DED seizes 3000 fake Casio watches

The seizure of the fakes comes in the wake of a series of similar joint operations conducted by Casio and various governments and private investigation agencies in the region.

The Commercial Protection Section team and Casio legal representatives conducted raids on showrooms and warehouses that store counterfeit branded watches.

Abdullah Al Shehi, Head of DED's Commercial Protection Section, said:

"Selling and distributing counterfeit products are violations of the Intellectual Property Rights Law and are commercial fraud. Counterfeit goods are a serious violation of the rights of consumers and customers and will not be tolerated."

Masao Koyama, Brand Management Section Manager of the Intellectual Property and Legal Department of Casio Computer Co. Ltd., says the company's commitment to clamping down on products are not only aimed at protecting the Casio brand, but simultaneously serves to protect innocent consumers who could be tricked by individuals who pretend to be selling genuine Casio brands.

"The counterfeit watches in this case were of very poor quality and many were not even functioning properly," he says.

"Casio spends vast amounts of money and time in research and development that lead to our products being designed to deliver precise operability. Honest consumers are being duped by untruthful individuals into acquiring inferior goods masquerading as quality items," he adds.

"Casio is an international brand and copies of our products impact negatively not only on our reputation, but also on economies around the globe," added Koyama.

When consumers buy a counterfeit watch, besides funding - and by implication sanctioning - criminal activity they are also cheating themselves out of the pleasure and guarantee of owning the real thing.

"Trusted brands offer guarantees on quality, but counterfeiters are not concerned about promises to clients," Koyama pointed out.

"We work with trademark representatives and others to protect their rights. We also seek to spread awareness among traders and consumers through brochures and leaflets," added Shehi.

A 2006 study by Brand Owners Protection Group - a Dubai-based non-profit organisation that protects the rights of original brands in Gulf States - estimated the counterfeit goods market in the UAE alone to be worth more than $670m.

Importation and distribution of counterfeit products in the UAE are illegal and those found guilty face penalties such as closure of the business, large fines and imprisonment for repeat offences. Counterfeit products uncovered in raids are confiscated and destroyed. GCC governments are in discussion to introduce a Unified GCC Trade Mark Law to control cross-border counterfeiting.

Koyama urges consumers to protect themselves by buying watches only through authorised retailers as a purchase simply made anywhere could be a risk.