QTO’s Intense Crackdown on Imitation Products

 The Qatari Government has embarked on a committed path towards ridding its marketplace of imitation products. To that effect, the Qatari Trademark Office (QTO), a section of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), has issued a stern warning to outlets selling fake products. The warning included threats of raids and legal action against offenders. Several outlets have already felt the sting of the new policy. The crackdown is expected to continue until the QTO’s objective is achieved. This unwavering commitment is motivated by Qatar’s desire to abide by the international IP protection standards, as well as its concern for the health and welfare of the Qatari consumer.
 
 The QTO, headed by Mohamed Hassan Al-Saadi, will target food items, such as rice, cosmetics, such as lotions and hair oils, hygiene products, such as toothpastes and shampoos. The measures will also target luxury goods that include perfumes, watches and electrical merchandise sold under counterfeit names.
 
 In April, and coinciding with Intellectual Property Day, the QTO launched a statewide awareness campaign. A primary event in this campaign was the 3-day (26-29 of April) event held at the Landmark Mall and the City Center to generate consumer awareness on fake products. During the event, Ahmad Yousef Al-Jefairi, a QTO official, networked with several wholesale and retail merchants at their outlets and explained to them the negative consequences of dealing in fake goods.
 
 AGIP / Qatar