Jeddah Municipality seizes 5,255 counterfeit sportswear items in the south of the province
An inspection campaign uncovers a fully equipped counterfeit clothing factory
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and combat illicit activities, the Jeddah Municipality, in cooperation with other government agencies, successfully raided an illegal site south of the city that had been transformed into a fully equipped workshop for manufacturing and storing counterfeit sportswear. The joint field operation resulted in the confiscation of more than 5,255 items, including ready-made clothing bearing counterfeit logos of international clubs, stickers ready for printing, and large quantities of raw clothing of unknown origin.
Field teams discovered that the illegal site was equipped with sophisticated equipment, including laser and thermal printing machines and advanced computers, which were used to accurately counterfeit logos to make them appear genuine. The site also contained worker accommodations, indicating that it operated as a fully integrated production and distribution hub aimed at generating illicit profits by distributing counterfeit goods in local markets.
National efforts to protect intellectual property and the economy
This operation is part of the broader efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat commercial fraud and protect intellectual property rights, a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create a safe and attractive investment environment. The phenomenon of trademark counterfeiting not only harms the owners of original brands but also negatively impacts the national economy through unfair competition with compliant companies, tax and customs evasion, and the deception of consumers with inferior products.
The campaign, implemented in close coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, reflects the integrated roles of government entities in enforcing the rule of law and eliminating harmful practices from the market. Protecting intellectual property rights enhances the confidence of local and international investors, encourages innovation and creativity, and solidifies the Kingdom's reputation as a reliable trading partner on the global stage.
Impact and actions taken
Domestically, such seizures help protect consumers from purchasing counterfeit goods that may not meet quality and safety standards, and they support legitimate businesses that face significant challenges due to the proliferation of counterfeit products. Internationally, these measures underscore the Kingdom's commitment to international agreements related to intellectual property protection, thus strengthening its economic standing.
In accordance with established procedures, the confiscated raw materials were donated to charities for their benefit, while the remaining counterfeit items were referred to the inventory committee at the Southern Sub-Municipality for complete destruction. The Jeddah Municipality affirmed its commitment to continuing its rigorous inspection campaigns, emphasizing that it will not tolerate any practices that violate regulations and harm the national economy and the public interest.
