The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy witnessed 63% year-on-year increase in trademark files registered on its ‘IP Gateway’ portal during the first six months of 2019, indicating a high level of confidence in the emirate’s ability to protect intellectual property (IP) and enable local as well as global businesses to grow sustainably. Trademark owners worldwide registered 4,735 brands on the portal while commercial agencies registered another 29 during the first half of 2019.

The Intellectual Property Protection section in Dubai Economy also resolved 186 cases relating to trademark infringement in H1, 2019, a 23% increase compared to the 151 cases registered during the same period in 2018. Commercial agencies brought forth 16 cases of trademark infringement in the first six months of 2019, which also marked a 33% increase over the same period in 2018.

The top five source countries among the trademark files opened in the first six months of 2019 were: USA (1482 files, representing 29% of the total); UAE (742 files, 14.8% of the total); Germany (325 files, or 7.0%); France (273 files, or 5.2%) and the UK (260 files, 5%).

A significant upswing in the reception rate of trademark files was seen from certain countries between H1, 2018 and H1, 2019. Trademark files from Saudi Arabia increased from 12 to 72 (up 500%), British Virgin Islands went up from 23 to 135 files (up 487%), and files from Spain increased from 18 to 93 (up 417%). China (31 to 103; 232%), Canada (15 to 41; 173%), and Britain (140 to 260; 86%) also increased their share of the total files remarkably during H1, 2019.

The US led in the number of infringement cases files with 37 cases, France had 33, Switzerland 21, UAE 17, Germany 14, Britain 13 and Italy had 12. Among the cases 38 were relating to cosmetics and 22 were about personal care products while the other brands involved were mostly perfumes (21 cases), clothes (14), gold & ornaments (13), phones & accessories (12), glasses (10), bags & leather products (7) and watches (6).

Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, CEO of CCCP, said: “The significant increase in the number of files registered over the first half of this year reflects the strength of the retail sector in Dubai as well as the purchasing power of residents and competition among brands. We are delighted that the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection sector is instrumental in enhancing the reputation and economic status of Dubai as a global city.”

Lootah added: “Dubai is a competitive platform for commercial activity and an attractive destination for residents and tourists alike because of its strategic position in the global economy, vigil against counterfeiting, and the ongoing co-operation Dubai Economy continues to strengthen with law firms and trademark representatives.”

CCCP accords equal importance to all trademarks registered on the IP Gateway, especially in tackling commercial fraud and counterfeit goods that pose a risk to both the merchant and the consumer, Lootah said. In addition to eliminating negative practices CCCP also focuses on improving awareness among businesses on the importance of protecting IP and encouraging creativity and innovation in order to enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a destination for major brands.

Lootah called on consumers to report any fraudulent practices in retailing to the consumer protection channels of Dubai Economy, including the call center number 600 54 5555, and Smart Protection, an AI-based app available on both iOS and Android.