Dubai Customs Confiscates Counterfeit Goods Worth AED 5.43 Million In Q1 2024

Dubai Customs marked World Intellectual Property Day in 2024 with a significant event themed "Empowering a Sustainable Future through Innovation." This celebration underscored the organization's ongoing commitment to combating counterfeit goods and protecting intellectual property rights. The event was graced by the presence of Yousef AlHashimi, Acting Executive Director, Customer Management Division, and Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of the IPR Department, alongside key figures from various sectors involved in intellectual property rights protection.

Highlighting the efforts to curb counterfeiting, Yousef Ozair Mubarak detailed the department's initiatives, including workshops that brought together 92 inspectors and specialists to discuss new counterfeiting methods. Furthermore, community awareness campaigns reached over 6,000 individuals, with 309 participants attending six awareness sessions in educational institutions. The launch of the Intellectual Property Award for Schools and Universities 2023-2024 was a notable achievement, aiming to recognize and encourage innovation among students.

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In terms of legal registrations and enforcement, Dubai Customs showed impressive figures for the first quarter of 2024. The department registered 125 trademarks and 49 commercial agencies, alongside recording two intellectual assets created by its employees. This was a continuation of the robust activity from 2023, which saw 407 trademarks and 231 commercial agencies registered. Additionally, the department successfully resolved approximately 62 intellectual property disputes, leading to the seizure of over 4 million counterfeit items valued at AED5.430 million.

Darin Tang, Director General of WIPO, in a recorded message, stressed the critical role of intellectual property rights in achieving sustainable development goals. He advocated for global cooperation to utilize intellectual property in addressing worldwide challenges and converting innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

The event also served as a platform to honor those who have made significant contributions to intellectual property rights protection. Among the awardees were schools and universities that excelled in the Dubai Customs Intellectual Property Award for Schools and Universities 2023-2024. Law firms and individuals who collaborated closely with Dubai Customs in this endeavor were also recognized for their efforts.

Winners in various categories were announced during the ceremony. In the Schools Scientific Research category, accolades went to Khawla Bint Tha'labah Girls School, Al Kamal American International School in Sharjah, and Delhi Private School Dubai. The Schools 60-Second Film category saw winners like Al Barsha South Zayed Educational Complex and Hamdan Bin Rashid Secondary School for Boys in Dubai. In higher education, the American University and Dubai Higher Colleges of Technology topped the Universities Scientific Research category, with the University of Sharjah leading in the Universities Film category.

Additionally, law firms such as "Saba for Intellectual Property," "Bayt Al Hikmah," and "ATP Intellectual Property" were acknowledged for their significant contributions. Jebel Ali Centre and Sharjah Cargo Village were recognized for their efforts against counterfeit goods. The event also celebrated individuals who have shown exceptional innovation at Dubai Customs and winners of the UAE Hackathon at Mariah Al Qubtia School.

This annual celebration not only highlights Dubai Customs' dedication to protecting intellectual property rights but also fosters an environment where innovation is recognized and rewarded. Through such initiatives, Dubai Customs continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable future driven by genuine innovation.

With inputs from WAM