Dubai Customs’ IP Protection Efforts Get the UAE off US Anti-counterfeiting Watch List

The contributions of Dubai Customs toward the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights have paved the way for a new UAE milestone. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), a US government agency, has decided to remove the UAE from the Watch List for IP protection and enforcement in its Annual Special Report on Intellectual Property Protection. The report classifies the UAE among the countries and US trading partners that apply adequate and effective measures to protect and enforce intellectual property rights as per IP-related international standards and global best practices.

Global Compliance and Enforcement Measures

The USTR stated in its latest report on global IP compliance that the UAE made progress on longstanding IP enforcement concerns through a series of IP enforcement measures by multiple local government and federal authorities. Specifically, the report highlights increased efforts by Dubai Customs as a primary factor contributing to the decision to lift the UAE from the Watch List that includes countries less compliant with IP rights protection.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Chairman of DP World Group and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), welcomed the decision, underlining that Dubai Customs is committed to implementing all the obligations of the UAE under international trade regulations and agreements. This achievement underpins strategic plans to increase foreign trade growth, in fulfillment of the trade roadmap vision which sets out a five-year plan to boost Dubai’s foreign trade to Dh2 trillion.

Economic Impact of Intellectual Property Protection

Intellectual property rights protection is a key competitive advantage that helps our national economy thrive and attract more trade by providing a safe environment for international businesses and traders. Furthermore, IP protection is valuable for encouraging creativity and innovation as it significantly improves companies’ ability to generate revenue. To achieve this, our customs centres work in tandem with the IPR department and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the rights of trademark owners by ensuring that any detected IPR-infringing goods are seized.

Operational Achievements

Dubai Customs has long been steadfastly committed to intellectual property rights protection. As part of these ongoing efforts:

• In Q1, 2021, Dubai Customs resolved 81 intellectual property disputes.
• In 2005, the IPR department was established, the first of its kind at the level of customs authorities in the Middle East.
• Customs units are constantly stepping up performance through enhanced cooperation with diplomatic bodies and brand owners.

Strengthening UAE-US Bilateral Relations

In addition to trade milestones, UAE citizens are now able to gain fast-track entry into the US as a streamlined access initiative begins. The Ministry of Interior has announced the start of implementing the entry procedure for Emirati citizens into the “Global Entry” program in accordance with the agreement signed between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. This program allows UAE citizens expedited access to the United States for tourism, business, and personal visits, facilitating smoother entry at over 75 US ports of entry.

The following table summarizes key metrics related to these bilateral developments:

Participants in the program will undergo a security background check and can use automated verification devices at ports, significantly reducing wait times and the need for additional paperwork. However, it is important to note that travellers must still possess a valid entry visa for the United States.