3rd F2F Workshop for Kuwait MoCI
2024-06-04 | Kuwait MoCI , KIPCO Tower – Mezzanine Floor
Gulf BPG in coordination with the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry – Trademark Dept, organized the 3rd workshop at the Ministry premises with attendance of the Precious Metals Department. This workshop addressed trademarks and industrial designs for jewelry and leather products.
Brands: Apple, PUMA and Luxottica

Meet The Authorities - Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
2024-06-10 | Online
Gulf BPG hosted its 3rd “Meet the Authority” session, beginning with Chairman Malek Hannouf welcoming Mr. Ali Fadel Almahdi, Head of the Commercial Protection Section at the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). Mr. Almahdi thanked Gulf BPG for the opportunity and ongoing support before diving into his presentation.
Mr. Ali Fadel outlined the fully digitalized administrative procedures and explained the complaint processing and inspection protocols. Mr. Almahdi discussed how inspections are conducted, including procedures when a warehouse is open or closed, and noted their cooperation with Sharjah police if a warehouse is closed during an inspection. He also covered the essential characteristics required of inspectors, the sizing procedures, and the details documented in inspection reports, concluding with an overview of how actions are taken based on findings.
The session included a Q&A segment, where participants raised topics such as penalties for counterfeiters and strategies to enhance deterrence against repeat offenses. Discussions also touched on the recycling of seized products and the transfer of destruction procedures to Beeah for environmentally responsible disposal.
Recommendations were made regarding the storage of seized products, suggesting secure storage options at third-party premises, or expanded storage solutions through additional fees at SHJ DED facilities.
The discussion covered proactive and random seizures, as well as urgent requests for sizing (one-day cases), highlighting the challenges encountered in these areas and best practices like simplified procedures in other countries which reduces the long storage period.
Malek Hannouf concluded the meeting by inquiring how the private sector could support the departments in achieving their full potential. Mr. Ali Fadel emphasized the importance of ongoing training programs for inspectors and suggested creating concise manuals for each brand to help distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.
Malek Hannouf expressed his gratitude to Mr. Ali Fadel Almahdi for his thorough presentation and for the department’s efforts in protecting IP rights. He also thanked all attendees for their active participation in the session.

4th F2F Workshop for Kuwait MoCI
2024-06-11 | Kuwait MoCI, KIPCO Tower – Mezzanine floor
Gulf BPG in coordination with the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry – Trademark Dept, organized the 4th workshop at the Ministry’s premises. Representatives from the Consumer Protection Department attended this session, which focused on electronics and FMCG brands.
Brands: HUAWEI, WD-40 and UNILEVER.

AD DED - 6th Online Training
2024-06-12 | Online
Brands
WD-40 & Toshiba

Workshop No.118 for Dubai Customs Inspectors
2024-06-13 | Online
Brands: Total Energies, BOSCH, BAT and HP

Gulf BPG attends MoU signing between Ministry of Economy and the Spanish National Professional Football League ‘La Liga’
2024-06-25 | Ministry of Economy office- ​Central Park Office Tower, Dubai, UAE
Gulf BPG represented by Chairman Malek Hannouf attended MoU signing between Ministry of Economy and the Spanish National Professional Football League ‘La Liga’. The UAE Ministry of Economy, in partnership with Dubai Media City and La Liga, has launched the “Anti-Piracy Lab” project to combat intellectual property violations by blocking websites that illegally use audio and visual content. H.E. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh and La Liga President Javier Tebas signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the lab in Dubai Media City.
H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh emphasized the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its intellectual property system, while Mr Javier Tebas praised the initiative as vital in the fight against piracy. The Ministry aims to complete the project within three years, utilizing advanced technology to detect and remove infringing content. This effort is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen the IP landscape in the UAE, which has already seen success in blocking 1,117 infringing websites during Ramadan 2024.

