Paulwell Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Industry Minister Phillip Paulwell has defended Jamaica's record on intellectual property rights following a critical report by the United States which, he said, did not take into account recent action.
The report, released on Monday by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, rapped Jamaica for what it says was slow implementation of reforming its patent and design legislation. Mr. Paulwell said the Patents and Design Act is currently in consultancy stage and would be passed this year.
"They haven't given us sufficient credit, Jamaica is leading the Caribbean on this issue," he said.
He cited the establishment of the Jamaican Intellectual Property Office in 2001, and said legislation on trademarks, copyright and geographic indicators was "among the most modern in the region".
Glenn Guimond, public affairs officer with the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, said that his country, apart from being concerned about the pace of the legislation, recognised recent operations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force against the trade in pirated goods which, police say, is being used to fund organised crime.
Mr. Guimond, however, added that the U.S. remained concerned about pirated products which are widespread in Jamaica.
Concerned
"We remain concerned about the trade in pirated products. The creation and trade of pirated products is theft," he said. "It is a crime. We also recognise that it will take time to change societal norms."
He said that, for that reason, the U.S. would continue to train local police, prosecutors and judges. Past training, he said, "has shown tangible results".
Unlike countries mentioned in the top tier of the report, Jamaica will not face punitive action from the U.S. Mr. Guimond said the report also included the vexed issue of Jamaican cable operators airing U.S. programming without paying for it.
"Some cable operators are in negotiations with U.S. companies regarding licensing and fees. All operators are urged to recognise their obligations and to move forward with settlement discussions," he said.
ross.sheil@gleanerjm.com
