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.