Gulf BPG attended DCCC's meeting
2024-06-28 | Online
Gulf BPG attended the second quarter meeting hosted by DCCC. The meeting featured several informative presentations, starting with Dr. Stephane Graber, Director General of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). He discussed “eFBL: Digital Bills of Lading Overview,” highlighting that the eFBL is accessible through over 30 software providers worldwide and is used daily by freight forwarders in a hybrid format.
Next, Mr. Adolphe Chaiban and Mr. Rashid Abdulla Hamad Al-Shehhi, both experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), presented on “Platform Overview EDAS 2.0 – Upgrade.” They introduced this innovative platform, designed to automate the Electronic Document Attestation process, allowing MOFA to efficiently service its customers by streamlining the request and processing of attestation requirements.
Finally, Ilkyu Park and Estefania Arias Molina from the Building Respect for IP Division at WIPO presented on the importance of IP enforcement and WIPO’s role in fostering respect for intellectual property. They emphasized the significance of IP enforcement in today’s global landscape.

Gulf BPG attended WIPO's Member States Assemblies
2024-07-09 - 2024-07-17 | WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland
Gulf BPG represented by Chairman, Malek Hannouf attended the WIPO Sixty-Fifth Series of the Member States Assemblies Meetings, WIPO Director General Daren Tang opened the WIPO Assemblies annual meetings, urging delegates to foster consensus and build on recent diplomatic breakthroughs to transform WIPO and the global intellectual property (IP) ecosystem. With nearly 1,400 delegates, including 20 Ministers, this year’s assembly marks the largest participation ever.
Delegates reviewed the Secretariat’s work and set future activities aligned with the strategic direction approved in 2022, while also examining WIPO treaties that support global innovators and creators. In his opening address, Mr. Tang highlighted the progress being made in shaping IP standards and emphasized the need for collaboration to make IP accessible to all.
The assemblies follow a historic diplomatic conference in May, where a new treaty concerning IP and Indigenous Peoples was unanimously approved, showcasing the possibility of consensus even on contentious issues. Mr. Tang urged member states to maintain this spirit as they approach negotiations for a new Design Law Treaty in November.
During the assemblies, WIPO recognized the nine winners of the 2024 Global Awards program, celebrating those who leverage IP for positive impact. The General Assembly was chaired by Ambassador Alfredo Suescum Alfaro, Panama’s Permanent Representative to the WTO.

Workshop No.119 for Dubai Customs
2024-07-18 | Online
Brands: PMI, GANT, Ecyclex and Lacoste.

AD Customs - 4th Online Session
2024-07-24 | Online
Participated Brands: Total Energies & Bosch

Gulf BPG participates in AD Customs IPR workshops for Shipping and clearance companies
2024-07-31 | Online
Gulf BPG participated in the AD Customs 2nd IPR Workshop for shipping and clearance companies. Represented by Chairman Malek Hannnouf, Gulf BPG delivered a presentation on the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP), counterfeiting, and the significant threats to brands and consumers. The presentation covered a wide range of topics, including:
Types of trademarks and the effects of intellectual property rights infringement.
Unfair competition.
Smuggling.
Parallel import and its impact on local trade and revenues.
Judicial rulings from around the world and the cooperation between countries’ authorities.
The session was well-attended, with 80 participants.

AD Customs - 3rd F2F Training
2024-08-27 | AD Customs – Masdar Smart City Hall
Gulf BPG participated in a face-to-face session at AD Customs – Masdar City , several brands participated among which, LV, RIMOWA, HUAWEI, UNILEVER and KENVUE.

Workshop No.120 for Dubai Customs
2024-08-28 | Online
Brands: FERRERO, UNILEVER, BIC, TIFFANY & CO.

