{"id":4484,"date":"2012-08-10T06:53:45","date_gmt":"2012-08-10T11:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=4484"},"modified":"2012-08-10T06:58:24","modified_gmt":"2012-08-10T11:58:24","slug":"protecting-intellectual-property-caribbean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2012\/08\/protecting-intellectual-property-caribbean\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting your Intellectual Property in the Caribbean"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have a great idea? How do you protect it? Here are five considerations when embarking on or exploring Intellectual Property protection.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"http:\/\/www.freedigitalphotos.net\/images\/Ideas_and_Decision_M_g409-Light_Bulb_By_Cogs_Gears_p85097.html\"<\/a>Consider this: Your latest creation promises to be the best thing since sliced bread. You know it is valuable, but you are nervous that it could be stolen\u2026<\/p>\n

This is scenario that gets played out frequently among creators and innovators, particularly in the Caribbean, who are not familiar or comfortable with the processes to protect their Intellectual Property (IP).\u00a0As discussed in Can a mutually beneficial relationship exist between IP and IT<\/a>?<\/em><\/strong>, and according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO<\/a>), IP refers to\u00a0“creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce…”<\/em><\/p>\n

Recognised IP owners enjoy a set of exclusive rights for their creations or works, the terms of which are usually set out in local law. However, many of our small business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators might still be unaware of what those rights are, and perhaps also a bit skeptical about whether the process and requirements are worth it. To a considerable degree both of those concerns can be addressed by learning more about the IP framework in your country. This post offers some key considerations when broaching this subject.<\/p>\n

Visit your local IP office<\/h3>\n

Across the countries of the Caribbean region, there would be differences in the requirements and provisions associated with IP. Depending on the country, up to four types of IP that can be protected (Table 1).<\/p>\n

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Table 1: Key types of Intellectual Property (Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office)<\/p><\/div>\n

Furthermore, countries might be signatories to different IP-related treaties, agreements and protocols, and could be at differing stages of adherence to those arrangements. Hence it is critical to understand the framework and procedures that govern your country. Listed below are key IP offices in the Caribbean, which should help you to take that first step:<\/p>\n