HP praises Dubai Customs` efforts to combat piracy

Press release

Published June 24th, 2013 - 08:15 GMT

During the event

HP, the leading international Company praised Dubai custom`s role in combating counterfeiting and protecting intellectual property rights together with its keenness to collaborate with all companies and establishments to prevent manipulation of trademarks in such a way that will contribute to enhancing Dubai`s image in anti- piracy.

This was reported during a visit by a delegation from the company to Dubai Customs headed by Mr. David Copper, Director General, HP Anti-Piracy Programme, and received by Mr. Yousef Al Hashmi, Director of Intellectual Property Rights Department.

During the visit, the two parties reviewed aspects of mutual cooperation and the procedures followed by IPR Department at Dubai Customs for dealing with confiscated products pursuant to the applicable laws.

The importance of Dubai Customs` role worldwide to control counterfeiting and commercial fraudulence operations and imposition of such control, were discussed as well.

Mr. Yousef Al Hashimi said that cooperation with international companies in protecting intellectual property rights falls within our priorities at Dubai Customs revealing that the number of IP seizures in the first quarter of the current year amounted to 59 worth AED 2.5 million whereas the number of seizures in 2011 and 2012 was about 750 in a value exceeding AED 50 million.

“ HP made its visit to consolidate cooperation within the framework of our consistent effort to strengthen partnership with the private sector in the area of combating commercial fraudulence and counterfeiting. Our efforts in this connection integrate with all IPR competent local and Federal government agencies”, Al Hasimi added.

At the end of the visit, Mr. Yousef Al Hashmi was given out the company`s shield in recognition of Dubai Customs’ endeavors together with a certificate of appreciation to the IPR Department for its efforts to control piracy.

The company`s delegation comprised of Mr. Geoffrey Ellis, Investigation Manager at HP Anti-Piracy Programme, Mr. Scott Butler, CEO Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance, Ms. Aula Khudair, Deputy CEO Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance and Mr. Humaid Sultan Al Suwaidi, Operations Manager, Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance.

Ms. Abada Hussain, Manager Follow-up and Enforcement, Dubai Customs took part in receiving the visiting delegationز

Background Information

Dubai Customs

Dubai Customs is one of the leading government departments taking part in enhancing sustainable development and promoting Dubai’s image worldwide, turning it into a principal capital, business and tourism destination, as it facilitates smooth movement of legitimate trade and leverages economic and social development, the matter which is consistent with its slogan stating "gateway to Dubai’s prosperity", because prosperity is usually based on free trade through a safe, fast and practical environment to meet the needs of people and adapt to their requirements. This in addition to DC’s main role to protect society and borders against those who try to smuggle prohibited substances to or through Dubai threatening the community safety and security.

Company Profile

Hewlett Packard Middle East (HP)

Our vision is to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere — every person, every organization, and every community around the globe. This motivates us — inspires us — to do what we do. To make what we make. To invent, and to reinvent. To engineer experiences that amaze. We won’t stop pushing ahead, because you won’t stop pushing ahead. You’re reinventing how you work. How you play. How you live. With our technology, you’ll reinvent your world.