Gulf BPG

1st Training session for Dubai Customs
2024-01-25
Brands: LV, RIMOWA, DANFOSS, PUMA, FERRERO & P&G

Gulf BPG Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-01-24
The Annual General Meeting of Gulf BPG was convened at Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City. This gathering held significant importance as it included the election of the new board. Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, along with board members, conducted a comprehensive review of activities, challenges, and achievements in 2023. Additionally, they engaged in discussions about the strategic plans for 2024, making the meeting highly interactive.
The announcement was made regarding the composition of the new board, which includes:

9 brand owners : LV, Beiersdorf , Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Jonson & Jonson, Puma, Danfoss, Nissan and Ferrero.
3 Service Providers : Al Tamimi & Co , Rouse & Co. and Osha BWB OP.

Alongside the General Assembly, Gulf BPG hosted a small exhibition featuring Tech and recycling companies within the Gulf BPG which gave the opportunity to closely examine the products and services offered by these companies..
Malek Hannouf extended a warm welcome to the new board and urged all members to engage actively, encouraging their participation and collaborative efforts in advancing Gulf BPG strategies for safeguarding intellectual property.
A great start for 2024!

First Meet the Authorities Session - Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP)
2024-01-23
Gulf BPG kicked off the year with the first session of the “Meet the Authority” series, in collaboration with the IP Respect Council initiative. The session focused on introducing the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), its enforcement procedure and challenges.
Malek Hannouf, Gulf BPG Chairman, started the session by extending a warm welcome to Mr. Yasser Al Debassi, the Executive Director of IP Respect at SAIP, and all attendees from the private sector.
During the session, Mr. Al Debassi and his team provided an introduction to SAIP, and insights on tasks, strategic pillars, copyright enforcement, the IP Respect officer program and the Customs enforcement platform TAHAQAQ.
Following the presentations, a dynamic Q&A session unfolded, allowing brand owners to share their challenges and propose strategies for maximizing the benefits of the system in enforcing intellectual property rights in Saudi Arabia.
Malek Hannouf expressed gratitude to everyone and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Public and Private sectors. He emphasized that right holders are committed to supporting SAIP in their journey of excellence.

1st Online Training session for AD DED
2024-01-22
Brands: LV, RIMOWA, DANFOSS, APPLE, ESSILOR LUXOTTICA

4th Online Training Session for Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property – SAIP – KSA
2023-12-20
Participated Brands: WD-40 & Toshiba

Launching ceremony of the Intangible Assets Evaluation Project - Intellectual Property Sector of the Ministry of Economy
2023-12-19
The Gulf BPG represented by Hady Khawand, Partner Saba IP, and BPG Board Member, participated in a very engaging session at the Seminar “Intangible Assets Financing Project for Intellectual Property,” which was organized jointly by WIPO and the Ministry Of Economy, UAE at DIFC FineTech Hive. This was a launching event for a WIPO project around Using Intangible Assets in Intellectual Property – A Path to Securing Financing in the UAE. Hady shared his insights as a panelist around innovative strategies for using Intellectual Property (IP) to monetize and securitize loans.

Online Workshop for JAFZA Shipping Companies on Intellectual Property
2023-12-12
Gulf BPG participated in an online workshop organized by Dubai Customs IPR department for shipping companies in JAFZA. The workshop commenced with welcoming remarks from Ms. Fatma Ahmad Alblooshi, Officer of Awareness and Education, representing Mr. Jamal Bader Taher, Administration Awareness and Education at Dubai Customs. Additionally, Mr. Hamad AL Sayegh, Head of Strategic Accounts at JAFZA, also delivered welcoming notes.
Ms. Al Blooshi initiated the workshop with an introduction to the IPR department, followed by a presentation on Recording IP, Awareness, and Education, as well as Recycling by Ms. Aysha Hareb. Subsequently, Ms. Yana Tsyakova, a board member of Gulf BPG, delved into the following topics:

Significance of Protecting Intellectual Property (IP)
Differentiation Between Registration and Recording.
The Role of Customs in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
IP Enforcement and Liability
Customs Seizures and Actions Available to Rights Holders.

The workshop concluded with a question-and-answer session, and overall, it was a successful event.

8th Online Training Session for Sultanate of Oman IP Enforcement Departments
2023-12-11
Brand: Samsung Electronics

11th Online Training Session for AD Customs
2023-12-06
Brands: Canon Inc & Toyota Motor

7th Online Training Session for Qatar MoCI
2023-12-05
Brands: Nissan, Samsung Electronics & NGK Spark Plug.

