I THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 Intellectual Property (IP) Week 2025 was held from April 21-May 4. IP Week encompassed the globally recognised World Book and Copyright Day, April 23 and World Intellectual Property Day April 26. Under the theme, ‘IP & Music: Feel the Beat of IP’, we celebrated Jamaica’s creative brilliance while underscoring the crucial role that robust IP protection plays in stimulating economic growth. Few nations have gifted the world with more influential musical genres than Jamaica. From mento, ska, rocksteady, to reggae and dancehall, our music has shaped global culture. UNESCO’s designation of reggae as an intangible cultural heritage and Kingston as a Creative City of Music affirms this legacy. IP Week 2025 gave us a perfect platform to showcase the nexus between copyright, trademarks, designs, geographical indications and patents and how they safeguard that heritage that is converted into creativity and subsequently economic value, when protected and used. Our creative contribution extends beyond the music itself to choreography, fashion, language, and style. Music is so intricately intertwined into our national identity that our football team is referred to as ‘The Reggae Boyz’. Pause for a moment and think about milestones in your own life. You may recall: • a song from your graduation, • a film’s soundtrack, • the bride’s dress or the bridegroom’s tuxedo, • a favourite perfume, • the flavour of Jamaica jerk, or even • the architecture of the courthouse on the day you were called to the bar. Each memory is anchored in intellectual property. The song and soundtrack are protected by copyright, while the dress might be protected as a design, the formula for the perfume might be protected with a patent, while Jamaica jerk is protected as a geographical indication. Music may be the heartbeat, but every creative and innovative element around it relies on intellectual property. In partnership with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), JIPO launched an original song competition in March 2025 as a lead up event to IP Week. The finals were held on April 17, 2025, at Di Lot on Constant Spring Road and Annáe Campbell singing ‘Reggae Riddim’ was the winner, Rhonii Dee placed second and Rik Mylz placed third. Annáe’s prizes included a performance slot at Reggae Sumfest 2025, studio production with legendary producer Stephen Stewart, artiste-development sessions from Niche Entertainment, and IP mentorship from JIPO. The week officially opened on Tuesday April 22, 2025, with the Building Respect for IP forum at the Police Officers’ Club. Attendees, including members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), students, and private-sector stakeholders, heard how counterfeiting and piracy undermine public safety and economic growth. Presenters included: • Dr. Anthony McLaughlin, assistant commissioner of police, JCF • Victor Barrett, senior superintendent of police (actg.) of the Counter Terrorism Organised Crime Investigation Branch of the JCF • Edgar Martinez, U.S. Department of Homeland Security attaché RECAP OF IP WEEK 2025 Lilyclaire Bellamy, Executive Director, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office PLEASE SEE RECAP, 6
II THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY? Intellectual Property is defined as the creations of the mind. Everywhere around us we see aspects of intellectual property daily, whether it is a logo for the school, place of employment, or place of worship that we attend, which is protected as a trade mark, or it is your favourite dress, shirt or sandals which are protected by design. We interact with IP every day. Intellectual property is divided into two main branches, Industrial property which covers Trade Marks, Patents, Designs and Geographical Indication and Copyright and Related Rights. WHY IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IMPORTANT? Intellectual Property plays a vital role in economic growth and wealth creation. The creators of all intellectual property rights have the exclusive rights to exploit their intellectual property. For example, a patent, which is a technical solution to a problem, the term of protection is 20 years. An inventor has direct control over that patent and can become wealthy from that invention. Intellectual Property is important to every sector in society and as such should be respected and protected. Through branding, one can consistently buy the same product that they enjoy and recommend the same to others, because attached to such product is a logo, which distinguishes this product from other products. Intellectual property is also important in the music industry. Imagine a world without music, it would certainly be very dull and boring. Through lyrics, musical works and sound recordings we move to the beat of our favourite, gospel, reggae, ska, mento or dancehall song. At the heart of every creation, we feel the beat of intellectual property. HOW IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BENEFICIAL? Intellectual property assists us in everything that we do. Imagine having no cellphones to make that important call or having to ride on a donkey instead of a car to get to work daily. Imagine a world without computers, different designs of clothing, shoes, handicrafts, logos, toothbrush, light bulb or even a watch. Let us pause and appreciate our creators who have invented, innovated and assist in making our lives easier. These creators would have extended long hours in preparing and creating their intellectual property; therefore, citizens are also encouraged to respect the rights of the intellectual property owners by seeking permission to use intellectual property. WHO SHOULD CONTACT JIPO? Every creator regardless of your age should contact the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, to register or deposit your intellectual property, whether you are an adult or a child, we register your creation, invention or innovations. The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office is ready to help all our creatives. Contact JIPO at www.Jipo.gov.jm or call us at 876 946 1300 to learn more about intellectual property and how we can assist you. SHANTAL ENGLISH RICHARDS Deputy Director/Legal Counsel PROTECT YOUR CREATION – FEEL THE BEAT OF IP A rep of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) speaks animatedly with an attendee at the JACAP booth during Beats & Bands Live Mini Business Expo.
III THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, Dub, Reggae and Dancehall define Jamaica’s rich musical traditions and infuse essential components of Jamaica’s brand identity. Numerous studies show the contribution of creative enterprises including the music industry to economic growth, jobs, and wealth creation. It is vital for local music entrepreneurs and creators to understand the intellectual property (IP) aspects involved in their professional work, for Jamaican music to proliferate. Copyright is the most significant IP right for musical authors and performers as it protects their musical compositions, performance, and sound recordings. Revenue from performance royalties, and other publishing rights can be generated from Copyright-protected musical works. The registration of a trade mark at the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) is a solid foundation for developing a brand. This is particularly important in the context of a band or artist’s name. A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes the goods and services of one company from those of a competitor. Choosing an unusual name that is unlikely to have been used before is recommended. Once the name is selected, it is important to register it, along with any logo or artwork designed around the name. The artist or band’s name and logo can be used to identify goods beyond their music, including any merchandise sold under the name or any artist-run event. A solid brand can also enable music professionals to create new revenue streams, including through licensing and endorsements. Advances in communication, digital technology, and social media have made global audiences more accessible to Jamaican music entrepreneurs and creators. Fledgling artists are now a click away from discovery, while established artists can find new and creative ways to engage their fan bases online. This vast global environment demands that artists protect and strengthen their brand outside of Jamaica. An artist or band name can also be trade mark-registered internationally by using the Madrid Protocol. The Protocol gives trade mark owners the possibility of having their trade marks protected in up to 130 countries, through a single application filed with their national IP office. To file an international application in Jamaica through the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, you must 1) have a business in, reside in, or be a national of Jamaica and 2) have a local trade mark application or registration at JIPO. Whether you are a new musical talent on the verge of going viral or an established name in the local music industry, registering your trade mark internationally is a key step in protecting your commercial interests abroad and should be an integral part of a global business strategy. The strategic use of IP can generate income, enhance the brand, and preserve the legacy of Jamaica’s musical entrepreneurs and creators. For further information, please contact JIPO at 876-9460789 or at info@jipo.gov.jm. ADRIENNE THOMPSON Deputy Director/Registrar Create Local. Export Global. Protect your Intellectual Property internationally
IV THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Shantal English Richards, Deputy Director/Legal Counsel, pauses before responding to a question during her presentation at the World Book and Copyright Day event, at the UWI Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sancia Bennett Templer being interviewed by Emily Shields, host of the Hotline programme of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group The Scientific Research Council (SRC) showcases an array of locally developed food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products at its booth during the Beats & Bands Live Mini Business Expo. Mini Business Expo- BSJ Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce and the Executive Director of JIPO Lilyclaire Bellamy , flanked Lydia Rose, General Manager of Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Producers (JACAP) and General Manager of Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) Evon Mullings, after Minister Hill declared the JIPO ‘Mini Business Expo’ open.
V THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Copyright and related rights are fundamental to the music industry, providing the necessary protection for creators and contributors. Protecting the rightsholders in the music industry is of utmost importance in a country like Jamaica, where music is a significant part of our culture and economy. These legal rights are cornerstones of the music industry, ensuring that creators and contributors are fairly compensated for their work and that their intellectual property is secured. The Significance of Copyright Copyright in Jamaica is governed by the Copyright Act, 1993 (“the Act”), which grants exclusive rights to creators for their original works, including musical compositions, lyrics, and recordings. These rights allow artists to control how their music is used, distributed, and monetized. Without copyright, musicians would struggle to earn a living from their art, as anyone could freely use and profit from their creations without permission or payment. Importantly, through registration with the Collective Management Organizations (“CMOs”) royalty is paid to the creatives. The Importance of Related Rights The Act also grants related rights that protect the interests of performers, producers, and broadcasters, who play crucial roles in bringing music to the public. Performers have the right to control the use of their performance and prevent unauthorized use of their performance, The Copyright and Related Rights the melody that drives the music industry Vivian Rose, Copyright and Related Rights Manager PLEASE SEE COPYRIGHT, 9
VI THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | of Homeland Security attaché (Jamaica & Cayman Islands) • Mikhail Jackson, partner, Livingston, Alexander & Levy • Shantal English Richards, deputy director/legal counsel, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, JIPO • Vivian Rose, manager, copyright & related rights, JIPO • Alecia Vidal, manager, trademarks, designs & geographical indications, JIPO • Jason Wongsam, assistant manager, patents, JIPO • Lilyclaire Bellamy, executive director, JIPO Their combined expertise offered a comprehensive view of intellectual property protection and enforcement, including border controls, litigation, and business compliance. On Wednesday, April 23, JIPO joined with The University of the West Indies, where law librarian, Myrna Douglas, and The UWI Mona Technology Innovation Support Centre (TISC) help desk coordinator hosted a celebration of book donors to mark World Book & Copyright Day at the Faculty of Law. The ceremony included a presentation from the deputy director/legal counsel of JIPO, Shantal English Richards, on ‘Books: Copyright What is the link? The Executive Director of JIPO Lilyclaire Bellamy gave an overview of the development of the TISC at UWI and the plans surrounding the implementation of other TISCs. Donations were then given by representatives of the estates of Dr. Adolph Edwards and Danielle Asphall, Mrs. Paula Blake-Asphall, mother of Danielle, spoke of the challenges faced by the family in obtaining books for Danielle when she was a student and the support provided by family and friends and the love demonstrated by Danielle when she was alive and her willingness to share her text books with others even when she was preparing for the same exam. Arlene Edwards, widow of Dr. Adolph Edwards spoke on behalf of her late husband who donated his entire book collection to the UWI Faculty of Law library. The week culminated on Friday, April 25, with Beats & Brands Live the Mini - Business Expo and Concert in Emancipation Park. The mornings proceedings took place under the expert guidance of Fae Ellington with musical selections being offered by ZJ Venus a fitting prelude for the concert that was to follow later in the evening. The programme flowed with military precision, but reflected a warm gathering of friends and colleagues. Chief Executive Officer of the Companies Office of Jamaica Shellie Leon stressed the importance of registering your business name and company and also using the registration system at JIPO. She also highlighted the Security Interest in Personal Property Registry operated by the Companies Office; Lydia Rose, general manager of the Jamaica Association of Composers Authors and Publishers (JACAP), a collective management organisation (CMO), spoke of the collaboration between JACAP, JIPO and the other CMOs to protect creatives. Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, gave a rendition on piano of a Duke Ellington classic, while sharing on the relevance of music and intellectual property. The proceedings then shifted to Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, the minister with responsibility for the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office who gave an engaging speech, listened to attentively by the audience which included the ministry’s permanent secretary Mrs. Sancia Bennett Templer, and the permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister Ambassador Rocky Meade, and Dr. Wayne Robertson, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and Shericka Ashley, who represented the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Minister Hill declared the event open, and the patrons then took the time to visit the booths and obtain valuable information from JIPO, other agencies, entrepreneurs from the creative industries with the entire event being broadcast by several media houses. The expo ended at 5 p.m., but the best was to come at 6 p.m. Honey Bee of Nationwide News Network took to the stage with high energy to guide us through the beats and brands and she certainly delivered. We were saturated with information throughout the day with the opening and the mini business expo and it was time for an explosion of JIPO staff members and their families with the Rev Al Miller, Pastor of the Fellowship Tabernacle Church, at the Thanksgiving Church service.
