Fake electronics worth Dhs4 million seized

Switched-on authorities in Dubai have bagged their biggest haul of counterfeit electronic goods – a stash of counterfeit appliances worth almost Dhs4 million.

A team from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) raided a warehouse in A Awir and uncovered 20,600 duplicates of top electronics brands, including LG, Panasonic, Sony, Sharp and Hitachi.

The stash of phoney goods included 5,300 television sets, 7,000 DVD players and various other devices including stereo sets, pressing irons and vacuum cleaners.

Nearly 60 people were found working in the warehouse.

The goods had been carefully packaged to avoid suspicion and even had warranty labels of leading distributors in the region. The products will be destroyed.

While the owner of the dodgy electronics will have to pay a fine of Dhs30,000, the maximum penalty for trademark infringement.

Khalid Ali Al Youha, Acting Manager of CCCP’s Intellectual Property Rights Protection Unit said the confiscation marks a major episode in the efforts to protect trademarks and consumer rights in Dubai.

“Dubai being a major logistics hub and retail destination, we maintain extreme vigil against counterfeiting and trademark infringement. The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection division conducts regular market inspections and also acts on complaints received, to avoid Dubai being used as a conduit to sell or distribute counterfeit goods,” added Al Youha.

“Trademark infringement violates intellectual property rights and Dubai is determined to curb such practices. Counterfeiting corrupts the market, kills innovation and denies a consumer his right to quality and information. Full support and co-operation from traders and consumers will help DED protect trademarks and maintain healthy relations in the retail market.”