Curbing the counterfeiting and smuggling of goods has become such a pressing concern for international businesses that last year 19 companies teamed together to create a Brand Owners’ Protection Group (BPG) in the Middle East to tackle the region’s part in the $500 billion global counterfeit trade. According to the Dubai Economic Department between 2000 and 2004 the GCC authorities seized fake products worth $50 million, of which $35 million was confiscated in Saudi Arabia alone. In a raid on a warehouse in October last year, the Saudi authorities seized 90 tons of copycat Unilever products, worth $1 million. Along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE has become a focus point for the BPG as the Emirates’ main port, in Dubai, is a major regional export hub. “More than 7 million containers pass through Dubai with 20% annual growth according to Dubai Ports, so it is very important for brand owners
