Dubai: For loom bands, one of the most popular toys in recent times, it’s time to stretch their possibilities in the UAE. After being under the scanner of the local authorities for possible health hazards to children, they are now able to reclaim their place on store shelves. But only for the “genuine” band. (Deceptively simple, it entails making bracelets weaving together small and quite colourful rubber bands on a plastic loom.)
“Local authorities had commissioned the Abu Dhabi Quality Conformity Council to conduct tests on all available loom bands as a precautionary measure after reports of counterfeit and imitation versions of loom bands carrying harmful phthalates (a carcinogenic substance) were recovered from a renowned retailer in the UK,” said Cheong Choon Ng, inventor of the Rainbow Loom and head of Choon’s Design llc. “Our products conform to EN71 regulations as well as Gulf Conformity regulations. These are the standards accepted by all GCC countries. Safety officials are now urging parents to be vigilant when buying loom bands and charms, with the advice to only buy packets with the ‘CE’ safety mark from reputable retailers,” he said.
“The best way to avoid counterfeit toys is to only purchase them from authorised retailers... online or in-store. Consumers should also carefully investigate the packaging before making a purchase to ensure authenticity, Ng added.
“There are still counterfeits available in the market, especially online. We have tried to request them to take the products off their site but they are not responding. However, it is a matter of time before all the harmful knock outs are wiped out from the market. The process has begun and we are hopeful the soaring popularity of the original becomes a sure shot hit in the GCC.”
It was following media reports in the UK — related to concerns over safety — that Gulf authorities decided to do their own exhaustive tests.
As of now, there are quite a few competing “versions” of the loom bands. But the brand’s official distributor is insistent that others are in clear violation of Rainbow Loom’s patent.
“There is no such thing as a licensed loom brand — Rainbow Loom is the original and won the case in the US courts for the patent,” said Mehul Kotecha, managing director at Ravissant General Trading, which is the sole distributor of Rainbow Loom. “There are tonnes of imitation brands trying to cash in on the trend.
“Unfortunately, it will take time for Rainbow Loom to shut down these companies outside of the US market. Many of these brands are not safe for children as they do not meet the safety standards.
“Choon’s Design llc, makers of the Rainbow Loom are in the process proceeding with patent infringement lawsuits against several companies from manufacturing similar products.”
(The Choon’s Design patent was validated by the US Patent and Trademark Office after an unsuccessful challenge by LaRose Industries, maker of the Cra-Z-Loom.)
In the UAE, the band has now partnered the likes of Hallmark, Toy Store, Virgin Megastore, Toys ‘R’ Us, Borders, Magrudy’s and Dubai Duty Free. Created in 2010, Rainbow Loom was the winner of four Toy of the Year Awards in 2014 from the Toy Institute Association.
“These continue to remain hugely popular and we have a great selection on offer,” said Sam Ghori, General Manager for Toys ‘R’ Us Mena (Middle East and North Africa). “Electronic gaming is a popular category no doubt, but traditional toys still remains strong for us.”
