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Only YOU can help stop counterfeit trade

Dubai - #FakesCostMore series focuses on the key to crushing the trade.

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Buying fakes can have fatal consequences, and yet many people fall for phony products proliferating in the market just to save a few bucks. The popularity of such products shows that people are unaware of their health hazards and impact on the economy. In our latest #KTForGood campaign, Khaleej Times will investigate the illegal business and empower customers to say no to fakes. The 10th part of our #FakesCostMore series focuses on the key to crushing the trade.
Counterfeiting is a flourishing business around the world - and the only way to stop it from growing is through a joint, coordinated action by brands, law enforcement authorities, and consumers, an intellectual property expert has said.

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"Protecting intellectual property from being counterfeited is the responsibility of all the three parties. Each one of them has its own role to play to protect counterfeiting of brands," said Hatem Abdelghani, partner and director of TLG Intellectual Property, a Dubai-based law firm.

"The brand owners should invest time, effort and money, and they should also be willing to go far in fighting the counterfeiters."

While the government and law enforcement authorities are responsible for protecting brands and clamping down on the counterfeit trade, Abdelghani said consumers must be aware of the hazards of using fake items.

"They should increase their knowledge about the dangers of counterfeits and how to get genuine products. Without these three parties coordinating and working hand in hand, it will be very difficult to control the counterfeits and protect intellectual property," he said.

According to him, the UAE is far ahead of many other countries in fighting fakes, as legal action is taken against offenders without delay.

"For example, in Dubai, there are different authorities responsible for protecting intellectual property. The Dubai Police have an economic crime department, then the Department of Economic Development (DED) is working 24 hours to fight counterfeiting. We also have the Dubai Customs, which has an intellectual property department. There is also the Ministry of Economy that has a consumer protection department," Abdelghani said.

The country's multipronged approach is proving effective, he added.

Elaborating on the role of his firm in helping fight counterfeits, the expert said they are conducting regular training workshops for government entities.

"Trainings are conducted to help officials understand brands and their authenticity, identify counterfeits, and learn more about the way the illegal traders operate."

Despite the crackdown on counterfeits, Abdelghani admits that their markets are expanding.

"This is not specific to the UAE alone. This is happening worldwide." He said the US and Europe are the biggest markets for fake products.

According to him, people who used to be involved in dangerous criminal activities have shifted their business to fakes, as it has become more profitable.

"Punishments are less and the profits are even higher," Abdelghani said.

"We have to understand that counterfeiting is not going to stop, even with better regulations. It will keep going. And it is not because authorities are not proactive but illegal traders are changing their tactics and tricks."


anjana@khaleejtimes.com