Antigua and Barbuda: ABIPCO launches interview series “Conversations on Intellectual Property”

St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property & Commerce Office (ABIPCO) has shared regarding the launch of the interview series next week – “Conversations on Intellectual Property”.

The ABIPCO outlined that they will be releasing interviews at a two-week interval. “Stick with us as we release content next week and the following weeks!” it added.

Minister of State of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, Maureen Hyman Payne, shared a statement regarding World Intellectual Property Day 2023.

She addressed the public on behalf of Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin and outlined that she is honoured to address you on this year’s World Intellectual Property Day. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role that intellectual property (IP) plays in fostering innovation and creativity and driving economic growth and social progress in the country.

She noted that IP is a key driver of innovation and creativity, enabling individuals and organizations to protect their ideas, inventions, and creations. From patents and trademarks to copyrights and trade secrets, IP rights provide creators and innovators with the legal tools they need to bring their ideas to market and to benefit from the fruits of their labour.

As we celebrate World IP Day 2023, it is important to reflect on the challenges facing the global IP system. One of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of technological change, which is transforming the way we create, share, and use information and knowledge, as per the reports.

This year’s theme: ‘Woman and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity is to shine the spotlight on all the women in our society who do and have contributed or our creative industries and innovation.’

“At the same time, we are also facing new threats to the integrity of the IP system, including counterfeiting and piracy, which can undermine the incentives for innovation and creativity. This year we are to roll out a new copyright act which we hope will strengthen our enforcement framework in the area of copyright,” she was quoted saying.

She added that as the authorities work to address these challenges, they must continue to foster an environment that supports innovation and creativity. This means investing in education and research, supporting small businesses and startups, and ensuring that our legal and regulatory frameworks are flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and business models.

The Minister added that it also means working together as a global community to uphold the integrity of the IP system and to protect the rights of creators and innovators. This requires collaboration across borders and a shared commitment to enforcing IP laws and promoting respect for IP rights.

“As we look to the future, let us continue to celebrate the power of innovation and creativity to drive progress and prosperity. Let us work together to ensure that the global IP system remains strong and resilient and that it continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth. I wish to thank the women in our society for their contribution to our country,” she added.

Maureen Hyman Payne concluded, “Thank you for your attention, and Happy World IP Day 2023!”