Mark Reese, an American translator and scholar, has achieved a significant legal victory in Uzbekistan. A court ruling determined that his translated work, based on the novel “O‘tkan Kunlar” (Bygone Days) by the esteemed Uzbek author Abdulla Qodiriy, had been distributed without his permission.
Details of the Copyright Case
The Uchtepa Interdistrict Court for Civil Cases in Tashkent ruled in favor of Reese, mandating that an employee from the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UzSWLU) pay 20.6 million Uzbekistani som, equating to approximately $1,700, for violating Reese’s copyright. This decision came after Reese filed a lawsuit in April, seeking damages due to the unauthorized usage of his intellectual property.
Background of the Translation
Reese dedicated over 15 years to translating “O‘tkan Kunlar,” creating the first English-language edition of a novel considered foundational in Uzbek literature. The translation’s unauthorized distribution prompted Reese to approach the Ministry of Justice in Uzbekistan, where an investigation uncovered significant copyright violations associated with the university.
Legal Proceedings and Findings
An administrative inquiry initiated against the responsible individual led to Article 177¹ of Uzbekistan’s Administrative Responsibility Code being invoked. Previously, the employee received a fine of 2.06 million som (around $170), and the university was instructed to eliminate the electronic version of Reese’s translated work from the Unilibrary.uz platform.
Understanding Copyright Laws in Uzbekistan
Uzbek law permits copyright holders to claim compensation that can range significantly—from 20 to 1,000 times the base calculation amount—rather than merely pursuing direct damages.
Reese’s Contributions to Uzbek Culture
This case has garnered attention not just for its legal implications, but also due to Reese’s longstanding relationship with Uzbekistan. His journey in the country began in the 1990s as a Peace Corps volunteer, where he dedicated himself to translating Uzbek literary pieces for a global audience.
- In 2019, Reese received the Order of Friendship from Uzbekistan for his efforts in promoting the nation’s culture internationally.
- He has donated signed copies of “Bygone Days” to various universities and state institutions during his visits.
- Reese has emphasized that these copies were not intended for reproduction or redistribution.
- He stated, “All parties asked how they could support my work,” highlighting his collaborative efforts in cultural exchange.
Mark Reese’s triumph in Uzbekistan not only reinforces the importance of protecting intellectual property but also showcases the impact of cultural exchanges between nations.
