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.
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