Following the special strategic relationship between Dubai Customs and Dubai Community Development Authority, directors and managers from Dubai Customs have recently participated in a discussion session in which they demonstrated the department’s expertise in the field of intellectual property rights and its role in increasing the trade movement in the UAE by protecting trademarks and individuals from piracy, fraud and counterfeiting as the Department seeks to maintain a healthy investment environment and encourage creativity and innovation.
The discussion session was organized by Dubai Community Development Authority in Al Rashidiya Council with the participation of Mr. Yosef Ozair Mubarak, Senior Manager of IPR Department and Mr. Khalid Noor, IPR Legal Advisor along with Mr. Mohannad Saeed, Manager of Social Programs Department, Mr. Mane Al Kindy, Manager of Community Councils Section as well as a number of Al Rashidiya Area people. Dubai Customs has participated in the discussion session as part of its efforts to enlighten the public on the customs’ role in protecting intellectual property rights.
Mr. Ozair talked about the history and establishment of IPR Department at Dubai Customs which is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East and is significant for executing the IPR-related federal laws, in addition to its role as the protector of the main entries in Dubai throughout 18 land, sea and air entries and exits.
Mr. Ozair introduced the attendees to the definition of IPR, its categories, trademark terminology such as (trademark owner, legal agent and trade agency) and the difference between forgery and counterfeiting. Moreover, a number of fraud and counterfeiting techniques were showcased which differ in the goods type and nature, the offender’s methods and tools and the available possibilities aimed at duplicating the original product. Technology played a major role in manufacturing fake goods in a way it has become more difficult to distinguish original from false.
Mr. Ozair alerted against the use of these dangerous counterfeited goods on humans’ health and the country’s economy. A number of samples of the counterfeited products were displayed to show their negative impacts including medicine, beauty cosmetics, cars spare parts, electronics and food items.
Mr. Ozair and Mr. Noor responded to the attendees’ questions and enquiries on how to differentiate between original and fake goods and how to act in case they were spotted in the local markets.
At last, all the participants expressed their thanks to Dubai Customs for its efficient role in the field of combating infringement of others’ rights and protecting the community from the entry of contrabands and illegal products.