A Route To Global Branding for Entrepreneurs The Madrid Protocol in Trinidad and Tobago
FOREWORD FROM THE CONTROLLER, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS. THE MADRID PROTOCOL IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island state and the southernmost territory in the Caribbean chain of islands. It comprises five thousand, one hundred square kilometres, with a population of approximately 1.4 million people. Our country boasts of a superb mix of natural attractions and unique heritage resulting from settlement by various persons from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence in 1962 and became a Republic in 1976. Due to the influences of several countries, Trinidad and Tobago became a focal point for trade, commerce and industrial activities. Traditionally trading in oil and natural gas, our country recognized the need to diversify its economy through the innovation and creativity of our people. The harmonious blend of our rich history can been seen through the invention of our national instrument, the steel pan, the only musical instrument of its kind in the twentieth century and its reverberating presence in our Carnival, “The Greatest Show on Earth!”. Trinidad and Tobago truly represents an effervescent fusion of history, culture, food and fashion. In this regard, between 2019 to 2020, we successfully acceded to five intellectual property treaties (under the leadership of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Faris Al - Rawi) which are administered by the Geneva based World Intellectual Property Organization, inclusive of the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (“Madrid Protocol”). On October 12, 2020, we deposited the instrument of accession with WIPO’s Director General, making us the 107th member of the Madrid System and the 3rd Caribbean country to join. As a member of the Madrid Protocol, our exporters, athletes, artistes, creators, manufacturing sector, small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations will be able to protect their brands in multiple countries through the filing of one application in the Trinidad and Tobago Intellectual Property Office, Office of the
10
