The number of complaints about counterfeit goods reported to the Industry and Commerce Ministry has risen by more than 85 per cent, officials have revealed.

According to the latest figures, the complaints received by the Industrial Property (IP) Directorate have increased from 21 in 2007 to 39 last year.

The owners of registered trademarks use them to distinguish between their products or services.

Those found guilty of selling counterfeit goods can be jailed for up to 12 months and fined BD4,000.

A ministry spokesman said a number of people had been prosecuted for selling counterfeit goods, although no exact figures were available.

They included people who illegally sold products like shoes, bags and watches to customers.

'The offenders were found guilty of counterfeiting a registered mark or imitating it in a manner likely to mislead the public,' said the spokesman.

'The guilty have also been found circulating counterfeit or imitated cards, documents or packaging infringing others' rights.'

The spokesman said it was illegal to intentionally use any counterfeit or imitated brand mark, fraudulently affix one to a product or knowingly sell, trade or possess counterfeit goods with the intention of exporting or importing them.

'The ministry follows simplified procedures in limiting the spread of counterfeit goods according to the laws of IP,' he said.

'The complainant should submit a picture or specimen of both the imitation mark and the original mark for verification.

'After accepting the complaint, the IP directorate makes sure that all documents are submitted in the correct form and with the correct content.

'The inspector who investigates the case should be provided with a detailed explanation of the subject, including the similarities between the original mark and the fake.'

The spokesman said once an offence has been established, the ministry reports the matter to the Public Prosecution.

'The prosecutors then decide whether to transfer the case to the court or close the file for lack of evidence,' he said.

'The directorate sends a letter to the complainant about the action that has been taken.

'Thus the directorate's role is limited to following up on the court's decision and its implementation.'

Meanwhile, Bahrain will mark the fourth Gulf Consumer Day along with other GCC countries on March 21, said Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

'The aim is to protect consumers by ensuring that they get the best products at the best price and quality,' he said, pledging to further protect the rights of consumers.

'The GCC countries have done specialised studies, joint field research and looked into products and services and its effects on consumers by using the latest technologies.'

'What we are trying to achieve is sustainable development to take necessary precaution against any unfair commercial acts and make sure that such ruthless businesses are kept away from the market,' Dr Fakhro said.-TradeArabia News Service