Capacity building for IPO staff: trade marks, designs, geographical indications, plant varieties

Intellectual property plays a vital role in helping businesses innovate, compete and grow. Yet many IP offices across the CARIFORUM region lack the resources and specialised training needed to keep pace with rising demand from the private sector.

To address this challenge, CarIPI is launching a structured, ongoing training programme for IP examiners. The programme will deliver regular sessions combining core principles with hands-on case studies. This approach is designed to build skills progressively, strengthen institutional knowledge and ensure that best practices take root over time.

During AWP1, focus was put on trade mark and industrial design examination. More than 120 IPO employees attended the two workshops, with participants highlighting improved clarity in examination work. As requested by IPOs, the recordings were also made available for future reference on distinctiveness and descriptiveness.

During AWP2, the project will enhance this capacity-building initiative by adding further training on design and patent examination, as well as continuing trade mark (TM) training.

Watch the webinars here and visit the Learning section for more resources.