Dubai Customs has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Trademark Owners Council aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts in safeguarding intellectual property rights and combating counterfeit goods. This agreement is part of the innovative “Project Zero,” launched by Dubai Customs, which aspires to establish a global model in the fight against the trade of fake products. The memorandum was signed by Mansoor Al Malik, Executive Director of the Policies and Legislation Sector at Dubai Customs, and Malek Hanouf, Chairman of the Trademark Owners Council, with several leaders from both sides present.
The memorandum serves as a strategic framework for institutional cooperation and exchange of expertise and information between the two entities, contributing to the development of effective mechanisms for protecting trademarks and supporting national efforts to build a sustainable economy while addressing counterfeit and substandard goods.
Significant Step
Mansoor Al Malik stated, “This memorandum represents a crucial step in Dubai Customs’ journey to support the ‘Project Zero’ initiative, which aims to make Dubai the first city in the world free from counterfeit goods.” He further noted that collaboration with the Trademark Owners Council, which includes multiple global brands, enhances their capacity to unify efforts, share knowledge, and develop a comprehensive system for protecting intellectual property rights. “We believe that safeguarding trademarks is not the responsibility of a single entity; rather, it is a strategic partnership between the public and private sectors, ensuring a fair and sustainable business environment that bolsters investor confidence and the faith of trademark owners in Dubai’s markets.”
Malek Hanouf emphasized the significance of the partnership, praising the productive and constructive collaboration with Dubai Customs in achieving the project’s objectives. He highlighted that this initiative marks a transformative shift in combating counterfeiting and supporting a circular economy and sustainability. Additionally, he noted that Dubai Customs is at the forefront of employing technology through digital solutions based on advanced artificial intelligence and enhanced monitoring practices. Through this agreement, they look forward to bolstering trademark protection efforts and supporting the commercial activities of trademark owners.