From the Editors: Intellectual property protection is a priority in Dubai

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION IS A PRIORITY IN DUBAI: When businesses, innovators and content creators know their intellectual property won’t be stolen, it will only encourage them to offer more creative goods and services. This message came loud and clear yesterday on World Intellectual Property Day from Dubai Customs, which has solved intellectual property disputes worth Dh24 million so far this year. Trademark owners can rest assured of a loyal customer base that is not eroded by knock-offs. In quarter one of this year, 254,000 counterfeit items of over two dozen brands were caught by vigilant inspectors. Dubai Customs has also engaged the youth – the future entrepreneurs – through awareness drives at schools and universities. All efforts have been the bedrock of building brand Dubai that is recognised worldwide. [COMMENT BY: Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: CAN BENZEMA PRODUCE THE MAGIC AGAIN IN SECOND LEG? It was cracker of a semi-final last night which saw Manchester City edge past Real Madrid 4-3 in the first leg, but the enigmatic Frenchman Karim Benzema became the talking point even in defeat with two goals – keeping the hopes of the 13-time champions alive. Can they turn it around in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu next week? Benzema feels they can when he said: ‘’ I warn our fans to be ready to see something magical, we will win the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu.’’ Meanwhile, the second semi-final tonight promises another intriguing clash between Liverpool and Villarreal – the latter being on a giant-killing spree this season.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

DEEPIKA PADUKONE ON JURY FOR CANNES FILM FESTIVAL: Deepika Padukone’s appointment as a jury member for the 75th edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival is a testament to how far the 36-year-old star has come in her journey from her early modelling days to her debut in Bollywood and emerging as a global powerhouse in a few short years. The actress today spearheads her own production house and has also been making in-roads in Hollywood. Padukone is also lauded for her philanthropic work that has seen the award-winning actress launch her own foundation as an advocate for mental health after she revealed in 2015 that she had been diagnosed with depression. Credit has to be given to the actress for using her powerful position in society to make the world a better place. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]