ST. KITTS AND NEVIS PRIORITISES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION IN PURSUIT OF  SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 

Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 02, 2024 (SKNIS): As the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis moves towards its goal of establishing a Sustainable Island State, it is prioritising the protection of Intellectual Property. This focus aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising intellectual property protection as a vital element in achieving these goals.

Jihan Williams-Knight, Registrar of the Intellectual Property Office of St. Kitts and Nevis, explained the concept of Intellectual Property during her appearance on ‘InFocus’ on May 01. She described it as the creations of the mind, emphasising that while physical property is easily recognised , the intellectual creations and products of the mind are what constitute intellectual property.

She listed songs, poems, fashion designs, logos, and ideas manifested into products, and inventions as examples of intellectual property.

Mrs. Williams-Knight also explained the role of the Registrar in the Intellectual Property Office.

“The Registrar is the head of the Intellectual Property Office so my responsibility is to be the chief administrator of the office,” she said, adding  that her office is tasked with developing policies related to intellectual property, keeping the federation’s laws current, and handling the registration of intellectual property rights exclusively.

The creation of the Department of Creative Economy, which is designed to nurture and develop a creative economy by empowering artists and creators, further enhances the importance of the registrar’s role and the responsibilities of their office.

Speaking about the importance of the office to artistes, Mrs. Williams-Knight explained that artistes typically earn through royalties, which are contingent on establishing ownership of the copyright. She emphasised the necessity of enforcing these rights to ensure that artists can truly benefit from their work.

The Intellectual Property Office provides protection for artists’ creativity and ensures that they benefit from their work.

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