VII THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | talent, and explosive it was. The audience rocked to the sounds of the Heptones, Lubert Levy, Sister Patt, and the Diamond Family, and when the music touched their souls they would not be contained and took to the aisles dancing and supporting their favourite artistes. Warrior King, Chris Malachi, Khalia, and Joby Jay, all had the crowd swaying to their beats and interacting with their performances. The opening act by Annáe Campbell, winner of the JIPO JaRIA song contest, demonstrated to the patrons the reason she won with her rendition of her original song, ‘Reggae Riddim’, the mix of new and established artistes satisfied the cross-section of patrons with a number openly expressing their thanks for the opportunity to hear the Heptones live which brought back memories from their childhood. Imagining life without music, the silence would be deafening and the desire to maintain a vibrant music industry is just one of the reasons why strong intellectual property systems are essential. Intellectual property safeguards enable musicians to earn a living and continue creating the soundtrack of our lives. Likewise, trademarks, designs, patents and geographical indications protect the complementary industries which include fashion, fragrances and cuisine that support the music industry. IP Week 2025 succeeded because of the dedication of the JIPO team, the support of the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce, the minister of industry investment and commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, Permanent Secretary Sancia Bennett Templer, sister agencies of the ministry, other ministries, departments and agencies of the government of Jamaica, high school students and teachers, media houses and other stakeholders. Thank you for your support of IP week 2025. We will continue to build on the momentum of the week and rely on you our partners to continue the delivery of professional and quality intellectual property services throughout the year. LILYCLAIRE BELLAMY Executive Director, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office NSWMA’s Parks and Gardens Division displays ornamental plants for sale at its booth during the Beats & Brands Live Mini Business Expo, Emancipation Park, Kingston. Myrna Douglas, Officer in charge of the Technology Innovation Support Centre, at UWI, Mona, with books donated to the Law Library, UWI, on World Book and Copyright Day, April 23.
THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 VIII INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are important tools to foster a culture of innovation. A patent is the granting of an intellectual property right by the Government to an inventor for an invention. This grant provides the inventor exclusive rights to the patented invention for a 20-year period in exchange for a comprehensive disclosure of the invention. A patent can play a major role in your company’s development and success. An individual or company that holds a patent has the right to prevent others from making, selling, retailing, or importing that technology. This creates opportunities for inventors to sell, trade or license their patented technologies with other entities who may want to use them in their own business. Patents, or even patent applications, often serve as a signal to potential investors that your business is worth investing. A granted patent serves as an independent evaluation that your innovation brings something distinctive and innovative to the market. Recognise the potential of patents to drive the economic development of your business. Contact JIPO and we will be happy to guide you through the process of obtaining a patent. JASON WONGSAM Assistant Patent Manager ‘Feel the beat of IP’ Patents the beating pulse for SME’s Success Chris Malachi performing at Beats and Brand Live Concert. JIPO and JaRIA Original Song Competition winner, Annae Campbell performing at the Beats & Brands Live Concert.
