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Under the patronage of Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai Customs celebrated yesterday Wednesday 26th April 2017 the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2017 at its headquarters under the theme: “Innovation-Improving Lives”, in the presence of Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs and government officials and brand owners.
In his welcome note, bin Sulayem highlighted out the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.
“Protecting the rights of trademarks and brand owners is a priority at our Corporation. We play a major role in protecting society from fake products and spare parts. With this in mind we cooperate with companies and traders to facilitate trade and protect society following the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai” he added.
Bin Sulayem explained that Dubai Customs plays a major role in facilitating trade and supporting Dubai external trade.
“The volume and weight of goods has substantially increased year on year, from 65 million tons in 2012 to 92 million tons in 2016 despite currency fluctuations. Traders worldwide prefer Dubai as a hub for their export activities thanks to the emirate’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure and quality services” bin Sulayem explained.
In his statement, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs reaffirmed the importance of combating counterfeit products and encouraging innovation.
Protecting brand owners’ rights is one of the main tools and means conducive to innovation and progress, he explained.
Dubai Customs is very serious about maintaining producers and brand owners’ rights and makes every effort possible in cooperation with all the strategic partners in the private and public sectors locally and internationally to perform this task. To realize this goal, Dubai Customs signed a number of bilateral cooperation agreements which serve the UAE vision of protecting intellectual property.
Musabih pointed out that Dubai Customs keeps abreast of modern technologies and innovation initiatives to best tackle counterfeiting.
We urge our employees and clients to come up with new ideas and disruptive innovations that can help advance customs procedures and facilitate trade, he explained.
“For this, we train our staff and equip our customs centers with the latest technologies and smart devices which include the advanced container scanning system, the smart customs luggage inspection system, and the risk engine which tracks and risks in shipments before they arrive in Dubai” Musabih added.
Around 218 IP infringements, with an approximate value of AED 62.5m, were recorded in 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, 67 intellectual property infringements, with an approximate value of AED 58.3m, were recorded.
Towards this end, Dubai Customs launched an IPR award that targeted school and college students, and aimed to raise awareness around the importance of using genuine products and combating fake products.
On his part, Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of IPR Department introduced the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) message for this year under the theme: “Innovation-improving lives”. WIPO focuses on highlighting the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) play in encouraging innovation and creativity.
On this occasion, Dubai Customs rewarded its government and private sector partners. These included the Ministry of Education, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Mina Rashid, The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Children's International Film Festival.
Dubai Customs also honoured its customs centers that played a major role in combating fake products. These included Jebel Ali Customs Center, and Dubai Customs Intelligence Department, amongst others.
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