The Department of Economic Development, DED, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the leading international fashion house, Louis Vuitton Malletier, to co-operate on protecting intellectual property rights, IPR, and combatting counterfeiting in both on-line and physical markets.

The agreement is part of DED’s efforts to strengthen the position of Dubai as a premier shopping destination and a competitive business hub, and its close collaboration with supportive brands such as Louis Vuitton.

The MoU was signed by Abdulla Al Kaabi, Deputy Executive Director of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection, CCCP, sector in DED, and Valerie Sonnier, Intellectual Property Global Director at Louis Vuitton Malletier.

Commenting on the partnership, Al Kaabi said that protecting trademarks against counterfeiting is an integral part of IP protection, particularly in a thriving retail hub like Dubai, adding, "Along with cracking down on counterfeit products entering the local market, a major focus of our IP protection efforts now is on creating partnerships with businesses and brand owners to launch joint initiatives to raise awareness among our employees and consumers on the importance of trademarks and ways to combat counterfeiting."

Amongst other provisions under the agreement, DED provided Louis Vuitton Malletier with the receipts of counterfeit Louis Vuitton products seized in Dubai to be able to trace the origins of such products and act accordingly locally and on a world-wide-basis. "The fight has no frontiers, has to be constant without ever letting off the pressure," said Valerie Sonnier.

The two sides will organise joint actions to eliminate the counterfeit goods phenomenon and DED will follow-up on the information sent by Louis Vuitton Malletier regarding illegal practices relating to their brand, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in Dubai. Louis Vuitton Malletier has also agreed to conduct annual training programmes for DED inspectors to refine and develop their skills in detecting counterfeit goods and illegal practices relating to trademarks.