Persons Urged to Register Creative Works

Executive Director of the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Carol Simpson, has urged persons to ensure that their creative works are copyrighted, as they could be used as instruments in financial transactions, and as lifetime investments.
Miss Simpson, who outlined the importance of Intellectual Property Rights, at a recent seminar put on by JIPO, at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester, highlighted the many benefits that could accrue, when intellectual work is protected.
“Intellectual property is an intangible property right. It refers to creation of the mind, which results in intellectual activity in the scientific, industrial, musical and dramatic fields. Legal protection of these creations is essential to maximise profit. Promotion and protection of intellectual property spur economic growth, create new jobs and industries, and enhance the quality and enjoyment of life,” she pointed out.
The JIPO is currently promoting a Geographical Indications Project, a two- year programme between Jamaica and Switzerland, that is seeking to give technical assistance to agricultural and non-agricultural producers, for the protection of Jamaican goods and products.
“It is called Geographical Indication (GI). GI is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that place of origin,” Miss Simpson said.
“The progress and well-being of humanity evolves around intellectual protection. Creativity deserves to be valued and protected. Creative industries contribute to economic development. The absence of protection will discourage creativity, and the absence of protection reduces the value and security of the State,” she explained.