Executive Director of the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Carol Simpson, has said the office will continue to champion Brand Jamaica and protect the island's unique products.

She said focus is being placed on the cultural industry. "We've been looking at traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions, genetic resources, working with our young people, Rastafarian and Maroon communities," she said.

The JIPO head, speaking at the launch of Intellectual Property (IP) Week 2012 on Monday at JIPO's New Kingston offices, said the agency is also looking "outside of the box" and examining the critical issue of IP and sports as the Olympic Games approach.

She said JIPO is faced with the challenge of protecting authentic Jamaican products overseas and the exploitation of the country's name. She noted, for example, that ice cream, jerk-style sauces and energy drinks are being erroneously marketed overseas as originating from Jamaica.

development and sustainability

State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, in her remarks, lauded JIPO for its work in protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) which, she noted, are critical to the development and sustainability of the economy.

"By opening the minds of our people to the limitless potential which IPRs possesses, JIPO, through its daily operations, and annual celebration of intellectual property week, provides this nation with an invaluable service," she said.

IP Week is being observed from April 22 to 29, under the theme: 'Nation-Building through Creativity and Innovation: Maximising our IP Potential'.

Sunday's launch, which also fell on World Copyright Day, was followed by an 'Open Day' at the Jamaica Promotions Corporation's (JAMPRO's) secondary parking lot in New Kingston.

The event showcased innovative and creative Jamaican foods, courtesy of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation's Food Incubator and booths set up by small-and large-trade owners.

IP refers to original creations of the mind such as poetry, choreography, jewellery designs, business signs and inventions. These original expressions are recognised as items of value and worthy of protection through IPRs.

IP Week is an extension of the annual observance of World Intellectual Property Day by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, celebrating innovation and creativity and how intellectual property fosters and encourages them.

JIPO is an agency under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, which has the mission to establish and administer a modern and effective intellectual-property system which will be a catalyst for international competitiveness, facilitating economic growth and national development.