Counterfeit industry tools seized in raids

DOHA: Thousands of counterfeit Stanley Black & Decker products were seized during recent raids by Alpha International for Intellectual Property, a Qatari Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement firm, and the Ministry of Business and Trade. Raids were conducted following tip-offs from the company and the UAE-based IP enforcement firm, The Legal Group (TLG). The move aimed at combating trade in counterfeit products and protecting consumer rights. Among the products seized were Stanley branded spirit levels, aviation snips and chalk lines  as well as DEWALT and Black & Decker branded cutting discs.  Youssef Al Suwaidi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the ministry, said, “The Qatar Government is continuing efforts with collective expertise to secure consumer rights and revenues of manufacturers by cracking down on criminals that prosper from the grey market.