Overview of the Flow of Counterfeit Goods in the UAE
The UAE government’s procedures for combating counterfeit goods are based on a policy of zero tolerance towards intellectual property rights violators. Despite the existence of numerous laws and measures to curb trademark or copyright infringement, administrative action remains one of the most effective and swift methods for dealing with counterfeit goods. This approach provides trademark owners with a quick and cost-effective solution to limit the spread of counterfeit products.
Companies that discover counterfeit goods can file a complaint with the economic departments in the respective emirate. Trademark owners have the right to file a complaint against any individual or entity promoting the trade or import of counterfeit goods. In the UAE, counterfeit goods are defined as follows:
- Goods not registered with the municipality.
- Goods not registered as trademarks.
- Goods that do not meet the standards set by the municipality.
In Dubai, the UAE’s primary transit trade hub, counterfeit products worth over AED 2.5 billion were seized in 2019 alone. Cosmetics, personal goods, and electronics are the main categories prone to counterfeiting. The UAE demonstrates a strong commitment to combating counterfeit goods using the latest technologies and procedures.
The Importance of Combating Counterfeit Goods
Legitimate companies in the UAE invest significant resources to protect their intellectual property rights through trademark registration and regulatory compliance. However, when their products are counterfeited, their market is negatively impacted, leading to financial losses and reputational damage.
Counterfeit goods significantly affect the economy by fueling the black market and reducing government revenue. Additionally, these products pose a serious threat to consumer health and safety, as they are traded without undergoing mandatory safety tests.
The Process of Taking Action Against Counterfeit Goods Through the Economic Department
When counterfeit goods are discovered, companies must file a complaint with the economic department of the relevant emirate. For example, if a Dubai-registered company discovers counterfeit goods in Abu Dhabi, the complaint must be filed with the Abu Dhabi Economic Department. If counterfeit goods are found in Sharjah, the complaint must be submitted to the Sharjah Economic Department.
- Filing a Complaint
The complainant must first visit the economic department of the relevant emirate to formally register the complaint, submitting all required documents and evidence. - Economic Department Review
After filing the complaint, the economic department will review the complaint and the submitted documents. This process may take 1 to 4 weeks. - Approval
After the review, the department may approve the complaint. At this stage, the complainant must pay the official raid fees. - Official Raid
Once the fees are paid, the department will conduct a raid on the suspected locations. Any counterfeit goods found will be confiscated, and a fine of no less than AED 15,000 will be imposed on the violators.
Trustwortha for Intellectual Property
Documents Required to File a Complaint Against Counterfeit Goods
- A notarized power of attorney.
- Evidence of counterfeit goods (receipts, samples, site photos).
- Evidence of genuine goods (trademark registration certificate, product registration certificate).
- A scanned copy of the trade license.
- A brief complaint in Arabic.
- Addresses of the counterfeit goods’ locations.
Why Choose Trustwortha for Intellectual Property?
The flow of counterfeit goods is one of the most serious forms of trademark infringement, and filing an administrative complaint with the economic department is the best way to address these violations. Trustwortha for Intellectual Property (Trustwortha IP) is a comprehensive intellectual property services provider in Dubai and the UAE. Trustwortha’s qualified trademark agents assist companies in filing complaints with economic departments, providing the necessary documentation and ensuring protection against the threat of counterfeit goods.
Trustwortha is at the forefront of helping companies secure their trademarks from violations across the Gulf region. As a full-service intellectual property firm in Dubai, Trustwortha guides trademark owners to properly register and protect their trademarks. Trustwortha understands that trademark owners invest significant resources to protect their brands, and infringement through counterfeit products negatively impacts their value. Trustwortha’s agents conduct effective market investigations to detect violations and assist companies in legally combating them.
