Should you buy branded perfumes or dupes? Saudi women share their insights.
RIYADH: As you wander through the mall, you might catch a hint of perfume drifting by. But have you ever wondered if that fragrance is a genuine branded product or a clever dupe?
Dupes—fragrances that mimic the scent of high-end perfumes but come at a fraction of the price—are increasingly popular. They offer a budget-friendly alternative to their branded counterparts.
In many Muslim and Arab cultures, scents like oud, musk, amber, and jasmine play a significant role in daily routines, religious practices, beauty regimens, and special occasions.
According to the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, “Perfumes are protected under intellectual property laws based on how the creator or innovator claims them, as long as they meet the relevant regulations.” The authority notes that “the fragrance composition can be protected by a patent or kept as a trade secret.” Many perfume makers choose the latter to safeguard their formulas from imitation.
The authority adds, “Logos associated with perfume products can be protected as trademarks, and the design of the perfume bottle can be protected as an industrial design. Any infringement in these areas would be a legal violation.”
To avoid legal issues, companies producing dupes often use distinct names and packaging for their products. Yet, the conversation goes beyond legal concerns to touch on cultural and traditional values.
Arab News spoke with several Saudi perfume enthusiasts to gather their perspectives.
Hind Hassan shared with Arab News: “Perfume holds significant cultural value for many Saudi women. In Saudi Arabia, it symbolizes elegance, beauty, and tradition, and is a key part of personal grooming and self-expression. Many Saudi women use perfume to feel confident and attractive, and it plays a role in social and cultural events.”
Hassan prefers branded perfumes, citing their “quality, authenticity, brand experience, exclusivity, uniqueness, and appealing packaging,” and views dupes as “unethical.”
Mai Fuad echoed these thoughts, stating, “Perfumery is an art form, and replicating a perfumer’s formula is akin to appropriating someone else’s artistic work.”
On the other hand, Marya Buhlaigah, a former employee at niche perfume boutiques, embraces dupes. She views perfume as a “signature” of Saudi women and opts for dupes due to their affordability. Buhlaigah remarked, “There’s a growing trend in the Saudi market with local businesses offering perfume dupes and clones. I prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations.”
Though she acknowledges that dupes might not always match the quality of branded perfumes, Buhlaigah selects them based on reviews and recommendations. The lower price also allows her to explore a variety of scents.
Leena Al-Awami believes that while branded perfumes can offer a sense of satisfaction and pride, quality should come before the brand or price. “Our society includes a diverse range of preferences, tastes, and circumstances. Various brands and sellers cater to these diverse needs, but original perfume creators will always be respected for their creativity, time, and expertise.”
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