KINGSTON, Jamaica – Ineka Brydson, Attorney – At – Law is urging Micro, Small and Medium-sized
Enterprises (MSMEs) to develop and implement Intellectual Property (IP) strategies to protect their
products or services. Brydson was speaking in part one of the Jamaica Business Development
Corporation’s (JBDC) Virtual Biz Zone Webinar IP Series themed “Investing In IP: Pay Now or Lose
Later” on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Brydson pointed out, “The same way you are keen on registering your products and your services, in
efforts to make a profit, it’s the same with IP. There are profits and gains to be had. Do not ignore it. Do
not wait until you are known.”
She adds, “When we talk about intellectual property, it’s not just about registering. Registering is just the
first step. There are further or very real benefits to be had. Having registered, there is a financial benefit
or benefits to reap from your registration of same.”
“IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn
recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the
interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which
creativity and innovation can flourish,” the Attorney explained.
Intellectual property is any creation of the mind. That is, inventions designs, artistic & literary works, and
symbols used in commerce. Intellectual Property in Jamaica is protected by the: Patent Act and Design
Act of 2020; Copyright Amendment Act of 2015; Trade Marks Amendment Act of 2021; Geographical
Indications Act of 2009.
The JBDC hosts its Virtual Biz Zone webinars twice monthly on Tuesdays at 10:00am, and entrepreneurs
are encouraged to join the informational sessions by registering through the website at www.jbdc.net.
The JBDC hosts its Virtual Biz Zone webinars twice monthly on Tuesdays at 10:00am, and entrepreneurs
are encouraged to join the informational sessions by registering through the website at www.jbdc.net.
Interested entrepreneurs can subscribe to JBDC’s YouTube page @JBDCJamaica to watch the
recordings.
The JBDC is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC).
