US embassy donates computers to help reduce piracy

The US Embassy yesterday donated US$38,000 in computers and video equipment to the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, as part of its project to assist in strengthening and improving the automated infrastructure at the IP Office in Trinidad and Tobago. The project, which saw the donation of 13 computers, two workstations and several pieces of video equipment, evolved from a conference held by the US Patent and Trademark Office in Washington DC in September 2002.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony at the Ministry’s office at Registration House, South Quay, US Embassy’s Charge D’Affaires, Albert Nahas, explained that the goal of the project was to control piracy through strong laws and effective enforcement of these laws worldwide. He said, “this would ensure the effective protection of inventions in the pharmaceutical area, and copyrighted works like software, music and movies.” Nahas said he believed that through this donation both countries — the US and TT — would benefit from the strengthening of the Legal Affairs Ministry’s capability to record, monitor and investigate IP issues.

Deputy Permanent Secretary  of the Legal Affairs Ministry, Philippa Forde, graciously accepted the contribution and added the equipment would facilitate the work of the staff of the IPO, particularly in patents, trademarks and the provisions of library services to the public. Forde noted that the  IPO understood its role as a promoter of inventiveness and creativity in the country, and expressed her confidence that there would be an improved service available to the users of the system. The venture, which is being done in two phases, will soon see a project in the area of public education, where educators would be prepared for the inclusion of Intellectual Property on the school curriculum.