Uzbek singer faces penalty after copyright violation investigation

It has come to light that singer Rayhon Ganieva's song "Yaxshimasmi" was composed using lyrics without the authorization of its rightful creator. This was reported by the Intellectual Property Department of the Ministry of Justice.

The inquiry was initiated following a complaint by the Public Association for the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights. Poet Shohruh Abduvohidov, also known by his pseudonym “Abdussamiy,” raised concerns that his poems "Yaxshimasmi" and "Ertaga boramizmi" were used without his consent. These concerns were formally reviewed by the Ministry of Justice.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the lyrics of "Yaxshimasmi," performed by Rayhon Ganieva, and "Ertaga boramizmi," performed by “Sahar” group soloist Anvar Juraev, were used without permission by composer Shahboz Nosirjonov. Administrative violations were documented under Article 1771 of the Code of Administrative Liability, addressing copyright infringement, and the cases were submitted to the relevant court.

The Yashnabad District Criminal Court ruled that the violator must pay a fine of 750,000 UZS, equivalent to twice the basic calculation amount, as stipulated in Part 1 of Article 177¹ of the Code of Administrative Liability.

Under Article 65 of the Law “On Copyright and Related Rights,” authors and rights holders may demand compensation ranging from 20 to 1,000 times the basic calculation amount as an alternative to damages from the violator.

Previously, singer Avazbek Olimov faced legal consequences for violating copyright laws.