The 13th Regional IP Crime Conference for the Middle East
2024-02-20 - 2024-02-21 | Palazzo Versace Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The 13th Regional IP Crime Conference for the Middle East took place on the 20th and 21st of February 2024 under the patronage of H.E Lt.General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai’s Deputy Chief of Police and General Security. Dubai Police, EIPA and Interpol co-hosted this conference in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy, Dubai Customs, Dahi Khalfan IP center, the Brand Owners Protection Group (Gulf BPG) and SAM IP. The conference theme was “Unlocking the Future”.
Gulf BPG actively participated in the conference, delivering an engaging session on the first day titled “Data Analytics: How to deal with the data ”. Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, was awarded by His Excellency Major General Abdulqudus Al Obeidli, Assistant General Commander of Dubai Police, for being a valuable strategic partner.
Malek Hannouf participated as well in one of the focus groups/roundtables discussions about “Building a transnational enforcement case”.
The conference started on the second day with reflection on the first day’s topics and a debrief from the focus groups on the recommendations that came out from their sessions, where Malek Hannouf
Highlighted the following recommendations from his workshop:

Cooperation between government and private sectors to target illicit activities based on various criteria.
Suggested partnerships with social media and commercial platforms for data analysis.
Proposed collaboration with international police agencies, particularly Interpol.
Emphasized the need to raise awareness about global intellectual property infringement issues and the importance of international cooperation.

Furthermore, The Brand Owners Protection Group hosted a booth facilitating interactive discussions and meetings.

Gulf BPG attends INTA Policy Dialogue on GIs
2024-02-22 | DIFC Innovation Hub
Gulf BPG delegate attended the INTA Policy Dialogue on Geographical Indications (GIs) held in the UAE. This dialogue, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focused on addressing the UAE’s engagement with Geographical Indications (GIs) and facilitating the exchange of insights and best practices among stakeholders, including owners and intellectual property (IP) experts from various regions.

USJ Dubai Seminar on the latest amendments to the UAE Civil Procedure Law
2024-02-27 | Ritz Carlton DIFC
Gulf BPG delegate attended a seminar on “Recent Amendments to the UAE Civil Procedures Law: An Additional Step Towards Enabling Justice” organized by Saint Joseph University Dubai’s School of Law at the Ritz Carlton DIFC on February 27, 2024.
The seminar commenced with an opening speech by Professor Nisrine Abiad, Director of Research at USJ Dubai and featured in-depth discussions on Federal Decree-Law 42/2022, with distinguished panellists Dr. Habib Al Mulla, the founding partner at Habib Al Mulla & Partners, Judge Ayoub Al Ahli, the president of the Tribunal of Commerce in Dubai Courts, Professor Fayez Hage-Chahine, the founding partner at Hage-Chahine law firm, and Dr. Ahmed Hijal, a faculty member at USJ Dubai and partner at United Counsels and moderated by Professor Nassib Ziade, who is an international arbitrator and judge at the International Monetary Fund.

The first Middle East Fashion Law Forum: Fashioning the Future
2024-02-29 | Intercontinental Hotel Festival City
In cooperation with Brand Owners Protection Group and AIPPI -UAE, Sader Legal organized the first Middle East Fashion Law Forum: Fashioning the Future, which took place on the 29th of February 2024 at the Intercontinental Hotel Festival City.
Malek HANNOUF, Gulf BPG’s Chairman, delivered a keynote speech during which he highlighted the importance of the vertical knowledge and the need to have accessible and reliable data in the fashion industry. Mrs Hoda Barakat, President of AIPPI UAE, skilfully moderated a panel featuring both in-person and virtual speakers from France and USA tackling the topic of fashion laws and data.
This forum featured speakers from the IP community such as Ramzi Modad – General Counsel for the Family Office of Chalhoub Group, Amira Fayad, CIPP/E, CIPM – In-house counsel for Seddiqi Holding, Nicole Giblin, a Board Member of AIPPI UAE, Ghada Qaisi Audi – Co-founder of TARO ISHIDA luxury women’s footwear brand, and Christine Blaise-Engel Co-chair of the IBA Fashion and Luxury conference 2024.
The forum tackled important topics such as exhaustion of rights, brand protection, parallel importation and resale, brand awareness and marketing strategy and finally the importance of IP education.
Rany Sader, Chief Legal Officer at Sader Legal, wrapped up the forum by expressing gratitude to the audience, speakers, and the support received from Gulf BPG and AIPPI UAE.
The forum was a great success. Welcome Fashion Law Arabia!

