Government | Saturday 15 December, 2018 10:33 am |

Dubai Customs have recently participated in the 2018 Middle East and Africa Conference: Innovation, Investment, and IP in Dubai, organized by the International Trademark Association (INTA). 

Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of IPR Department at Dubai Customs submitted a paper to the conference in which he talked about Dubai Customs role in combating counterfeiting. The event saw the attendance of 600 intellectual property experts and trademarks owners. 

Ozair pointed out that intellectual property rights are gaining more ground and weight in the UAE, with the national agenda gearing towards more global distinction in innovation. 

“Dubai Customs have made 1,118 IP seizures between January 2014 and September 2018 (306 in 2014, 135 in 2015, 218 in 2016, 263 in 2017, and 196 seizures in the first 9 months of 2018).  

Electronics topped the list of seized goods at 259 seizures in the same period, followed by watches and glasses at 147 and clothes and textiles at 120 seizures. 

“These seizures were carried out professionally, and our inspectors are not only vigilant and skilful but are also equipped with the most modern devices and technologies to detect counterfeited goods. In cooperation with the Brand Owners’ Protection Group 17.91 million counterfeited items found their way to recycling instead of destructing. 

“Recycling these items reduces the environmental footprint and helps raise awareness around the importance of proper disposal of these harmful items. The damage caused by counterfeited goods to the economy, environment and even perhaps our overall quality of life should be something of a given for most people. Perhaps Intellectual Property rights-holders are those most likely to feel the true pinch of this rogue industry, but when one considers the big picture it becomes clear that everyone is liable to be affected by counterfeiting and piracy” added Yousef Ozair. 

During the event, Ozair had a meeting with the Chairman of International Trademark Association (INTA) Mr Traish Pirat. The two agreed to a possible MoU for exchange of expertise and increased cooperation in the near future.