Dubai Customs launches the global Dubai Declaration

Known as 'Dubai Declaration', the set of recommendations was put together by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Trademark Association, and the International Security Management Association, the organizers of the Global Congress.

Mr. Butti affirmed that "the 4th Global Congress has achieved its goals, as Dubai Declaration is being announced now. The Congress also had its great impact on strengthening the relationships between the entire relevant international organizations."

Dubai Declaration is seen as a historic documentation that will form a robust basis in the global progress towards protecting IPR. Dubai Declaration features the recommendations generated from seven main discussion points: cooperation & coordination, legislation & enforcement, develop skill capacity, increase public awareness, health and safety risks, Free Trade Zones, and the sale of counterfeit and pirated products over the Internet

The top recommendation agreed upon by all participants was that cooperation and coordination across countries and governments is essential to the success of any global anti-piracy effort. And more can be done to encourage further cooperation between and among governments and the private sector.

In terms of new and improved legislation and enforcement, the Congress participants also recommended that a new set of standards be developed at the national and regional levels with the aim of making available more effective civil and criminal remedies and border measures.

But in addition to prescriptions for better legislation and enforcement, the Congress called for improved methods to improve knowledge, enhance training, and develop skill capacity.

Congress speakers and delegates made it very clear that there remains a strong need for increased public and political awareness and understanding of counterfeiting and piracy activities and the associated economic and social harm.

As a priority, young consumers should be educated about the dangers and consequences of the counterfeiting and piracy trade.

Many of the health and safety risks associated with counterfeiting and piracy are not immediately obvious. These risks are particularly true of medicines, but they can also be true of fake auto parts, toys, and electrical goods.

The transshipment of these fake goods through Free Trade Zones is of particular concern, and Congress speakers and delegates have recommended strongly that effective deterrent sanctions and incarceration be imposed where appropriate.

Finally, the sale of counterfeit and pirated products over the Internet was raised by Congress participants as a major concern. Key related recommendations found in the Dubai Declaration include further development of INTERPOL's IPR program, 'Dedicated Internet Anti-Piracy Capability.'