Webinar: Introduction of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
2024-09-09 | Online
Gulf BPG hosted a webinar featuring the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, Malek Hannouf welcomed everyone and gave the floor to Mrs. Chiara Accornero – Legal Officer, IP Disputes and Mr. Amer Abu-Sham, Legal Case Manager, IP Disputes Section.
Mrs. Chiara thanked Gulf BPG for giving this opportunity and started by introducing their services which offers time effective and cost efficient alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options, such as mediation, arbitration, expedited arbitration, and expert determination to enable private parties to settle their domestic or cross-border commercial disputes.
She highlighted that the WIPO Centre is international and specializes in IP and technology disputes and a global leader in the provision of domain name dispute resolution services under the WIPO-designed UDRP.
Mr. Amer then gave several examples on WIPO Mediation of a trademark dispute for consumer goods, distribution dispute, trademark dispute in the telecom sector and trademark dispute for luxury goods which was resolved in settlement agreements.
The attendees demonstrated a high level of engagement, and their valuable contributions were greatly appreciated. Malek Hannouf expressed his gratitude to Chiara and Amer and confirmed ongoing support and collaboration for future initiatives

Meet The Authorities - Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry
2024-09-12 | Online via Teams
Gulf BPG hosted the 4th “Meet the Authority” session, where Chairman Malek Hannouf started the meeting by welcoming representatives from Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, including Mrs. Amna Jabir Al Kuwari, Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, and Mrs. Aisha Ali S A Namlan, Head of Inspection and Dispute Settlement – Intellectual Property Protection.
Mrs. Amna Al Kuwari expressed gratitude to Gulf BPG for organizing the meeting and emphasized the importance of collaboration before introducing Mrs. Aisha Al Namlan to begin her presentation.
Mrs. Aisha Al Namlan proceeded with her presentation, outlining the structure of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, as well as the international treaties, laws, and regulations that govern the protection of intellectual property rights within the Ministry.
Following the presentation, a productive Q&A session took place, during which Gulf BPG members discussed their challenges and provided valuable suggestions on various topics, including:

Enforcement procedures related to infringement of intellectual property rights, including periodic inspection campaigns for facilities.
Penalties resulting from infringement of intellectual property rightsز
Cooperating with other departments in the Ministry, such as the Consumer Protection Departmentز
Sharing information regarding seizures with brand owners through a report containing information, including the quantity of seized goods.
Cooperation with Qatar Customs – notifications.
A suggestion on considering moving the sized products from the trader shop/warehouse to a facility managed by MoCI until receiving the ruling and looking for environmental friendly destruction options or recycling.

The meeting concluded with a final request from Mrs. Aisha to provide additional training sessions, whether in legal training or authentication training from Gulf BPG brands, to assist the authorities in enhancing their effectiveness. Malek Hannouf confirmed that Gulf BPG will continue to support the provision of these requested training sessions and expressed gratitude to everyone for attending and participating in the meeting.

6th Training session for AD customs
2024-09-17 | Online
Participated Brands: WD-40 & Hyundai Mobis.

7th Online Training Session for AD DED Inspectors
2024-09-23 | Online
Brands: Luxottica Middle East FZE & PUMA

Gulf BPG IP Forum 2024: Glimpse on the future of IP
2024-10-01 | Museum of The Future
At the stunning Museum of the Future in Dubai, the Brand Owners Protection Group organized the “IP Forum 2024: Glimpse on the Future of IP” under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and General Security in Dubai; H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; and H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation.
Opening speeches by H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, and Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, emphasized the importance of innovation and the crucial role of intellectual property in fostering it. They highlighted the need for collaboration to create a brighter future for IP.
Following the opening remarks, an awards ceremony recognized strategic partners and sponsors for their invaluable support in making the event a success.
A significant moment during the forum was the signing of a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Economy and the Dubai Future Foundation, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing innovation and protecting intellectual property rights. This collaboration aims to foster a robust business environment and support creators.
The second edition of the IP Forum proved to be an incredible gathering, Panel discussions and keynote speeches by esteemed speakers explored a range of vital topics that are shaping the future of intellectual property. Discussions spanned the impact of technological advancements, sustainability, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and effective strategies for combating counterfeiting. The insights shared were both thought-provoking and inspiring!
Attendees also enjoyed various side activities in the foyer, including sponsor booths, a pledge tree, and a Dubai Customs VR booth, which provided excellent networking opportunities.
With around 300 attendees, the event was vibrant and dynamic, perfectly complemented by the unique setting of the venue.
Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in intellectual property!