IX THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | while producers can protect their sound recordings from unauthorized use. These rights ensure that all contributors to the music creation and distribution process are recognized and rewarded for their efforts. Challenges in the Digital Age The digital revolution has transformed the music industry, making it easier for artists to share their work with a global audience. However, it has also introduced new challenges in protecting copyright. Online piracy, unauthorized streaming, and the ease of copying digital files have made it difficult for artists to maintain control over their work. Despite these challenges, copyright remains essential in ensuring that creators receive the recognition and financial rewards they deserve. Collective Management Organizations The Act also facilitates the operations of Collective Management Organizations (“CMOs”), which are non-profit entities that act on behalf of copyright holders to manage and license the use of their works, collect royalties, and distribute them to the rights holders. CMOs play a vital role in the music industry by ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work. The Voluntary Copyright Registration Service Rightsholders in the music industry are encouraged to utilise the Voluntary Copyright Registration Service offered by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office. Copyright and related rights are automatically granted when a work is original and exists in a tangible format. When copyrighted works are placed on digital platforms they can be easily accessed and infringed. The Voluntary Copyright Registration Service offers rightsholders an additional safeguard in the event their work is infringed, or the ownership of their work is contested, by providing applicants with evidence in support of their copyright ownership. JIPO invites all right holders in the music industry to utilize the services at JIPO to protect their copyright and related rights. VIVIAN ROSE Copyright and Related Rights Manager COPYRIGHT CONTINUED FROM 5
X THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Mrs. Sancia Bennett Templer examines a castor oil product at the booth of Loutin’s Castor Oil, one of the exhibitors at the expo while Ricky Davis, CEO of JIFSA, looks on. Patrons gather at the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) booth during Beats & Brands Live Mini Business Expo, Emancipation Park, Kingston, to learn about Jamaica’s Regulated Cannabis Sector.
XI THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | JIPO Beats and Brands The Heptones Members of the Diamond Family performing at the concert. Ewan Simpson from IN2NATION Band supporting Sister Pat and the Diamond Family. Fully immersed in the music, oblivious to everyone else. Volunteers and members of the audience caught in the spirit of the music.
XII THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Levy’s Heritage delivers an energetic set at the Beats & Brands Live concert in Emancipation Park, Kingston, on Friday, April 25, during Intellectual Property Week 2025. Reggae legends The Heptones deliver a harmony-rich performance at the Beats & Brands Live concert, Emancipation Park, Kingston, on Friday, April during the Intellectual Property Week. Warrior King performing at Beats & Brand Live Concert. The Diamond Family performing at Beats & Brand Live Concert. Joby Jay and the audience
XIII THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | WHAT IS COPYRIGHT? Copyright (or author’s right) is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture, and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps, and technical drawings. WHAT CAN BE PROTECTED USING COPYRIGHT? Works commonly protected by copyright throughout the world include: • literary works such as novels, poems, plays, reference works, newspaper articles; • computer programs, databases; • films, musical compositions, and choreography; • artistic works such as paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture; • architecture; and • advertisements, maps, and technical drawings. WHAT RIGHTS DOES COPYRIGHT GIVE ME? WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS THE AUTHOR OF A WORK? There are two types of rights under copyright: • economic rights, which allow the rights owner to derive financial reward from the use of his works by others; and • moral rights, which protect the non-economic interests of the author. The Rights owner has the economic right to authorise or prevent certain uses in relation to a work or, in some cases, to receive remuneration for the use of his work: • its reproduction in various forms, such as printed publication or sound recording; • its public performance, such as in a play or musical work; • its recording, for example, in the form of compact discs or DVDs; • its broadcasting, by radio, cable or satellite; • its translation into other languages; and • its adaptation, such as a novel into a film screenplay. Examples of widely recognised moral rights include the right to claim authorship of a work and the right to oppose changes to a work that could harm the creator’s reputation. Frequently asked Intellectual Property (IP) questions PLEASE SEE QUESTIONS, 14
XV THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Warrior King in flight Chris Malachi interacting with the Audience Diamond Family performing Members of the audience rocking to the music Joby Jay holding a vide with MC Honey Bee Audience members catching the Beat
XVI THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK 2025 FEATURE | Sequence Band performs at Beats and Brands Pot covers in hand enjoying the beat Warrior King and Honey Bee Dancing to the Beat. Khalia performing at Beats and Brand Live Concert. Joby Jay performing at Beats & Brand Live Concert.
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