Latest news with #IntellectualPropertyRightsProtectionDepartment


Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai seizes 35 tonnes of counterfeit cigarettes, cosmetics, and electronics in largest crackdown
Dubai Customs has seized more than 35 tonnes of counterfeit, smuggled, and substandard goods from across all air cargo centres in Dubai. The exceptional security and inspection campaign, described as the largest since the beginning of 2025, spanned over three months as part of ongoing efforts to protect borders and combat smuggling and commercial fraud. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 12 million smuggled cigarettes, 6.7 million counterfeit cigarettes, 37,110 non-compliant cosmetic products not meeting local market standards, 3,632 undeclared electronic items, and 10,520 counterfeit items bearing global brand names. Dr. Abdullah Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, stated that the department uses advanced systems and technologies for intercepting and targeting shipments, supported by a highly skilled field inspection team and a Customs Intelligence Department with extensive expertise in data analysis and shipment monitoring. He said the operation sends a clear message to anyone attempting to manipulate the global trade system or undermine Dubai's secure customs leadership. These seizures reinforce Dubai's position as a pioneer in legitimate trade, enhance national security and stability, and protect brand owners—thereby driving the national economy and supporting Dubai's vision and economic agenda. Sultan Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Air Cargo Centres at Dubai Customs, emphasised that the department conducts comprehensive inspections of all parcels using advanced scanning devices, while suspicious parcels undergo detailed manual inspection by trained inspectors skilled in analysing data and X-ray images. Recently, the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at Dubai Customs reported registering 159 trademarks, 63 commercial agencies, and one intellectual property asset. Dubai Customs also announced that in 2024 it recorded 285 intellectual property (IP) violations involving counterfeit goods valued at Dhs92.695 million. The seized items included fake watches, glasses, electronics, clothing, fabrics, bags, and shoes. Mansour Al Malik, CEO of the Policies and Legislation Sector at Dubai Customs, emphasised the department's strong commitment to protecting intellectual property rights. He stated that IP protection is a cornerstone for fostering innovation, sustainable economic growth, and enabling individuals and companies to benefit from their efforts in developing new ideas, innovations, and trademarks.


Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
MoCI hosts special celebration for World Intellectual Property Day
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) hosted a special ceremony yesterday at its Lusail headquarters to mark the World Intellectual Property Day, held this year under the theme of 'IP and music: Feel the beat of IP'. The event was graced by the presence of Ayedh Munahi Al-Qahtani, assistant undersecretary for Trade Affairs, alongside a distinguished assembly of artists, musicians, and representatives of intellectual property offices. The celebration is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote meaningful dialogue on the significance of intellectual property, while advancing public awareness of its vital role in protecting creative expression and fostering innovation in all sectors. In his keynote address, Abdulbaset Taleb Al-Ajji, director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the Ministry, underscored that intellectual property has evolved beyond a purely legal construct to become a living expression of human creativity. 'Every artistic and musical work is a reflection of its creator's spirit, and deserves to be preserved from obscurity and protected from infringement.' Al-Ajji highlighted the enduring value of musical and artistic heritage as a vital component of cultural memory and a pillar of national identity. He further noted its growing significance within the creative economy. He affirmed that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, continues to advance legislative and educational initiatives to safeguard the rights of authors, artists and inventors, and sustain their innovations. The event served as a platform for dialogue between the artistic and legal communities, aiming to raise public and professional awareness and foster partnerships between creators and policymakers to build an ecosystem that preserves the rights of creators and supports a thriving cultural environment. During the celebration, a recorded address was delivered by Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in which he reflected on the selection of music and IP into the theme of this year's event – emphasising the transformative power of music and intellectual property, and their capacity to enrich lives and shape a better world. The event featured a presentation featuring Qatar's musical heritage, followed by two expert panel discussions. The first, titled 'Copyright and its Role in Modern Economy,' explored core legal principles, Qatar's regulatory framework, categories of protected works, exceptions, and the contribution of copyright to innovation and SME development. The second panel brought together experts in intellectual property and professionals in the music and arts fields for a dynamic exchange of experiences. Discussions addressed the creative process, the influence of music on daily life, and the evolving challenges faced by artists in the digital age—particularly in the context of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. The panel also discussed the Ministry's role in fostering a supportive legal and cultural framework for intellectual property in Qatar. The event concluded with a recognition ceremony honouring the participants of the discussion panels in appreciation of their contributions to the success of the event.


Gulf Today
30-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai Customs seizes 68 fake goods worth Dhs42m
Dubai Customs announced that in 2024, it has registered 285 intellectual property (IP) violations in 2024, involving counterfeit goods estimated at Dhs92.695 million. The seized items included fake watches, glasses, electronics, clothing, fabrics, bags, and shoes. During the same year, Dubai Customs registered 439 trademarks, 205 commercial agencies, and 6 intellectual property assets. The Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at Dubai Customs reported 68 seizures valued at Dhs42.195 million, along with the registration of 159 trademarks, 63 commercial agencies, and 1 intellectual property asset. Mansour Al Malik, CEO of the Policies and Legislation Sector at Dubai Customs, emphasised the department's strong commitment to protecting intellectual property rights. He stated that IP protection is a cornerstone for fostering innovation, sustainable economic growth, and enabling individuals and companies to benefit from their efforts in developing new ideas, innovations, and trademarks. Simultaneously, it safeguards society, the environment, and the economy from the harms and risks of counterfeit goods. Youssef Azir, Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, highlighted continuous advancements in combating counterfeit goods and preventing their entry into local markets. This, he added, is achieved through collaboration with strategic partners from various government entities and ongoing coordination with trademark owners. Azir credited the UAE's wise leadership for its significant focus on encouraging talented individuals to present their new ideas and innovations across all sectors, establishing the UAE as a hub for creators and innovators. Recently, yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of IPR Department, emphasised Dubai Customs' commitment to thwarting attempts to introduce counterfeit goods into the UAE. Collaborating with trademark owners, the department organised workshops to combat new counterfeiting methods, engaging 92 participants, including inspectors and specialists. Community awareness events on intellectual property reached 6064 participants, complemented by 6 awareness sessions in schools and universities attended by 309 participants. Notably, the launch of Dubai Customs' Intellectual Property Award for Schools and Universities 2023-2024 coincided with these efforts, recognising outstanding achievements.