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
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