Senators passed the Intellectual Property Law

On June 2, 2022, a meeting of the Chamber was held under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, at which senators considered and adopted the law "On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on improving legislation in the fields of intellectual property and providing state-guaranteed legal assistance."

"An extremely important concept is being introduced - a new object of intellectual property is a geographical indication. Previously, it was not in our legal field of this concept. This will allow domestic producers to enter the world markets with new opportunities. The reputation and quality of the goods in this case are associated with a certain geographical object. For example, these are "Kazakhstani chocolate", "Kokshetau ice cream", "Osakarovsky saumal", "Lepsinsky honey", – said Deputy of the Majilis Gulnara Bizhanova.

In addition, short-term protection of unregistered industrial designs is being introduced, which corresponds to the obligations assumed under the agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation with the European Union, ratified on March 25, 2016, which will protect copyright holders from direct copying of the appearance of original products.

The adopted law will improve the institution of patent attorneys representing the interests of applicants and copyright holders in the authorized body, expert organizations and courts. Legal consultants will also be included in the system of providing state-guaranteed legal assistance. Thanks to this, representatives of vulnerable segments of the population will have the opportunity to receive legal assistance for free.

"The Law provides for measures to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights and industrial property objects. Also, national legislation is being brought into line with the provisions of international norms and practices in the field of intellectual property rights protection. In addition, the law is aimed at expanding the scope of obtaining state-guaranteed legal assistance. We hope that this Law will contribute to the development of the intellectual property market, ensuring the rights of citizens of the country," Maulen Ashimbayev said.

After discussing the provisions of the law, the deputies adopted the document in two readings. The bill has been sent for signature to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.