International IP treaties: promotion, training, publications
Accession to international intellectual property (IP) treaties and alignment with global IP standards and systems are fundamental components of a robust IP system. While some CARIFORUM countries are already parties to key IP treaties, others are advancing in their accession processes or are still engaging in initial discussions. There is a growing demand across the region for technical assistance, policy guidance and stakeholder engagement through a range of areas related to implementation challenges and the launch of accession discussions. The CarIPI project is well positioned to provide targeted support in these key areas.
In its first phase, the project supported the IP offices in the region through producing various guidebooks with information on international IP treaties for SMEs. Additionally, it supported Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, with the implementation of the Madrid Protocol and facilitated knowledge sharing on the Hague Agreement, which resulted in its adoption by Suriname (2020), Jamaica (2022) and Belize (2023).
Under AWP1 of this project phase, CarIPI hosted a regional in-person event in Belmopan in March 2026, bringing together representatives from all sixteen CARIFORUM IP Offices, nine EPA coordinators and observers from the CARICOM Secretariat and CARIFORUM Directorate, followed by a study visit to the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO). The reporting period also captured tangible regional progress: Grenada's accession to the Madrid Protocol (in force from 15 March 2026), Barbados' completion of a feasibility assessment for accession to Madrid, The Bahamas' initiation of stakeholder consultations on the Hague System, and the Dominican Republic's request for follow-up support on Madrid. CarIPI also produced short video clips on the Madrid Protocol and the Hague System (in English and Spanish) and participated in the WIPO–TTIPO Regional Workshop on the Marrakesh Treaty (25-27 November 2025). Furthermore, the project participated in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Regional Workshop on ‘Enabling Access – Unlocking the Potential of the Marrakesh Treaty' and under future project activities will work with WIPO, the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago (TTIPO) and other partners to incorporate this topic and deepen regional stakeholders’ understanding of the treaty.
Under AWP2, CarIPI will continue providing technical assistance, awareness-raising and stakeholder engagement to support countries considering accession to key international IP treaties, while also delivering post-accession technical support to those that have recently joined. Planned activities include on-the-job training for IPO staff on Madrid implementation, targeted training for legal professionals and businesses on the use of the TM/Madrid system, and continued dissemination of awareness video materials.
Available materials
Presentations from the regional event in Belize:
- Antonio Berengue, Deputy Director of Cooperation and Partnerships Deptartment, EUIPO - Regional IP Systems: EUIPO's example
- Marianna Martini, CarIPI - How CarIPI supports accession to international IP treaties
- Octavio Espinosa, International Guest Speaker - Overview of the Madrid, Hague and Lisbon systems
- Kay King, Deputy Registrar, BELIPO - Presentation on Madrid and Hague membership
- Private sector perspective: Jody Williams, Chief Mkt. & Sales Director of Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Ltd.