Dubai Customs receives RAK Customs delegation to learn about IPR Department’s anti-counterfeit procedures

A delegation from Ras Al Khaimah Customs paid a visit to  Dubai Customs. The visit’s objective was to introduce the DC strategy on IPR protection, Customs policies, and a general overview of DC’s work mechanism for combating piracy and counterfeiting. 

At the Dubai Customs headquarters, the delegation was received last week by Mr. Yousuf Ozair Mubarak, Intellectual Property Director at Dubai Customs, Mrs. Mahbooba Baqer Hussain, Manager of Awareness and Education Section, and Mr. Mohammed Al Khaja, Government Partnership Senior Officer, along with a number of employees from the Corporate Communication Department at DC. 

The RAK Customs delegation comprised Khawla Al Mansouri- Audit Specialist, Modie Mohammad Jumaa Al Ari- Customs Audit & Finance Specialist, Amal Ahmad Al Marzouqi- Customs Exemption Specialist, Noura Ali Al Shehii- Customs Valuation Specialist, Kaltham Saeed Al Ghafli- IP Specialist, and Tahani Mohammad Al Shehii- Customs Knowledge Specialist. 

The DC team made a presentation on IP measures in counterfeit cases. The presentation included an illustration of DC’s processes to foil attempts to smuggle counterfeits. Moreover, the strategic plan of the IPR Department at DC was highlighted.  

Mr. Yousuf Ozair discussed the importance of IP work in terms of Dubai Customs and other governmental departments in the country, as well as society, and the economy.  

“Dubai is the connection between Asia, the Americas, and Africa. We get shipments with escalating value on daily basis. So our line of work is crucial to prevent any fake items from entering, as well as educate our officers in case they encounter such items. By doing so we protect the brand owners’ rights,” said Mr. Yousuf Ozair, IPR Department Director. 

Mr. Ozair continued that “Foiling bids to smuggle counterfeits requires carrying out more campaigns for raising the awareness of all public segments. Once the consumer starts to boycott such items, sales of fake items will automatically drop”. 

After the presentation, the delegation was given a tour of the departments at DC where they got a closer look on the hands-on operations. Concluding the visit, the delegation thanked the DC team for their presentation and praised Dubai Customs efforts in following outstanding practices in the field of IP. They were satisfied with the great outcome of their visit and both parties stressed the importance of planning future visits in order to work together for countless mutual benefit.