DUBAI: A total of 353,000 duplicate articles worth Dh12 million was confiscated from 157 flats and warehouses during the third quarter of this year, said Ibrahim Behzad, director of the intellectual property protection at the Department of Economic Development-Dubai (DED).
“The number of violations noted during the period stood at 1,363 following 1,999 inspection visits to different parts of the city including Naif market, Gold Souq, Karama Shopping Complex, Bur Dubai market, the Grand market and Al Rifaa Street,” he said adding that most of the seized products comprised perfumes, cosmetics, vehicle spare parts, mobile phones and accessories.”
“The seized and confiscated pieces also include leather bags, watches and accessories,” he said and pointed out to the ways and means of confiscation, which, according to him largely depends on the accuracy and smartness of the inspectors. “The fraudsters who function from flats are very cautious while dealing with customers, he added. Often, the seizures are made by inspectors who disguise themselves as customers.
On improving and upgrading officers’ performance during inspections, he said the DED conducts training courses outside the country at various companies of noted brands. The courses, according to him, are held following agreements with these firms. The training helps DED’s officers familiarise with the latest developments on methods of forgery, counterfeiting and the difference between the genuine and duplicate items.
“It has always been the endeavour of the department to create a sense of awareness among consumers to avoid buying duplicate goods, particularly perfumes, cosmetics, electrical equipment and automobile spare parts which pose health hazards on the users, which will in turn discourage the trade of duplicate products.
“The DED works with keenness to protect trade brands and the rights of their owners from duplication and fraud,” he said, and praised the cooperation between the department and the anti-economic crimes department at the Dubai Police, and their continuous coordination, which eventually is in the interest of the consumer.”