Gulf BPG organizes F2F workshop for Northern UAE authorities
2024-03-06 | Rixos Bab Al Bahr – RAK
Gulf BPG organized a face-to-face workshop in collaboration with Northern UAE Authorities, including RAK, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. The event started with a warm welcome from Malek Hannouf, Gulf BPG Chairman, followed by a presentation on IP fundamentals, counterfeiting, and significant threats to brands and consumers. The presentation covered a spectrum of topics:
• Trademarks: Types and effects of infringement of intellectual property rights.
• Unfair competition
• Smuggling.
• Parallel import and its impact on local trade and revenues.
• Judicial rulings from around the world and cooperation of authorities between countries.
Following the informative sessions, delegates were encouraged to form small groups and explore the interactive stands set up by Brand Owners. In this rotation, brand owners actively demonstrated how to practically distinguish genuine from counterfeit products.
Participating Brands: LV, RIMOWA, Apple, Essilor Luxottica, Beiersdorf, Mobis Parts Middle East FZE, Unilever, JTI, Ferrero, Kenvue, Bulgari, WD-40, Gant, Lacoste and Ecyclex.

1st IP Webinar 2024 - Greenwashing & IP Sustainability
2024-03-07
Gulf BPG organized the first IP webinar for 2024 under the title Greenwashing & IP Sustainability, in collaboration with AIPPI-UAE, the French Embassy, INPI, EIPA, the Ministry of Economy, and CEIPI – the Centre for International Intellectual Property Studies.
Omar Obeidat, Gulf BPG board member and Partner at Al Tamimi & Co, moderated this session and started by extending a warm welcome to all participants and expressing enthusiasm for the engaging and challenging topic at hand. Dr. Jinane Kabbara, Regional IP Counsellor at INPI, Embassy of France, began the session with gratitude towards attendees, speakers, and organizers, emphasizing the significance of these webinars in bringing forth vital IP discussions. Subsequently, Omar Obeidate handed over the platform to Professor Yann Basire, Director General of CEIPI, who delivered a presentation on Trademark law and sustainable development. He showcased cases related to Greenwashing in the EU and highlighted key legal articles addressing this issue.
Transitioning from the presentation, Bassel El Turk, Vice President of AIPPI -UAE, initiated a discussion on IP & Greenwashing: Challenges & Opportunities in the UAE, leading to a suggestion to join efforts and prepare a case to test how current laws and regulations will tackle this issue in UAE.
Omar Obeidat wrapped up the session by expressing gratitude to all participants. The webinar concluded on a high note, marked by its notable turnout and success.

Workshop No.113 for Dubai Customs - Online
2024-03-07 | Online
Participated Brand: Philip Morris Management Services Middle East Ltd.

2nd Training Session for Abu Dhabi Customs - Online
2024-03-12 | Online
Participated Brands: Beiersdorf Middle East and Ferrero.

3rd Training Session for Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development - Online
2024-03-18 | Online
Participated Brands: Samsung Electronics and P&G.

Gulf BPG attends Dubai Customs Ramadan Suhoor Gathering
2024-03-19 | Al Ras Hall 1 – Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City
Gulf BPG delegate attended the Ramadan Suhoor Gathering hosted by Dubai Customs, in the presence of H.E Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Busnad, Director General of Dubai Customs. During the event, Yousef Al-Hashimi, Acting Executive Director of the Customer Management Division, highlighted Dubai Customs’ commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction through continuous improvements in customs services, aligning with sustainable economic development goals. Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed Eid Al Muhairi from the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department delivered a talk on happiness as part of the Suhoor event.

Gulf BPG celebrates Mother's Day
2024-03-23 | Senses Center, Dubai, UAE

Gulf BPG attend RAK DED Ramadan Majlis
2024-04-01
Mr. Hussam Abu Hamdeh, Vice Chairman of Gulf BPG, participated in the RAK DED Ramadan Majlis themed “Consumer Culture in Ramadan,” alongside notable figures such as Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki, Director of the Happiness and Marketing Department at Union Coop, and Dr. Mahra Al Malek, a family and social Counselor attended this session. Various topics were covered during the discussion, including appropriate shopping practices during Ramadan, the influence of mental health on consumer behaviour, the role of customs and traditions in shaping consumer behaviour, and the importance of protecting intellectual property and trademarks.

Gulf BPG Ramadan Suhoor: A Night of Insights and Connections
2024-04-03 | Jumeirah Beach Hotel – The Ramadan Garden
Gulf BPG in the presence of HE. Major General Abdul Quddus Al Obaidli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Excellence and Leadership Affairs in the Dubai Police General Command, hosted a memorable Ramadan Suhoor for its members and esteemed guests from private and government IP associations. Guests enjoyed traditional cuisine, participated in dynamic discussions, and fostered genuine connections, making the evening truly unforgettable.

