Dubai Customs held a video conference with the diplomatic missions of France and the United States in Dubai to foster means of cooperation and join forces to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) and prevent counterfeiting of products.
«The meeting discussed the best ways to recycle counterfeit products and how to work together to ensure the best protection "of the rights of French and American international brands," Dubai Customs said in a statement.
Attendees included Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of the IPR Department and Mohammed bin Nassir, Head of the IPR Disputes Section. The French diplomatic mission was represented by Rafiq Honas, Customs Attaché at the French Consulate, and Sally Jarjour, Deputy Customs Attaché. Dillon Clancy, Economic Officer at the US Consulate, and Peter Mehravari, IP Attaché for the Middle East at the US Embassy represented the US side.
“The IPR Department takes international trademark rights and how to protect them from counterfeiting very seriously,” said Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of the IPR Department. “We regularly meet with foreign diplomatic missions in the emirate to enhance coordination efforts and keep trademark owners informed of the facilities and services offered by Dubai Customs on this side. Instead of destroying counterfeit products, we offer the option of recycling them as this is more environmentally friendly. In 2020, we have recycled around 148.700 counterfeit pieces for some 46 international brands, which have a market value of AED 3,2 million. «.
Ozair added: “We have agreed with trade representatives from the French and US diplomatic missions in the emirate on certain ways to achieve the best results in the field of IPR by following international best practices. The damage caused by counterfeit products to the economy, the environment and even, perhaps, to our overall quality of life should be a given for most people. Perhaps intellectual property rights holders are the most likely to feel the true pinch of this dishonest industry, but when you consider the bigger picture, it becomes clear that everyone is susceptible to being affected by counterfeiting and piracy.”
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
