order to ensure the confidentiality of the personal data exchanged for the implementation of this Memorandum, each Participant undertakes not to transfer those data to third parties or otherwise process them in a manner that is incompatible with the agreed purposes without the prior written consent of the other Participant.

The Participants may amend this Memorandum in writing by mutual consent.

Each Participant will designate its following contact points for the purpose of effective communication and the specific cooperation issues under this Memorandum and notify any replacement or change of its contact points to the other Participant upon the occurrence of such replacement or change.

This Memorandum takes effect on the date of its signature and will remain valid for three (3) years. This Memorandum will be automatically renewed for additional periods of three (3) years, unless one of the Participants notifies the other of its intention to terminate it at least ninety (90) days prior to its expiration.

This Memorandum may be terminated at any time by either Participant by notifying the other of its intention at least ninety (90) days prior to the intended date of expiration.

Signed in Rome on the 8"ʼ of June, 2023, in two originals, each in the Uzbek, Italian and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence the text in English will prevail.