KUWAIT CITY, May 22: Rashid Al-Owaihan, the Controller of Trademarks and Patents at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the detrimental effects of trademark imitation, citing its role in deceiving consumers and perpetuating commercial fraud through the sale of poor-quality, counterfeit, and non-original goods, reports Al-Jarida daily. This not only harms consumers but also inflicts financial losses on original brand owners and companies.

Al-Owaihan underscored the pivotal role of trademarks in fostering competition and sustaining the commercial sector. Protecting trademark owners is essential for facilitating advertising and familiarizing the public with products, he explained, stressing the importance of trademark registration. Al-Owaihan outlined the ministry’s proactive approach to combating trademark imitation, including conducting inspection campaigns to identify and penalize offenders.

According to the law, imitation of trademarks can result in imprisonment for one month to three years or financial penalties to compensate for damages incurred. Regarding the ministry’s plans for enhancing its operations, Al-Owaihan revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen the monitoring and protection of industrial intellectual property. This includes the development of a comprehensive violations system to electronically track and prosecute offenders, ensuring strict adherence to legal provisions. By implementing robust measures to safeguard trademarks and patents, the ministry aims to uphold consumer trust, promote fair competition, and safeguard the interests of original brand owners and businesses in Kuwait’s market.