Question 1

Can an employer dismiss an employee without cause?

Accepted Answer

No. An employment contract may be terminated only on the grounds set out in the Labour Code (the new version has been in force since 30 April 2023). A court may find a dismissal without grounds, or in breach of the procedure, unlawful, reinstate the employee and award pay for the period of forced absence.

Question 2

Must an employment contract be in writing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an employment contract is concluded in writing. Informal employment is risky for both sides: the employer may be fined, and the employee will find it hard to prove length of service and payments.

Question 3

Is an employee entitled to annual leave?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every employee is entitled to paid annual leave, with a minimum duration set by the Labour Code. Certain categories of employees receive additional leave. Leave may be replaced with cash compensation only where the law allows.

Question 4

Can a probation period be set?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by agreement of the parties — it is stated in the employment contract. The maximum length of probation is limited by the Labour Code, and for some categories of employees probation cannot be set.

Question 5

How can I challenge an unlawful dismissal?

Accepted Answer

You can apply to the labour disputes commission or to a court. The deadlines for dismissal disputes are short — don’t delay. Keep the dismissal order, employment contract and correspondence.

Question 6

Sole proprietor or LLC — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

A sole proprietor is liable for obligations with all personal property. LLC members, as a rule, risk only their shares. An LLC is more convenient for working with partners and investors. The choice depends on the type of business and tax regime.

Question 7

What should I check before signing a contract?

Accepted Answer

The parties and the signatory’s authority; the subject matter; price and payment terms; deadlines; liability and penalties; termination; and which court will hear disputes. One vague clause can make the whole deal costly.

Question 8

A counterparty isn’t paying — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Document the debt (reconciliation statement, correspondence) and send a written claim. If negotiation or mediation fails, go to the economic court. Above all, don’t miss the limitation period.

Question 9

Can a contract be concluded electronically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An electronic document signed with an electronic digital signature has the same legal force as a paper one. What matters is being able to prove the signatory’s authority and the document’s integrity.

Question 10

What is a contractual penalty and how is it recovered?

Accepted Answer

A penalty (fine or daily interest) is a sum set by the contract or the law for failure to perform an obligation. It is recovered through a written claim or in court. If the penalty is clearly disproportionate to the consequences of the breach, the court may reduce it.

Question 11

Can a lease be terminated early?

Accepted Answer

By mutual agreement — at any time. Unilaterally — only on grounds provided in the contract or the law, otherwise through the court. That is why termination terms should be clearly written into the contract in advance.

Question 12

What is the limitation period for claims?

Accepted Answer

The general limitation period is three years, running from the day a person learned or should have learned that their right was violated. The law sets special periods for certain claims.

Question 13

How do I formalise an inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Apply to a notary at the place where the inheritance opened. As a rule, an inheritance may be accepted within six months of the date it opens. If the deadline was missed for a valid reason, it can be restored through the court.

Question 14

Can I return a defective product?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the consumer protection law you may demand a replacement, a price reduction, repair of the defect or a refund. Keep the receipt and first send the seller a written claim.

Question 15

How do I make a will?

Accepted Answer

A will is made in writing and certified by a notary. It can be changed or revoked at any time. The law provides for heirs entitled to a compulsory share, which must be taken into account.

Question 16

A debt under a receipt is not being repaid — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

A receipt confirms a loan agreement. Send the debtor a written claim; if that doesn’t help, go to court. Keep the original receipt and don’t miss the limitation period (generally three years).

Question 17

Do I need to register copyright?

Accepted Answer

No — copyright arises when the work is created. In case of a dispute, however, it helps to record the creation date (deposit, publication) to make authorship easier to prove.

Question 18

How can I protect a brand name?

Accepted Answer

Register it as a trademark — the application is filed electronically. Stopping others from using an unregistered name is very difficult. Before launching a brand, check whether similar marks already exist.

Question 19

Can I use other people’s photos from the internet?

Accepted Answer

No, not without the author’s permission — being freely available online does not mean permission is granted. The exception is free use expressly allowed by law (for example, quotation with the source indicated).

Question 20

Who owns the rights to a work created by an employee?

Accepted Answer

Exclusive rights to a work created as part of an employee’s duties belong to the employer, unless the contract provides otherwise. Authorship remains with the employee. It is worth settling this explicitly in the employment contract.

Question 21

Can a dispute be resolved without going to court?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through mediation — Uzbekistan’s Law on Mediation has been in force since 2018. It is faster, cheaper and confidential. In August 2026 Uzbekistan ratified the Singapore Convention on international settlement agreements resulting from mediation.

Question 22

What is an academic legal opinion and why use it in court?

Accepted Answer

It is a written opinion by legal scholars on how a specific legal provision should be interpreted. The court weighs it together with other evidence; in complex or novel matters it can significantly strengthen your position.

Question 23

Can legal fees be recovered from the losing party?

Accepted Answer

Yes, court costs, including the cost of a representative, may be recovered from the losing party within reasonable limits by court decision. Keep the documents confirming payment.

Question 24

What is arbitration?

Accepted Answer

It is a way to resolve a dispute without a state court: the parties agree in their contract to refer disputes to arbitration. Arbitration is faster and confidential, and its award is usually final. In Uzbekistan this includes the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC).

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