Bureau for Intellectual Property Officially Launches i-Envelope
On April 8, 2016, the Bureau for Intellectual Property will host its official opening. As the organization that encourages intellectual creations, the Bureau will launch the I-envelope. This product provides a simple yet effective method to prove a creation date.
The Bureau has the legal status of an independent governing body and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication. The establishment of the Bureau plays an important role in the further development of the Sint Maarten economy. An effective intellectual property system helps strike a balance between the interest of creative entrepreneurs and the public, providing an environment in which creativity and inventions can prosper.
The National Ordinance for the Bureau for Intellectual Property went into effect early October 2015 followed by the opening of the Bureau and launch of the on-line trademark registration system. The Bureau is the official body responsible for executing the Trademark Ordinance and serves to inform the public about intellectual property rights including patents and copyright.
The official opening marks six months of service of the Bureau to the public both national and international. Dignitaries and other specially invited guests, Mr. E. Simon (Director of the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property) and Mrs. G. Maduro (Director of the Bureau for Intellectual Property Curaçao), who have been instrumental in the establishment of the Bureau, will be invited to the office for a brief formal opening ceremony. The Trademark Representatives and other invitees will later join the event.
The Bureau, led by its Director Mrs. Vincentia Rosen-Sandiford, is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization and works closely with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) to better assist its clients with national and international trademark registrations.
As part of its corporate social responsibility the Bureau has taken part in the youth entrepreneurship awareness programs in late 2015, organized by Foundation INFOBIZZ. The Bureau attended and participated in visits to the vocational schools in Sint Maarten. The focus of the Bureau during these visits was to encourage the youth to express and develop their creativity and overall how to become self-empowered.
The Supervisory Board of the Bureau consists of 3 members: Ms. M. Hoeve (Chairperson), Ms. G. Vlaun (Vice-Chairperson) and Mr. A. Bell (Member). The Supervisory Board is pleased with the progress and positive impact the Bureau has had so far raising awareness about protecting intellectual property, and looks forward to the increase of the creative development in Sint Maarten.