Sharjah Economic Development Department seizes over 40,000 counterfeit goods in H1 2009

The global economy is suffering from trade in counterfeit products to the tune of an estimated $780bn per year, around 10% of the total world trade exchange, and the problem is affecting nearly all product sectors.

The UAE government is continuing its efforts to fight against the trade in counterfeit products, to ensure intellectual property protection, and stop commercial fraud, copyright infringement, piracy and trademark violations in the local market, in a bid to maintain its integrity and global reputation and gain the trust of producers, traders and consumers.

According to the UAE's Commercial Fraud Law, any convicted case of fraud is punishable by a maximum sentence of up to three years' detention, or a fine of up to Dh20,000.

Khalid Saif, Director of the Commercial Control and Protection Department at the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), said,

"Sharjah has been playing a vital role in fighting commercial fraud. The SEDD's Commercial Control and Protection Department seeks to find a mechanism to control the serial cases of commercial fraud and counterfeit goods and to fight trademark forgery, commercial fraud, infringement of intellectual property rights, and piracy. We have launched over 30 inspection campaigns in the first half of 2009 alone."

"As a result of these campaigns, our inspectors have seized, confiscated and destroyed approximately 40,000 counterfeit goods, including compact discs, films, computers, plastic products, mobile phones and accessories, perfumes, car batteries and items of men's clothing," he added.

He explained that the SEDD's Commercial Control and Protection Department has many ways to identify and remove fake goods from the market, including price variation between genuine and counterfeit goods, and the method of labeling and packaging.

Although some may view fraud as a 'victimless crime', its effects are more serious and far-reaching than many people realize; it affects everyone, and it can be particularly detrimental to the local and global economies in a time of economic downturn. The UAE Government recognizes the potential impact of commercial fraud in all its forms, and has ensured that all relevant departments and authorities in the country are working together to combat commercial fraud and protect the interests of manufacturers and traders, alike.