Intellectual Property Protection Enforcement
Protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) is handled at the state level within each emirate in the UAE. However, a more effective approach would involve increased collaboration between emirates and customs authorities to prevent the movement of counterfeit goods, especially in free trade zones. In Dubai, for instance, the Dubai Police, Dubai Customs and the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) all have the authority to search for and confiscate counterfeit products. Dubai Customs can exercise this authority at the emirate’s borders and in free trade zones, while Dubai Police and DED have jurisdiction in market and non-free trade zone areas. Each emirate independently collaborates with relevant stakeholders to address counterfeiting issues specific to its brands.