IP Scan Train the Trainers Workshop

On 26-27 June 2023, CarIPI organised a train-the-trainer online workshop on IP pre-diagnostic (IP scan) services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The purpose was to train CARIFORUM business support organisations’ experts on the needs of SMEs wishing to protect their IP rights. The workshop provided valuable information on how to establish the best use of intangible assets for business competitiveness.

Many SMEs are unaware of the importance of intellectual property (IP) and the benefits it can bring to their business. An IP scan can help identify the types of IP, such as trade marks, designs, and/or patents, that might be valuable for an SME and should be protected. It can also identify any IP that is already protected and could be further exploited to benefit the business and support its growth.

This 2-day training programme covered a variety of topics such as IP rights, IP internationalisation and commercialisation, and IP and innovation. The sessions gave participants practical explanations of what SMEs expect from an IP scan. The attendees were equipped to disseminate the information acquired in the training to further instruct other experts in the Caribbean region.

This workshop is part of the ‘IP Scan and IP Valuation for MSMEs.’ activity, which aims to provide IP support to individual or groups of business intermediaries and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. It builds on CarIPI’s business-to-business training programme and focused on creating stronger relations with intermediaries, such as the Caribbean Development Bank, Caricom Private Sector Organisation, Chambers of Commerce and other partners in the public and private sectors.