WIPO Anti-Counterfeiting Conference Launches

by Lorys Charalambous, for LawAndTax-News.com, Cyprus

05 February 2008

More than 500 senior decision-makers from 70 countries convened in Dubai on Sunday to identify solutions to the escalating global problem of product counterfeiting and piracy of intellectual property, and to put an end to the damaging effects it is having on consumer health and safety, government resources and revenues, innovation and foreign investment.

Representatives from intergovernmental organizations, national governments, enforcement agencies and business participated in the Fourth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, which was held in Dubai from 3-5 February 2008.

The meeting was hosted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Dubai Customs, and was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is President of Dubai Airports Corporation, President of the Department of Dubai Civil Aviation, and Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group, on behalf of Dubai’s Ruler.

Senior policy makers and experts from more than 18 countries have addressed the Congress on a range of issues.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Director General of Dubai Customs, stated that: “Dubai’s ever increasing reputation for excellence in trade will not be allowed to be tarnished by those who wish to trade in goods and services that do not respect intellectual property rights or patent protections.”

WCO Secretary General, Mr. Michel Danet, who holds the presidency of the Fourth Global Congress added: “Nothing has changed; counterfeiting and piracy continues to grow at an alarming rate and these fake products which often prove fatal to consumers are now being produced on an industrial scale."

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General of WIPO, Mr. Michael Keplinger, Deputy Director General, suggested that:

“We cannot afford to ignore the threats posed by the escalation in counterfeiting and piracy. The development of a coherent global response calls for determination and ingenuity, as well as concerted coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders - countries, developed and developing alike and their governments, intergovernmental institutions, the private sector and consumers.”

He added: “While the challenge is great, there are encouraging signs of change in perception and readiness for action.”

The Congress is led by a Steering Group that is chaired on a rotating basis by the World Customs Organization (WCO), INTERPOL and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Recommended