GCC IP Training Centre webinar on "The Importance of Intellectual Property and its Economic Impact on the Public and Private Sectors"
2024-10-14 | Online via Teams
Gulf BPG members attended a webinar titled “The Importance of Intellectual Property and Its Economic Impact on the Public and Private Sectors,” organized by The GCC Intellectual Property Training Centre. This webinar highlighted the critical role intellectual property (IP) plays in today’s economy and its significance for both public and private sectors.
Eng. Rashid Al Owehan, the Controller of Trademarks and Patents at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Kuwait provided valuable insights into how intellectual property can drive innovation and economic growth.
He emphasized that strong IP protection encourages creativity and investment, benefiting not only individual businesses but also the broader economy. Eng. Al Owehan discussed the various forms of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights, and explained their relevance in safeguarding innovations and ensuring fair competition in the market.

4th F2F Training Session for AD Customs Inspectors
2024-10-15 | AD Customs – Al Ain Customs Training Institute
Gulf BPG participated in a face-to-face session at Al Ain Customs Training Institute, several brands participated among which Kenvue, LV, RIMOWA, NISSAN, WD-40.

8th Online Training Session for AD DED Inspectors
2024-10-17 | Online
Brands: Philip Morris International & Bosch.

Gulf BPG participates in AD Customs 3rd Workshop for Shipping and Clearance Companies
2024-10-22 | Online
Gulf BPG participated in the AD Customs 3rd Workshop for shipping and clearance companies. Represented by board member Bassel El Turk who delivered a presentation provided an in-depth explanation of the new legislation, emphasizing its objectives and key provisions.
The workshop covered several fundamental adjustments introduced by the New Trademark Law in the UAE. It highlighted how the law expands the scope of trademark protection, including provisions for non-traditional marks such as sounds and scents. Participants gained insights into the enhanced enforcement measures that strengthen mechanisms for combating counterfeiting and infringement. Additionally, the discussion included an overview of the streamlined registration process, which aims to simplify and make the trademark registration more efficient for businesses.
The session provided valuable insights into the key changes and how they impact businesses in the region. Participants engaged in informative discussions about compliance, enforcement, and the implications for their operations.

MENA Vis Moot Launch Event
2024-10-22 | Park Hyatt, Dubai, UAE
Gulf BPG attended the launch of the MENA Vis Moot, co-organized by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the Commercial Law Development Program, U.S. Department of Commerce.
This significant event featured opening remarks from Jehad Abdulrazzaq Kazim, Eric Ives, and Prof. Qusay Al-Falahi.
A highlight of the event was a fireside chat with Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab C.Arb, FCIArb, who shared his expert insights on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the Middle East. Moderated by Erin Miller Rankin, Vice President of the DIAC Arbitration Court, this discussion offered valuable perspectives on the region’s arbitration landscape.
The launch event brought together legal professionals and aspiring dispute resolution experts, all focused on analysing the 2024-25 Vis Moot case. This marks the beginning of the journey towards the 32nd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, scheduled for April 2025.

Gulf BPG Participates in the GNIPA 2024 summit in Hangzhou, China
2024-10-23 | Hangzhou International Expo Centre North Star Hotel, China
Gulf BPG, represented by board member Mr. Motasem Abu Ghazaleh, participated in the GNIPA 2024 summit in Hangzhou, where he addressed a distinguished audience of IP officials focused on harmonization.
His presentation showcased Gulf BPG’s achievements over the past 20 years, from its founding in 2005 to the present day. The audience was highly impressed and enthusiastic about Gulf BPG’s initiatives.
The summit agenda included updates on harmonization, recent developments from various regions, and a panel discussion on trademarks.

