The Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) in cooperation with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Legal (TAG-Legal) has launched a new service to protect its clients’ Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in conformity with the Saudi regulations and relevant international conventions.
A press release by AGIP stated that the newly introduced service focuses on the protection of the clients' IPRs at the Saudi borders in compliance with Article 51 of TRIPS agreement.
Article 51 stipulates that: “Members shall, in conformity with the provisions set out below, adopt procedures to enable a right holder, who has valid grounds for suspecting that the importation of counterfeit trademark or pirated copyright goods may take place, to lodge an application in writing with competent authorities, administrative or judicial, for the suspension by the customs authorities of the release into free circulation of such goods. Members may enable such an application to be made in respect of goods which involve other infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, provided that the requirements of this Section are met. Members may also provide for corresponding procedures concerning the suspension by the customs authorities of the release of infringing goods destined for exportation from their territories".
According to Maher Melhem, TAG-Legal/Riyadh Office manager, “this endeavor will be an essential part of our services covering the Saudi market.”
“The Saudi Customs Department will inform TAG-Legal offices in Saudi Arabia of any suspected counterfeit products and the latter will ascertain the proper legal protection of the clients’ trademarks,” he said.
Melhem stated “Upon receiving the approval of the client, TAG-Legal shall lodge an application by recording a copy of the client’s trademark certificate of registration along with TAG-Legal Power of Attorney before the Customs Department to be subsequently circulated to all Customs’ borders of the Kingdom.”
“If the imported products prove to be counterfeit, the Customs Department will suspend its release, in addition, the Department shall accept TAG-Legal’s Power of Attorney if it has been signed, notarized and legalized before one year of its submission,” he said.
“There will be complete cooperation between TAG-Legal and AGIP in implementing this new service,” he added.
SOURCE:AGIPNEWS
