Culture, Creativity, and Commerce – Intellectual Property in Pure Grenada, the Isle of Spice by Linda Dolland

Culture, Creativity, and Commerce – Intellectual Property in Pure Grenada, the Isle of Spice by Linda Dolland

In The Caribbean IP Annual 2025, Linda Dolland, Attorney-at-Law at Seon & Associates, explores how intellectual property, particularly trade mark law, is playing a critical role in Grenada’s evolving economy. Known as the “Isle of Spice,” Grenada is expanding its brand identity as “Pure Grenada,” not only through tourism but also by empowering local producers, artisans, and creators to protect and commercialise their goods and services through trade mark protection.

The Shift Toward Strategic IP Use

As Grenada engages in cross-border trade and repositions itself as a tourism and creative economy hub, IP protection is becoming more than a legal requirement; it is a tool for sustainable development. From the Trade Marks Act of 2012, based on the Paris Convention and Nice Classification, to increasing local awareness, the island is witnessing a cultural shift in how IP is perceived and used.

Tourism, Branding, and the Role of Trade Marks

Seon & Associates has been instrumental in protecting Grenada’s tourism identity through trade marks such as “Taste of Grenada” and “Grenada Epicurean Safari”. These marks reflect a growing recognition of how branding enhances Grenada’s tourism and culinary experiences. IP is no longer reserved for large multinationals; local businesses, too, are beginning to see its value in brand identity, market expansion, and export viability.

Supporting Local Goods and Navigating International Conflicts

Linda shares experiences ranging from registering rum brands like “Fedon”, named after a local revolutionary figure, to navigating oppositions with international brand holders. These cases underscore the growing awareness among Grenadian producers about IP protection and the global seriousness with which international companies treat their brands when entering or operating within Grenada. The Need for a Geographical Indication (GI) Framework

Currently, Grenadian products like award-winning chocolates, medicinal nutmeg oils, and artisanal rum lack GI protection. Without such a regime, trade marks are the sole mechanism available for distinguishing authentic Grenadian products. With cultural festivals like Spicemas and the Chocolate Festival gaining international attention, a robust GI system would ensure the value of Grenada’s heritage is preserved and monetised effectively.

Trade Agreements and Cross-Border IP Outlook

Grenada’s strategic location and growing trade relationships with South America and Europe (e.g., through CARIFORUM-EU EPA and the CARICOM-Venezuela Agreement) require deeper IP readiness. As IP provisions are embedded into trade deals, the adoption of frameworks like the Madrid Protocol appears increasingly inevitable. With that will come higher volumes of applications, increased infringements, and a demand for robust enforcement and interagency collaboration.

Conclusion Grenada’s transition from tourism branding to IP-based economic strategy reflects a powerful regional story. As Linda Dolland notes, trade mark protection is no longer optional; it is essential to economic resilience, cultural preservation, and international competitiveness.

Read the full article in The Caribbean IP Annual 2025 to explore how Grenada is redefining its economic future through strategic trade mark protection and IP partnerships.

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