KUWAIT CITY, Nov 18: As counterfeit methods evolve to mimic genuine goods and products, many consumers are falling victim to buying fake items, particularly when purchasing famous international brands. Counterfeiters exploit this by placing original brand logos on fake products, making it difficult for the average buyer to discern the difference.

Experts highlight several ways to identify authentic products and avoid falling into the counterfeit trap. These include:

Ensuring the product comes with a warranty certificate.

Reviewing the product’s authentication card.

Verifying approval from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Looking for trade codes and serial numbers.

Confirming the presence of the company's trademark.

Scanning the product’s QR code on the manufacturing company’s official website.

Efforts at customs and commerce departments

Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi from the Containers Department at Shuwaikh Port’s Customs Office assured that all imported goods are scrutinized to verify their authenticity. Goods suspected of being counterfeit are cross-checked with the parent company using Ministry of Commerce and Industry codes. Counterfeit items seized at border crossings are confiscated and destroyed at the merchant’s expense, ensuring they cannot be re-exported or reintroduced into the market.

Similarly, Nawaf Al-Ghadhanfar from the Air Parcels Department explained that the General Customs Department ensures authenticity by inspecting invoices approved by the Chamber of Commerce and Foreign Affairs. Customs inspectors also ensure products conform to original specifications and product codes before releasing them.

Protecting intellectual property

Hajar Dashti from the Trademarks and Patents Department at the Ministry of Commerce emphasized that intellectual property protection begins with product registration. Registered trademarks enable the owner to take legal action against imitators. The department monitors registered trademarks through judicial control, market inspections, and individual complaints.

Dashti noted that due to the Ministry’s persistent efforts, Kuwait was removed from the intellectual property blacklist after 25 years. This success was achieved through stricter enforcement against counterfeit goods, the establishment of electronic platforms for managing intellectual property, and ongoing work to join the Paris Convention on Intellectual Property and Trademarks.

Engineer Amna Diab from the Trademarks Department added that consumers who purchase counterfeit products have the right to sue the seller. Likewise, the original trademark owner can take legal action against counterfeiters. She highlighted the department’s continuous campaigns to inspect commercial establishments and ensure compliance with registered trademarks and industrial designs.

Risks of counterfeit products

Intellectual property expert Alaa Qafaf from Mercedes-Benz warned that counterfeit products pose serious risks, including potential harm to the consumer’s life. He explained that distinguishing original products involves checking for phrases, trademarks, and copyrights that confirm authenticity. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, incorporates specific packaging colors, barcodes, QR codes, and a unique font developed in collaboration with Microsoft to prevent imitation.

These collective efforts by various departments aim to safeguard consumers and uphold intellectual property rights, ensuring counterfeit goods are removed from the market and protecting Kuwait’s reputation as a hub of genuine products.