NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The Bahamas government has launched a public consultation on legislative reforms to enhance the protection of intellectual property in the country.
“In our Blueprint for Change, we recognized that a critical component of our economy requires the creation of a new economic model for creatives and the orange economy in The Bahamas.
“We likewise recognize that we must provide a legal and practical framework to incentivize creatives to obtain intellectual property protections for their creations that will empower these creatives to negotiate contracts with international distribution platforms,” the Office of the Attorney General said in a statement.
It said that the government has extensively reviewed the country’s intellectual property laws. It will implement new legislation consistent with current international best practices, allowing for an efficient and streamlined process for international and domestic protection of IP assets and creations.
The Office of the Attorney General said the legislation and regulations will protect copyright, geographical indicators, integrated circuits, patents, trademarks, and new plant varieties.
“The new legislative framework is the subject of this public consultation. To achieve our goals of utilizing intellectual property, it must be easy for creatives to protect their assets, creations, and inventions.
“We will reform the process of obtaining intellectual property protections. In line with international best practice, a separate IP Office led by an IP Registrar is proposed under the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Legal Affairs. This specific IP Office is intended to provide the much-needed focus and attention to IP in The Bahamas.”
The Office of the Attorney General said that under the new reforms, it is proposed that The Bahamas accede to several international IP treaties, expanding protection for Bahamian IP internationally.
The government is urging members of the public to visit the public consultation website to review the various bills and other information related to the proposed changes to the framework for Bahamian Intellectual Property protections.
“Suggestions and comments are welcomed until midnight on 15 March 2024, after which all feedback will be compiled and carefully considered along with the draft bills. It is intended that the final version of the bills will be presented to Parliament during the second quarter of 2024,” the Office of the Attorney General added.
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