Meet The Authorities - Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry
2024-04-19 | Online
Gulf BPG hosted the 2nd “Meet the Authority” session, welcoming a representative from the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry – Trademark Dept. The session focused on Complaints procedures and follow-up. Gulf BPG Vice Chairman, Hussam Abu Hamdeh, kicked off the meeting with a warm welcome, before handing the floor to Eng. Rashid Al Owehan, who elaborated on the steps of filing complaints via the ministry’s website. A productive Q&A session took place, during which Gulf BPG members addressed their challenges and offered valuable suggestions.

Gulf BPG attends webinar on the latest developments in IP in AI agonized by AIPPI – UAE
2024-04-19 | Online
Gulf BPG attended a webinar on the latest developments in IP in AI organized by AIPPI – UAE, presented by Mr. John Osha of Osha BWB IP who addressed the latest updates and focus on Inventorship of AI-assisted inventions, sufficiency of disclosure for patents claiming applications of AI and use of copyrighted material as training data for AI systems.

Gulf BPG participates in AD Customs IPR workshops for Shipping and clearance companies
2024-04-22 | Online
In line with World IP Day celebrations, Gulf BPG participated in the AD Customs IPR Workshop organized for Shipping and clearance companies, represented by Mr. Bilal AL Ghizzawi, Brand Protection Consultant at Saba & Co. TMP, where he addressed the agreement on the Commercial Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).

Gulf BPG attends WIPO session on Closing the Gender Gap in IP – Women and the Sustainable Development Goals
2024-04-23 | Online
In line with the World IP Day celebrations, Gulf BPG board member Rima Al Achkar attended WIPO’s session on “Closing the Gender Gap in IP – Women and the Sustainable Development Goals” which was an enriching experience. The session focused on highlighting the role of women in the field of IP and how their participation can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the session, women from various countries presented their initiatives and projects related to IP, showcasing their innovative contributions and the impact they’ve had in their respective regions. The presentations showcased innovative approaches, such as capacity-building programs, mentorship initiatives, and awareness campaigns tailored to empower women in leveraging IP for their businesses in the tourism industry. Additionally, statistical data offered during the session provided valuable insights into the current status of gender equality in IP and across different regions.
Overall, the session served as a platform for sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and fostering collaboration to advance gender equality and empower women in the field of IP, and leverage their potential to drive progress towards the SDGs.

Gulf BPG participates in EIPA IP day celebration activities
2024-04-23 - 2024-04-30 | Ajman X
Gulf BPG members actively engaged in both online and offline events commemorating World Intellectual Property Day, hosted by the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA) and other key partners. Additionally, on the 25th of April 2024, board member Mrs. Rima El Achkar took part in a series of seminars focusing on “Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development Goals” as well as “Innovative Branding and Sustainable Brand Identities,” further enriching the discussions surrounding these crucial topics.

Gulf BPG Awarded at Dubai Customs IP day celebration
2024-04-29 | Intercontinental Hotel – Festival City
A delegate from Gulf BPG participated in the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day 2024 organized by Dubai Customs under the theme “Empowering a Sustainable Future through Innovation”.During the event, Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, was awarded by Yousef Al-Hashimi, (Acting) Executive Director of the Customer Management Division. The department acknowledged its partners in intellectual property rights protection, collaborating law firms, and the recipients of the Schools and Universities Award. A message from Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, was shared during the event. Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of the IPR Department, provided insights, highlighting that the department managed approximately 62 intellectual property disputes in the first quarter of 2024, including 13 cases involving seized counterfeit goods totaling 4.364 million pieces valued at 5.430 million dirhams.

4th Online Training Session for AD DED Inspectors
2024-04-29 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Dubai) | Online
Brands: Tory Burch & Tiffany

AD Customs World IP Day celebration activities - 1st F2F Training Session for AD Customs Inspectors
2024-04-30 | Online
In line with the World IP Day celebration and as part of Abu Dhabi Customs celebrations activities Gulf BPG participated in a face-to-face session at AD Customs premisses at Masdar city – Abu Dhabi, several brands participated among which Mobis Parts Middle East,Unilever ,Tory Burch, and JTI.

