Penal and civil legislations of counterfeits and piracy, to be highlighted in Dubai at global congress

Enhancing the penal and civil legislations effecting counterfeits and piracy, and the measures undertaken by the UAE authorities to protect Intellectual property will be highlighted by the Chairman of the Brand Owners Protection Group (BPG) at the Fourth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy which will be held for the first time in the Middle East and will take place from 3-5 February 2008 at Mina Al Salam Hotel, Dubai.

The Chairman of the BPG and the Regional Intellectual Property Advisor for Nestlé Middle East, Mr. Omar Shteiwi, speaking in preparation to the event said: 'Enhancing partnerships between the private and public authorities through the execution of governmental legislations, full implementation of maximum penalties in the Intellectual Property laws and regulations, supplemented by a strong consumer awareness are the most effective ways to curb counterfeits and illicit trade.'

Due to the UAE's high recognition of the importance of protecting Intellectual Property Rights and the need to fully implement all related legislations and international agreements, Officially opening the congress will be HH Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event will be marking an unprecedented move to show the UAE's determination to battle and control the negative effects of counterfeits and illicit trade through the hosting of this global conference by Dubai Customs.

'The conference is a unique opportunity for us to highlight our work with the UAE authorities. Our partnership & cooperation spans over the long term through various workshops, training seminars and performance development meetings and through successful raids and legal proceedings against counterfeiters. This co-operation has yielded its fruit and we are now seeing major results being achieved towards the eradication of counterfeits and illicit trade and the protection of Intellectual property rights. 'Mr. Shteiwi explained.

Mr. Omar Shteiwi added, 'The Brand Owners Protection Group (BPG) GCC & Yemen highly support this vital event in combating counterfeiting and piracy and encourage all related stakeholders to support and participate in the congress. We also highly appreciate the efforts being done in the UAE in combating counterfeits and illicit trade by the various UAE bodies such as but not limited to: Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs, and the Sharjah Customs Authorities, in addition to the Ministry of Economy, the Dubai Department of Economic Development, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police Department and other Law Enforcers who have always given the time to combat counterfeits of our brands.'

This major international event will be hosted by Dubai Customs and is organised by the World Customs Organization (WCO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through its BASCAP initiative, the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the International Security Management Association (ISMA).