RIYADH: As you stroll through the mall, you will no doubt have experienced a waft of perfume drifting across your path. But have you ever wondered whether what you can smell is a genuine branded product or a dupe?
Dupes — which smell just like the real deal to most people — are readily available and, thanks to their price point, popular.
Many Muslims and Arabs wear scents with notes of oud, musk, amber and jasmine and more as part of their daily hygiene routines, religious practices, beauty routines and other celebratory rituals.
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property states that “perfumes are protected under intellectual property laws according to the manner in which the creator or innovator claims them, provided they meet the criteria set by the relevant regulations.”
It also states that “the fragrance composition that produces the scent may be protected by a patent or by being protected as a trade secret.”
Many perfume makers opt for the latter to avoid having to fully disclose their recipes for fear of imitation
The authority continues: “Additionally, the logos associated with the perfume product can be protected as trademarks, and the external appearance of the perfume bottle can be protected as an industrial design. In the case of protection under any of these categories, any infringement would be considered a violation under the law.”
To avoid legal problems, companies making the dupes use unique names and packaging for their products. However, the debate goes beyond legalities and into the preservation of tradition.
Arab News spoke to some perfume-loving Saudi consumers to understand their preferences.
Hind Hassan told Arab News: “Perfume can be significant to many Saudi women as it is part of their culture and tradition. In Saudi Arabia, perfume is often seen as a symbol of elegance, beauty, tradition, and is an important part of personal grooming and self-expression.
"Many Saudi women wear perfume as a form of adornment and as a way to feel confident and attractive. Perfume also plays a role in social occasions and cultural events in Saudi society.”
Strictly against dupes, she said she preferred branded perfumes for their “quality, authenticity, brand experience, exclusivity, uniqueness, and packaging appeal” and considered dupes “unethical.”
Mai Fuad echoed her sentiments. “Perfumery is a kind of art and so mimicking the formula of a perfumer is in a way similar to appropriating another person’s artistic expression,” she said.
However, Marya Buhlaigah, who formerly worked at boutique shops specializing in niche perfumes, is an avid fan of dupes. Describing perfume as the “signature” of a Saudi woman, Buhlaigah said she chose to buy dupes because they were affordable. She added: “There is now a boom in the Saudi market where local businesses are making perfume dupes and clones, and I would much rather give my money to a local business than a big corporation.”
While she recognizes the quality might not always measure up, Buhlaigah says she chooses which dupes to buy based on reviews and recommendations. The lower price tag also allows her to try more scents.
Leena Al-Awami feels that while buying branded perfumes can bring a sense of self-satisfaction and pride, quality comes before label or price tag.
She added: “Our society comprises of millions of individuals with varying preferences, tastes and circumstances. Different brands and perfume sellers cater to the varying needs of the consumers in our region. However, I believe original perfume creators will always be respected creatively for their time, effort and expertise.”
