Kuwait steps up inspections to combat counterfeiters

Kuwait is intensifying its crackdown on counterfeit goods and commercial fraud with a new, intensive monitoring campaign by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Reliable sources indicate the ministry will conduct widespread inspection tours to regulate markets and eliminate the sale of products that violate intellectual property rights laws.

The campaign specifically targets the protection of intellectual property for international companies. It also aims to safeguard Kuwait's standing in international rankings related to combating commercial fraud. Sources revealed that commonly counterfeited items include watches bearing international brand names, clothing, shoes, and car parts, among others.

The ministry emphasized its regulatory role through inspection teams across all governorates. Possessing, displaying, or selling counterfeit products is a clear violation of intellectual property and trademark protection laws. The ministry warned that trademark infringement is considered forgery and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment from one month to three years or fines ranging from KD385 to KD77,000.

Economic advisor Abdullah Al-Gharib noted that product counterfeiting is a global crisis, citing a report that the value of global trade in counterfeit goods reached approximately $467 billion two years ago. He predicts this illicit trade could surge to nearly $600 billion globally due to current geopolitical tensions and unrest, which have reportedly revived smuggling networks.