Advisory board set up to combat Dubai counterfeit traders

DUBAI // A think tank with experts from private businesses is being set up to help the Department of Economic Development fight back against Dubai’s counterfeit traders.

The 12-man Intellectual Property Protection Advisory Board will have members from the emirate’s most vulnerable industries, including the electronic industry, fashion and fragrance sectors and vehicle traders.

An official from the DED will head the board, but the majority of members will be from the private sector.

It is hoped the board will improve coordination between traders and government, and ensure a faster response to counterfeiting.

Mohammed Rashed Ali Lootah, executive director of the commercial compliance and consumer protection sector in the DED said daily checks have reduced the amount of counterfeit goods for sale in markets like Dragon Mart, but international online traders remained a challenge.

“The board will be a valuable support in creating awareness in the market on the latest trends and techniques adopted by trademark violators,” he added.

“It will in effect be the voice of trademark owners in Dubai to raise their concerns before the appropriate authorities.”