The Director General of Dubai Customs, H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, highlighted Dubai Customs’ concern for IPR issues as a critical factor in achieving its vision to become the leading customs administration in the world supporting legitimate trade. Managing IPR related issues has been enabling Dubai Customs to protect the society and to support the national economy while meeting the organizational strategic plan and objectives 2007-2011.
Mr. Butti explained that the number of Dubai Customs seizures in connection with infringement of trademarks reached 1533 over the last five years. These seizures included a sum of 14 million counterfeited pills and other duplicated goods with an estimated value of AED 115 million. Mr. Butti added that Dubai Customs will continue its efforts in this field to achieve its mission towards protecting society and supporting economy.
These important messages were communicated during a high level delegation from Nestle International Company on Tuesday 11 May 2009 as part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen cooperative relations with business partners worldwide.
The Director General of Dubai Customs welcomed the visiting delegation of 20 officials and IP representatives from different parts of the world and from Nestle International which was headed by Mr. Jean Pierre Maeder, the Assistant Vice President Group and Head of Brand IPR.
During the visit, the delegation learnt about the Customs initiative in protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and recording of trademarks as well as about combating counterfeits in other relevant IPR units within government departments.
Mr. Butti reiterated the government’s keenness to support the private sector and be a key partner by providing a safe and attractive climate for investments; over the past several years Dubai Government has been more involved in playing this role.
“Originating in our responsibility to protect the society as a first defence line from dangers of fake products, and preserving the business of international corporations and owners of unique brands, we have taken a practical step forward by establishing a dedicated IPR department 5 years ago.
This dedicated IPR department has been playing a great role in awareness creation and education about the dangers of counterfeits within the society. Inspectors received multiple trainings that enhanced their skills and capabilities in distinguishing between unique and fake products; efforts that led to great positive results to the benefit of all parties,” said Mr. Butti.
He further pointed out that it is essential to mutually cooperate and coordinate among all local departments, ministries and federal authorities. Mr. Butti highlighted as well the great role of the Brand Protection Group (BPG) in achieving the desired social and economical targets.
Mr. Jean Pierre Maeder, the Assistant Vice President Group and Head of Brand IPR appraised and highly appreciated the hospitable reception and the efforts of Dubai Customs in the area of IPR and counterfeit combating.
“Dubai Customs’ initiative in informing and educating the society, especially students, about the dangers of fake products for their health, has been a leading program from a customs point of view,” said Mr. Maeder.
Mr. Maeder praised the efforts made by the Ministry of Economy, Local Departments and Federal Authorities in protecting IPRs, markets and consumers in UAE.
Mr. Yves Manghardt, Chairman and CEO of Nestle Middle East, pointed out that the Middle East and Gulf region are important global markets for Nestle.
“UAE is number two on our list in terms of sales in the region. We operate several factories for milk, chocolate and water production in Dubai. We manage our businesses for the 13 countries regionally,” he said.
Mr. Yousif Ozair Mubarak, Senior Manager of the IPR Department at Dubai Customs, delivered a presentation outlining the departmental roles, business processes, educational awareness activities in local communities and partnership activities with the public and private sectors and highlighted the interconnectivity of all Dubai Customs centers.
In appreciation of Dubai Customs for the rendered efforts in protecting the IPRs and combating counterfeits, the head of the delegation, Mr. Jean Pierre Maeder awarded Mr. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Director General of Dubai Customs with an honoring gift.
