Seiveright: Modernised IP Framework Will Shield Local Innovators, Lift Brand Jamaica

Jamaica's overhaul of its intellectual property (IP) regime is intended to shield the inventions and creative output of local entrepreneurs while raising the profile of 'Brand Jamaica' on the world stage, according to State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright.

Speaking at the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) IP and Sports Symposium and Showcase, held recently at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) in St. Andrew, Mr. Seiveright pointed to the updated Patents and Designs Act and tougher trademark safeguards as central pieces of the reform agenda.

"[These] are helping Jamaica align with global standards and giving our people better pathways to protect their ideas, both locally and internationally," he said.

The State Minister said access to international instruments such as the Madrid Protocol now allows Jamaican firms to lock in trademark protection across several jurisdictions through a single, more efficient process. On that basis, he is pressing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to formally register their assets with JIPO.

"This is especially important… [as] MSMEs remain one of the strongest engines of our economy. A young entrepreneur designing premium sportswear, a videographer building a sports content platform, a developer creating the next sports analytics app, a local manufacturer producing fan merchandise, a fitness innovator creating wearable performance tools, a young woman building a wellness brand around sport and fitness – all of them are participating in the sports economy… and all of them depend on owning and protecting their intellectual property," he explained.

Mr. Seiveright argued that in a globalised marketplace, Jamaican talent must be backed by global-standard protection. "We must protect Brand Jamaica… our athletes, our creatives, our entrepreneurs, our innovations, our sporting excellence, our national identity itself. Because if we do not protect it, someone else will profit from it," he said.

He likened intellectual property to core national infrastructure. "That is why intellectual property must be seen as national economic infrastructure… just like ports, just like logistics, just like broadband, because ideas are now among the most valuable assets in the global economy. Jamaica has no shortage of ideas, we have no shortage of talent. What we need is stronger systems of ownership. This is especially important for young people," he added.

Turning to the next generation, the State Minister urged young Jamaicans to look to entrepreneurship as a route to wealth-building, while making sure their IP is registered with JIPO.

"The world has changed. The traditional model of one job, one income, and one career path is no longer enough for many. Young Jamaicans must think entrepreneurship, they must think ownership, they must think innovation, they must think multiple streams of income, they must think globally, and they must understand that intellectual property is central to that future," he said.

He continued, "Your idea must not only be created; it must be protected, valued, commercialised, and scaled. That is how nations grow, and that is how people build real, lasting wealth."

Mr. Seiveright also reminded the audience that Jamaica's exportable talent is no longer tied to tangible goods alone. "We must ensure our young entrepreneurs understand that the next great Jamaican export may not be a physical product; it may be a digital idea, a sports platform, a creative innovation, or a protected brand," he stated.