A staggering Dh1.2 billion worth of counterfeit goods were destroyed by Dubai’s consumer protection officials last week and as a message, it is of seismic proportions. The determination of the authorities to protect trademarks and intellectual property rights is underscored by this magnitude of action that saw high-end goods such as bags, shoes, cosmetics and phone accessories being shredded beyond redemption. Each year, the efforts of Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) to rid the market of fakes achieves commendable outcomes. Last year, Dubai Economy seized more than 26.2 million fake items, estimated to be worth Dh1.2 billion. Though the volume of confiscated items was less as compared to 2016, the value was higher as they were luxury items.
The scourge of fake goods not only poses a threat to public safety — such as counterfeit drugs, cosmetics, health supplements, electronic items and car parts, to name a few categories — but it also debilitates real businesses, damages the economy, and in its most subversive form, funnels into a nefarious sub-culture of funding for drugs and terrorism in many instances. It is a socioeconomic malaise that must be addressed with uncompromising zeal and Dubai has been demonstrating this spirit year after year.
Along with the efforts of the government in combating this problem, what is also required is the active and voluntary rejection of fake goods by residents. The personal risks inherent in fake good purchases, along with the greater harm they do to society at large, far outweigh the meagre savings and the sooner this cautionary advice is followed by all, the faster will we move towards a fake goods-free society.