7th Online Training Session for Sultanate of Oman IP Enforcement Departments.
2023-12-05
Brands: Toshiba & JTI

Gulf BPG attends DCCC’s 4th Quarter Meeting
2023-11-28
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General at Dubai Customs, opened the session by welcoming everyone and he stressed that the UAE is achieving pioneering and qualitative achievements, pointing out that the document of economic principles of the UAE, which was recently announced, represents a new start for the process of sustainable development, and to enhance the role of the UAE and its growing position on the Regional and global levels and a high-class economic and commercial center.
The meeting featured presentations by the Chairman of Dubai Computer Group, in which he pointed out that the group seeks to open new commercial channels and corridors within its competence in support of Dubai’s plans for expansion and global leadership. The second presentation was delivered by The Chairman of the Supply Chain and Logistics Group who gave a presentation in which he explained that the Group successfully organized the 16th Global Supply and Logistics Summit in Dubai in November, to develop the logistics sector in the UAE, stressing that this vital sector continues to grow in Dubai and continues to achieve further progress, as Dubai is one of the main attraction destinations for international companies working in the field of logistics services Key officials, Gulf BPG Chairman – Malek Hannouf , business representatives, and Dubai Customs executives attended this meeting.

2nd Tech & Recycling Companies webinar – Ownify Technologies Limited.
2023-11-27
Mr. Julien Bejjani, Co-Founder of Ownify Technologies Limited, presented the advanced solutions Owinfy offers, including cutting-edge verification methods, track and trace technologies, and NFT-based product passports. Julien highlighted that their services empower brands and consumers alike to verify product authenticity and access detailed product histories fully protected by the power of the blockchain.

3rd Online Training Session for Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property – SAIP – KSA
2023-11-22
Participated Brand: Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH & Mobis Parts Middle East FZE

F2F Workshop for Dubai & Sharjah Authorities
2023-11-16 | Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City
Gulf BPG organized a face-to-face workshop in collaboration with Dubai Authorities, including DET, Police, and the Criminal Lab, along with Sharjah Authorities, including DED, Police, and the criminal lab. The event commenced 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:

Counterfeit and imitation products
Unfair competition
Smuggling
Parallel import and its impact on local trade and revenues
Judicial rulings from around the world and the cooperation of competent authorities between countries
New amendments to the Trademark law -UAE.

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, Beiersdorf, Mobis Parts Middle East FZE, Unilever, P&G, Burberry, JTI, Luxottica, PUMA, WD-40, and Ecyclex.

6th Online Training Session for Qatar MoCI
2023-11-14
Participated Brand: Toshiba

8th Online Training Session for AD DED
2023-11-09
Participated Brand: LV & RIMOWA

Gulf BPG Participates in The EMEA Security Conference & Exhibition
2023-11-08 - 2023-11-09 | DoubleTree by Hilton M Square, Dubai , UAE.
The EMEA Security Conference & Exhibition convened an international audience of leading specialists to explore the latest trends, developments and threats related to illicit trade and anti-counterfeiting technologies across industries. The event provided an opportunity to discuss winning strategies, successful examples, and innovative technologies with a particular focus on the EMEA region through interactive panel discussions, case studies, presentations, vibrant Networking sessions and exhibitions.
H.E. Sultan Darwish, Consumer Protection & Commercial Director at the Ministry of Economy, delivered the first keynote speech, emphasizing the crucial collaboration between the private and public sectors. Gulf BPG, as a lead partner, presented a keynote speech by its Chairman Malek Hannouf, highlighting the UAE’s significant strides in Intellectual Property, focusing on Digital Transformation, Data Analytics and Business AI.
Throughout the conference, Gulf BPG members participated in various panels as moderators and panelists.
On day one, Mr. Cameron Walker – Global Brand Protection Manager at Beiersdorf, moderated a panel discussion on “Synergizing Forces Against Counterfeiting: Unleashing the Power of Collaboration & Public-Private Partnerships.”
On day two, a panel discussion titled “Ensuring Trust in the Digital Marketplace: Strategies for Brand and Consumer Protection,” moderated by Hadi Al Kanani – Global Relations Manager – Brand Protection, MENA, Amazon, featured experts Kamal Sharma – Director & Assistant General Counsel, AMA-WEST, IMEA, Global Brand Protection, Procter & Gamble, Philippe Van Gils – Director Illicit Trade Prevention SSEA CIS MEA, Philip Morris International, Yasir Masood – IP Manager, Rouse, and Saba Vasim-Group Brand Protection & Security Manager, BOSCH. The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration with industry, government, and online platforms, empowering consumers to report counterfeit products, and utilizing technology tools for fighting online counterfeits.
Furthermore, Gulf BPG animated a booth at said conference, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and amplifying the voice and objectives of Gulf BPG.
In conclusion, the conference was a resounding success, fostering insightful discussions, promoting meaningful collaborations, and providing a platform for the exchange of cutting-edge ideas.

