“Intellectual Property” in Dubai carried out 15.6 thousand inspection visits during the first half

The Dubai Foundation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, one of the institutions of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said that the Intellectual Property Department carried out 15,604 inspection visits during the first half of this year, noting that the number of trademark complaints reached 197 registered trademark complaints.

The Foundation stated to Emirates Today that the Intellectual Property Department is responsible for protecting intellectual property rights registered in the Emirate of Dubai, educating the business sector about the importance of registering these rights and how to protect them, and studying complaints related to their violation.

In detail, the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade said that it is consolidating its decisive role in preserving consumer rights and business interests, to ensure a healthy business environment characterized by integrity and transparency.

She added, “The Corporation’s efforts range from inspection and monitoring tours, workshops, awareness-raising, handling complaints, and taking proposals, to ensure achieving the highest rate of business compliance and consumer satisfaction.”

She explained that “during the first half of this year, the Intellectual Property Department carried out 15,604 inspection visits, and held about 850 awareness workshops, including 850 commercial establishments,” noting that the number of complaints related to trademarks reached 197 complaints, while the number of complaints related to agencies reached 197 complaints. Commercial, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Trade, filed 12 commercial agency complaints.

Regarding the most important tasks of the Intellectual Property Department, the Foundation said, “The Intellectual Property Department is responsible for protecting intellectual property rights registered in the Emirate of Dubai, educating the business sector about the importance of registering these rights and how to protect them, and studying complaints related to their violation.”

She added: “The administration works to prevent any negative practices that conflict with the legislation regulating intellectual property, and is also specialized in the task of seizing counterfeit and adulterated goods and disposing of them, whether by destruction, recycling, or returning them to their source, as the case may be.”

She indicated that the administration provides programs and initiatives to educate merchants and investors about their rights and obligations in light of the relevant intellectual property laws and regulations, thus contributing to creating a more confident market and encouraging investors and businessmen to innovate.

She explained that complaints submitted to the administration are processed through the Intellectual Property Portal, where the administration conducts a thorough study of the complaint and examines the documents supporting it, and then the specialized teams carry out their duties within the field work, to verify the submitted complaint and take the necessary action.

The department advised business owners to take the initiative to preserve their rights by registering their trademarks and commercial agencies with the Ministry of Economy, so that the Intellectual Property Department can protect the owners of trademarks and commercial agencies, and this can be verified by visiting the website.

The Commercial Control Department, under the umbrella of the Dubai Foundation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, works to provide the best initiatives on a regular basis, to strengthen the partnership with the business community, with the aim of developing Dubai’s economy, by raising awareness levels and implementing laws and policies to develop and regulate business practice and sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai.

6 tips to ensure consumer rights

The Dubai Foundation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade provided six tips to consumers that guarantee their rights when purchasing any product or obtaining a service, as part of its continued keenness to protect the rights of consumers and the interests of companies and commercial institutions in Dubai.

The Foundation stated to Emirates Today that by following these tips, consumers can ensure a safe and comfortable shopping experience, especially in the rapidly developing era of online shopping. The tips include:

1- Verifying the licenses of online stores: When you choose any online store, make sure that it is licensed and approved by the relevant authorities in the country. This ensures the protection of your rights and avoids you falling victim to electronic fraud.

2- Read product details and purchase information: When you shop online or when visiting any of the stores and stores, remember to carefully read the product description, return and exchange policy, shipping fees, guarantees provided, and final payment details before completing your purchase.

3- Keep documents and invoices: When completing the purchase process, be sure to keep the invoices and their warranty documents, for use in cases of return and exchange or warranty claims.

4- Compare prices before choosing a product or service: Compare the prices of products and services between a number of stores and service providers, to ensure that you get the best prices. This simple step can help you save a lot of money.

5- Make sure that product prices match the invoice value: Before completing your purchase, make sure that the product prices on the shelves match those shown on the checkout screen.

6- Know your rights as a consumer: If you have any comments or complaints, contact the store manager first, and if a solution is not reached, and you have the invoice and all the proof that you are right, immediately call the line designated for consumer protection at the number: (600545555).