Building an IP Ecosystem: Lessons from Trinidad and Tobago by Terita Kalloo

Building an IP Ecosystem: Lessons from Trinidad and Tobago by Terita Kalloo

In The Caribbean IP Annual 2025, Terita Kalloo, Attorney at Law at TeritaKalloo Law, offers a detailed analysis of Trinidad and Tobago’s transformation into a regional leader in intellectual property (IP). Through landmark strategies, legal reform, and sector-specific initiatives, the country is proving that small island nations can wield IP as a powerful engine of economic and cultural advancement.

Learning from the Past: The Steelpan Story

Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic invention, the steelpan, once symbolised a missed opportunity. Despite its global fame, the instrument wasn’t adequately protected under IP law, allowing foreign entities to patent improvements and profit from local innovations. This painful oversight prompted a stronger national focus on protecting indigenous cultural assets, including a successful move to register the steelpan as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Modernising the IP Framework

Now a signatory to key IP treaties like TRIPS, the Berne and Paris Conventions, and the Marrakesh and Beijing Treaties, Trinidad and Tobago has aligned its national laws with international standards. The new Trade Marks Act, accession to the Madrid System, and moves toward joining the Hague Agreement all reflect a dynamic and future-focused approach. The country has also implemented e-filing systems to streamline IP processes and improve access.

Strengthening Enforcement and Public Education

With initiatives like the Multi-Agency Task Force, customs seizures of counterfeit goods have risen, and new training centres have equipped IP professionals with crucial knowledge. Public awareness campaigns and formal IP education are helping to foster a new generation of innovators and rights holders who understand the economic value of IP.

Valuing IP: Collateralisation and Access to Capital

A standout achievement is the development of IP valuation guidelines and a col-lateralisation framework, enabling creators and startups to use intangible assets as financial instruments. This breakthrough addresses the long-standing “asset paradox,” making IP a viable path to business funding and economic development.

Cultural and Sporting Strategies: Innovation with Identity

Trinidad and Tobago is crafting sector-specific IP strategies, including one for its Carnival Museum, which focuses on documenting, protecting, and monetising the IP of costumes, music, and choreography. Another upcoming strategy will focus on sports-related IP, covering image rights, broadcasting, and event licensing, ensuring that national culture and sports are not just protected but capitalised on.

Conclusion Trinidad and Tobago’s journey from missed opportunities to a structured and thriving IP system offers valuable lessons for the wider Caribbean and small nations globally. Its strategic use of international alignment, local innovation, and policy development proves that size is no barrier to IP success.

Read the full article in The Caribbean IP Annual 2025 to discover how Trinidad and Tobago is setting the pace for small nation IP development through vision, heritage protection, and economic innovation.

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