10th Online Training Session for AD Customs
2023-11-07
Participated Brand: Danfoss, PMI, and NGK SPARK PLUG CO

Gulf BPG introduces Amazon CCU
2023-10-31
Gulf BPG organized a webinar in cooperation with Amazon, which was held on 31st October 2023.
The webinar started with a warm welcome by Gulf BPG Chairman, Mr. Malek Hannouf, who stressed on the rise of online infringements and the necessity of collaboration with all online platforms to prevent counterfeiters from using said digital tools. Then Mr Hadi AL Kanani, Brand Protection Strategic Partnerships at Amazon, introduced Amazon Counterfeit Crime Unit (CCU). Their insightful opening remarks set the tone for an engaging and informative session about the potential enforcement collaboration between Amazon and brand owners.
Mrs Margherita Puca, Senior Risk Manager at CCU, and Grant Lucas, Sr. Industry Specialist, captivated the audience with a detailed presentation about the CCU procedures and cases. They offered valuable insights into the activities of the Amazon CCU and shared collaborative strategies with brands for handling joint cases across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to directly engage with the CCU representatives. The thoughtful questions underscored the audience’s keen interest in the topic. The closing remarks reiterated the importance of continued collaboration in combating online counterfeit infringements.
In summary, the Gulf BPG Webinar on Amazon CCU not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also fostered connections among industry professionals dedicated to upholding brand integrity and combating counterfeits.

USPTO Workshop for Administrative UAE authorities
2023-10-26
Gulf BPG participated in The USPTO Workshop for Administrative UAE authorities, represented by Gulf BPG Communication manager Rima EL ACHKAR who spoke during the industry session panel moderated by Aisha Salem-Howey in the workshop held by the Ministry of Economy, the USPTO and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry on the Best practices concerning IPR administrative enforcement in the UAE where she highlighted the UAE’s IP protection system and importance of public-private partnership and data sharing.

9th Online Training Session for Dubai Customs
2023-10-26
Participated Brand: RIMOWA , HP & PMI

F2F Workshop for Saudi Arabia Intellectual Property Authority (SAIP)
2023-10-18 - 2023-10-19 | SAIP premises – Riyadh
In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Intellectual Property Authority (SAIP), Gulf BPG conducted a two-day face-to-face workshop for SAIP inspectors. Brand owners such as P&G, Reckitt, PUMA, HUAWEI, Luxottica, Orient, and Polo Ralph Lauren participated, providing insights on distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit products.

AD Customs F2F Workshop: Photographing suspect products
2023-10-12 | AD International Airport Customs
Participated Brand: LV, RIMOWA, APPLE, PUMA, LACOSTE, CHANNEL, GUCCI, HUAWEI, and P&G.

6th Online Training Session for Sultanate of Oman IP Enforcement Departments.
2023-10-09
Participated Brand: Essilor Luxottica & Bath & Body Works

Gulf BPG attends DCCC’s 3rd Quarter Meeting.
2023-10-04
During the Dubai Customs Advisory Council meeting, H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Slayer, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, highlighted significant economic growth in the UAE, emphasizing the positive impact of global partnership agreements. These agreements, integral to the country’s strategic plans, are fueling the UAE’s sustainable development.
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General at Dubai Customs, underscored their commitment to supporting business growth and foreign trade. He emphasized alignment with Dubai’s Economic Agenda through advanced customs services and automation
The meeting featured presentations on Challenges and Retail Advocacy, Corporate Tax in UAE, and Customs Inspection Booking integration with DP World’s e-Token Service. Key officials, Gulf BPG, business representatives, and Dubai Customs executives attended this meeting.

Gulf BPG delegate attends a session on Policy Dialogue: Domain Names and New Tech organized by INTA.
2023-10-04
The event kicked off with opening remarks from H.E. Dr. Abdelrahman Almuaini, Assistant Undersecretary of Intellectual Property Sector – Ministry of Economy · Ministry Of Economy, UAE. The sessions covered several topics led by industry leaders including new technologies, domain name issues, the importance of IP for businesses, and Fighting Domain Name Abuse. Other sessions discussed New Technologies & IP, ccTLD Policies, and concluded with presentations from IP attachés, offering valuable insights from field experts.

Panel Discussion on Arbitration and the Rise of Renewable Energy Disputes
2023-10-03 | Dubai Chambers Building, Level 13
Gulf BPG delegate attended a panel discussion on “Arbitration and the Rise of Renewable Energy Disputes” organized by The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and Saint Joseph University Dubai. The panel included distinguished professionals with extensive experience advising on various energy disputes. In this discussion, experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from various segments gathered to discuss the latest trends and challenges related to arbitration in energy disputes.

F2F WorkshopTraining Session for AD Customs
2023-10-03
Participated Brand: MOBIS , SAMSUNG & JTI.

5th Online Training Session for Sultanate of Oman IP Enforcement Departments.
2023-09-26
Participated Brand: Unilever & Ecyclex
