BPG signs MOU with Dubai Customs and leading Intellectual Property organizations from China and Japan

Established in 2000, the QBPC is a growing industry-based coalition composed of more than 180 multinational companies focused on anti-counterfeiting activities.

The QBPC's mission is to work in close co-operation with the Chinese central and local governments, local industries and other organizations to make positive contributions towards the protection of Intellectual Property rights in the People's Republic of China.

The IIPPF was established in 2002 and is comprised by approximately 85 organizations and associations and 93 companies. The Forum provides a platform through which members convene to voice their opinions on the problems faced by the industrial world, particularly those relating to IPR violations, and take concerted actions together with domestic and foreign governmental agencies.

Dubai Customs on the other hand is a strong supporter of fair trade practices by identifying and addressing non-compliance with the common Customs law of the GCC. Their responsibility extends to the people and businesses of Dubai and international agencies like World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Customs Organization (WCO). They ensure that international conventions and agreements are strictly followed by the trade community.

On both the national and global level, the BPG today further strengthened its ties and cooperation with Dubai Customs, the QBPC and IIPPF to combat counterfeiting of goods and other IPR violations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with each organisation. The MoUs with Dubai Customs, QBPC and IIPPF introduce a framework of mutual cooperation that will enable the organisations to strengthen their efforts in fighting counterfeiting activities and violations of IPRs.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Omar Shteiwi, Chairman of the Board of the BPG and Regional Intellectual Property Advisor of Nestlé Middle East FZE, said:

"We cannot combat counterfeits alone; all stakeholders including the public and private sectors must play an active role. This alliance marks yet another success for the BPG in reaching out to national and global organisations engaged in the same activities and shall boost the exchange and transfer of knowledge, information, experience and expertise through co-organised IP-related events that will strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures in the UAE, China, and Japan. The alliance with the QBPC is of special importance to us as we and the QBPC have a number of common members. The IIPPF will, on the other hand, introduce its members to us, thus, expanding our reach."

The BPG has continuously demonstrated its dedication to safeguard its member brands from counterfeiting activities and IPR violations through the establishment of strong relationships with the relevant governmental authorities and similarly-aligned local and international organisations.

Since its inception, the BPG has been actively involved in organizing and supporting conferences, seminars and sponsoring events with the prime focus on increasing the awareness, necessity and understanding of the protection of Intellectual Property Rights and the prevention of anti counterfeiting activities.

In the UAE, the BPG has established strong ties with customs authorities of various emirates and have conducted several workshops for local law enforcement officials regarding the implementation of anti-counterfeiting measures.

Within the framework of the MOU, the BPG, Dubai Customs, QBPC and IIPPF will mutually collaborate, communicate and co-operate with each other and will encourage the implementation of International Intellectual Property Agreements and national laws for the protection of IPRs. In addition, they will promote public awareness of the negative impacts on the economy as a result of IPR violations and counterfeiting activities.

Mr. Yousuf Ozair, Senior Manager of Intellectual Property Rights Department at Dubai Customs signed the MOU on behalf of Dubai Customs. Mr. Jack Chang, QBPC Chairman and Senior Intellectual Property Counsel for General Electric Asia, signed the MOU on behalf of QBPC, while Mr. Kuniyasu Funaki, Chief Executive Officer of the Japan External Trade Relations Organisation - Dubai & MENA, acting secretariat of the IIPPF, signed the MOU on behalf of the IIPPF. Mr. Shteiwi signed the three MoUs on behalf of the BPG.

Mr. Ozair, said that this agreement is a step forward on the road to combating piracy and protecting brands and their legal owners. This also highlights the strategic alliances that have been previously forged with the Brand Owners Protection Group. The Department has achieved great success against counterfeit products by seizing numerous smuggled contraband items, and thus, its efforts have been massively praised by various international customs and trade organizations as well as major international manufacturing companies.

Mr. Ozair, added:

"Dubai Customs is very keen on upholding the trust it has received from the international community through the stringent measures that we undertake in this ongoing battle, and through extending assistance to our strategic partners from the private sector; merchants, local and international companies, and brand owners. Dubai Customs will sustain such efforts by cooperating with the brand owners as well as various other government departments in UAE."

Mr. Ozair further explained that empowering economic and social development comes at the forefront of the Department's strategic mission, in addition to maintaining customer satisfaction and safeguarding international trade. These are the most highlighted goals of Dubai Customs mission for 2007-2011, which is inline with Dubai strategic plan for 2015.

Moreover, Mr. Ozair explained that this agreement with the BPG will inspire greater awareness among customs inspectors in differentiating original products from fake merchandise, as they will be aided by various training programs and workshops regularly held with the manufacturing companies. This agreement will also support Dubai Customs' efforts in raising awareness across all sectors of society on the risks of counterfeit products, specifically on public health and safety, through workshops that are geared towards the general public.

The Consul Generals of China, Japan, Switzerland, Finland, Great Britain, France and Germany and several senior law enforcement officials of the UAE witnessed the ceremonial event, which provided the BPG the opportunity to honour UAE Federal and local Authorities in recognition of their efforts and contribution to the fight against counterfeiting activities and the violations of IPRs.