Trinidad and Tobago Signs WIPO Agreement to Strengthen Patent Expertise

Trinidad and Tobago has taken another step toward strengthening its intellectual property system with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Trinidad and Tobago Intellectual Property Office (TTIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The signing was attended by the Honourable Saddam Hosein, Minister of Land and Legal Affairs and Member of Parliament for Barataria/San Juan, along with Mr. Regan Asgarali, Controller of the TTIPO.
According to the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs, the MOU provides for the recognition of certificates awarded to participants of the WIPO Patent Drafting Training Program. The initiative is intended to build local expertise in patent drafting and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s capacity to support innovation and intellectual property protection.
Patent drafting is a specialised discipline that combines legal and technical knowledge to prepare patent applications capable of protecting new inventions. Expanding local expertise in this area is expected to benefit inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to safeguard their innovations.
Officials said the agreement reflects the Government’s continued commitment to developing a modern intellectual property framework through collaboration with international partners. The partnership with WIPO is also expected to enhance professional development opportunities and contribute to a stronger innovation ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago.
The signing marks another milestone in the country’s efforts to encourage research, creativity and technological advancement while ensuring that innovators have access to internationally recognised training and support.