Gulf BPG Participates in the 3rd Arab Conference on Intellectual Property under the theme “Intellectual Property and the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence”
2024-10-30 - 2024-11-01 | Grand Mogador Casablanca, Morocco
Gulf BPG, represented by Chairman Malek Hannouf, participated in the 3rd Arab Conference on Intellectual Property, organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO), the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Hassan I University in Settat, and Chouaib Doukkali University.
The conference focused on the importance of intellectual property rights in protecting data, businesses, and innovations using AI technologies. It assessed their impact on the interests of intellectual property rights holders. The event saw participation from over ten countries and was attended by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Morocco, who sponsored the conference, marking it as a significant regional platform.
On the second day of the conference, Malek Hannouf participated in a session titled “From Automation to Digital Solutions: Leading Digital Transformation to Combat Counterfeiting Crimes”, wherein he emphasised on the importance of digitalisation in order to benefit from the AI data analytics. He added the digital transformation is no more an accessory in future strategies, but a mandatory step in a world tech driven.

AD DED Initiative to enhance intellectual property protection and combating commercial fraud
2024-11-05 | AD DED Premisses – Abu Dhabi – Wa’ad Hall
Gulf BPG, represented by Mrs. Carole Halasa, attended the AD DED Initiative to enhance intellectual property protection and combat commercial fraud. The event began with a welcome and opening speech by Mr. Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi, Director of the Trademark Protection and Commercial Agencies Department. Mrs. Carole delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG. Wherein she highlighted AD DED’s efforts in IP protection and the role of IP in shaping the UAE’s knowledge economy. She also addressed the UAE government’s advancements in IP protection, including issuing new laws and establishing a robust IP system supported by multiple initiatives. As a final remark, she shed the light on the importance of private-public sector cooperation in driving innovation and transforming ideas into commercial ventures.

5th F2F Workshop for AD Customs Inspectors
2024-11-12 | AD Customs – AL Ghuwaifat
Brands: LV, RIMOWA, P&G, WD-40 & HUAWEI

F2F Training Session for AD DED Inspectors
2024-11-18 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Dubai) | AD DED – Abu Dhabi Business Center
Brands: P&G and Hermes.

Gulf BPG Participates in Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30 activities organized by MoE IP Sector
2024-11-23 | Mushrif Park, Dubai
Ministry of Economy IP sector, in collaboration with EIPA, Gulf BPG and AIPPI – UAE, successfully hosted a cycling session at Mushrif Park, as part of the 30×30 Dubai Fitness Challenge. This event brought together fitness enthusiasts and professionals, providing an opportunity to engage in physical activity while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The cycling session, which began at 6:00 AM, was a great success, attracting participants from various sectors who came together to embrace the challenge and promote the importance of fitness and well-being. The initiative was part of Dubai’s big effort to encourage its residents to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity for 30 days, helping to foster a more active and healthy community.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all who participated and contributed to making the event a success. We look forward to more opportunities for community engagement and physical well-being in the future.

F2F Workshop for Dubai & Sharjah Authorities
2024-11-28 | Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City
Gulf BPG organized a face-to-face workshop in collaboration with Dubai authorities, including Dubai Customs, DET, Police, and the Criminal Lab, and Sharjah authorities, including DED and Police. The event began with a warm welcome from Rima El-Achkar, on behalf of Malek Hannouf, Gulf BPG Chairman. Rima emphasized the importance of public-private sector cooperation and thanked all departments for their efforts in enhancing IP protection in both Dubai and Sharjah.
The event featured a series of presentations on authentication from various brands and industries. Afterward, delegates participated in interactive sessions, forming small groups to visit stands set up by brand owners. These stands showcased practical demonstrations of distinguishing genuine products from counterfeit ones. A total of 23 brand owners took part in the workshop, which was highly engaging and well-attended.
