Information on intellectual property (IP) rights in St. Kitts and Nevis is now readily available to the public through a few online clicks! On Thursday 26th April, 2018, the Intellectual Property Office of St. Kitts and Nevis (IPOSKN) launched its first website and now information on copyright, trademarks, patents and other types of intellectual property rights can be accessed at www.ipo.gov.kn. While some universally relevant information is given, the site is specifically tailored to St. Kitts and Nevis and offers tools and resources to assist persons who wish to understand or use the local IP system. The website represents a significant step towards full automation of the Office, in keeping with the Government’s thrust to modernize its services that are offered to the public.
The launch took place at the Solid Waste Management Corporation Headquarters and was attended by a number of Government officials and private sector partners who have an interest in IP protection. Representation present included the Departments of Culture, IT, Legal Affairs, International Trade and Bureau of Standards, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, the St. Kitts and Nevis Coalition of Services and the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO).
Brief congratulatory remarks were offered by Ms. Diana Francis, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs and Communications on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Vincent Byron, who unfortunately was overseas on official business. Mr. Adel Baccouche, IT Consultant from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) also delivered remarks and commended the Ministry and IPOSKN staff for this significant iaccomplishment. Mr. Baccouche was also on island as a facilitator of the Regional WIPO Conference on IT Training for IP Automation Tools. This annual conference was hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis and coincided with World Intellectual Property Day, which is celebrated on April 26th of each year.
The website was presented by Acting Registrar of the IPOSKN, Ms. Jihan Williams who also gave insight into the work of the Office. She was ably assisted by Mr. John James, ICT Consultant of Agyle Junction Technologies, who is responsible for developing the website. The site will also host a trademark search portal which is a searchable online replica of the Register of Trademarks. Mr. James did a demonstration of the search portal and showed how the tool can significantly reduce search times and allow persons access to the Register without having to physically visit the Office. The portal will be available to the public at a fee in the near future.
The IPOSKN is a department of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and is broadly responsible for administering all IP laws, granting IP rights where applicable and raising public awareness on protecting creativity and innovation. For more information on the IPOSKN, please visit www.ipo.gov.kn .