Gulf BPG participated and sponsored “the Moot Court Project on Intellectual Property Rights” by USJ-Dubai
2024-05-07 | Almawakeb School in Al Khawaneej
Gulf BPG participated in and sponsored “The Moot Court Project on Intellectual Property Rights,” organized by Saint Joseph University – Dubai, officially launched at Almawakeb School in Al Khawaneej. The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and attended by Ms. Fatima Khalaf Al Hosani, Director of the Copyright and Related Rights Department, Dr. Jinane Kabbara, Regional IP Counselor at the French Embassy, Mr. Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, and Mr. Bassel El Turk, board member of Gulf BPG.
The event began with a welcome note from Dr. Nathalie Sabbagh, Director of the Dubai campus, followed by opening speeche from Ms. Fatima Khalaf Al Hosani. Students were then divided into two groups, led by Malek Hannouf and Bassel El Turk, and coached by USJ-Dubai Bachelor of Law students. Almawakeb students had the opportunity to explore a real case scenario on IP rights and participate in a simulated court session.

F2F Workshop for Dubai Customs
2024-05-08 | Dubai Customs HQ, First Floor, Hall 1 & 2
Brands: Samsung Electronics, Mobis Parts Middle East FZE, Lacoste, Unilever, JTI and Gant

Gulf BPG hosted IP Webinar on Sports & E-Sports
2024-05-09 | Online
Gulf BPG organized the 2nd IP webinar of 2024, titled “Protecting the Play: IP in Sports and e-Sports,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, AIPPI-UAE, the French Embassy, INPI, and EIPA. The event also featured participation from the Emirates Esports Federation, University of Lille – France, and lululemon.
Vice Chairman Hussam Abu Hamdeh welcomed attendees and introduced H.E. Saeed Ali Al-Tahir, General Secretary of the Emirates Esports Federation. In his opening speech, Al-Tahir discussed the federation’s role in promoting e-sports among youth in the UAE, and its objectives of enhancing technical skills and representing the UAE internationally.
Bassel El Turk, Vice President of AIPPI UAE, thanked H.E. Al-Tahir and introduced Prof. Caroline Le Goffic from the University of Lille, who focused on the IP aspects of e-sports, such as video game creation and event organizers’ IP rights.
Next, Bassel introduced Danielle Prince, Legal Consultant for EMEA at lululemon, who discussed the brand’s approach to IP, emphasizing community engagement, innovation, and purpose.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where the speakers highlighted the connection between IP in both the real and virtual worlds, with attendees offering suggestions to improve IP protection.
Dr. Jinane Kabbara, Regional IP Counsellor at INPI, Embassy of France, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all involved parties, including the Ministry of Economy, EIPA, Gulf BPG, and AIPPI-UAE.

Gulf BPG participated in the 2nd session of "The Moot Court Project"
2024-05-10 | Greenwood School

1st F2F Workshop for Kuwait MoCI Inbox
2024-05-14
Gulf BPG in coordination with the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry – Trademark Dept, organized the 1st workshop at the Ministry premises with attendance of the Precious Metals Department. This workshop addressed trademarks and industrial designs for jewelry products.
Brands: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget and Richemont.

Gulf BPG participated in the 3rd session of "The Moot Court Project"
2024-05-15 | The School of Research Science
Gulf BPG participated in the 3rd “Moot Court Project on Intellectual Property Rights,” organized by Saint Joseph University – Dubai, represented by Nadeen Helou, Senior Legal Consultant at Rouse and Rima El-Achkar, Intellectual Property Manager for Louis Vuitton Middle East.
The students benefited from the guidance of legal experts, including Bachelor of Law students, faculty members, and representatives from Gulf BPG. With this support, they effectively portrayed their roles and delivered strong arguments to defend their case.

F2F Workshops for SAIP in Riyadh
2024-05-15 - 2024-05-16 | Headquarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
In collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), Gulf BPG organized a two-day face-to-face workshop at their headquarters in Riyadh. The first day began with a warm welcome from Malek Hannouf, Gulf BPG Chairman, who thanked SAIP for their cooperation and efforts in protecting IP rights. The session included a presentation on IP fundamentals, counterfeiting, and significant threats to brands and consumers, covering topics such as counterfeit and imitation products, unfair competition, smuggling, the impact of parallel imports on local trade and revenues and judicial rulings worldwide.
Over the two days, a series of authentication presentations were delivered by various brand owners, including LV, Rimowa, Mobis Parts Middle East FZE, Adidas, Luxottica, Gucci, Apple, Puma, Tory Burch, Tiffany, Bulgari, Ferrero, Lacoste, Gant, Beiersdorf and WD-40.

5th Online Training Session for AD DED Inspectors
2024-05-20 | Online
Brands: Lacoste & GANT

AD Customs - 2nd F2F Training
2024-05-21 | AD Customs – Khalifah Port Customs Centre
Gulf BPG participated in a face-to-face session at AD Customs premisses at Khalifah Port Customs Centre – Abu Dhabi, several brands participated among which LV, RIMOWA, P&G, KENVUE, HUAWEI and WD-40
