Jamaica has one of the stronger intellectual properties (IP) protection regimes in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the International Property Rights Index, although legislative and enforcement gaps still exist. Jamaica is a member of several multilateral IP regimes and has signed bilateral agreements with the United States (see Investment Climate Statement (ICS) section on “Intellectual Property Rights” for more details). U.S. companies can register patents and trademarks through the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), which also supports investors’ efforts to enforce their rights.

In FY 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led a regional IP enforcement training program in the Dominican Republic, which included representatives from Jamaica. This program was supported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), USPTO, the Department of Justice (DOJ) International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Advisors (ICHIPs), and other U.S. agencies. Jamaica was removed from the Special 301 Watchlist in 2020 after passing TRIPS compliant patent and industrial design legislation (see ICS for additional details).

In any foreign market, companies should consider several general principles for effective management of their intellectual property. For background, please link to our article on Protecting Intellectual Property and Stopfakes.gov for more resources.

IP Attaché Contact:

Cynthia C. Henderson

U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Paseo de la Reforma 305

Colonia Cuauhtémoc

06500 México, D.F.

Telephone: +52 55 5080-5226

E-mail: cynthia.henderson@trade.gov

To access the Jamaica Investment Climate Statement, which includes information on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, visit the U.S. Department of State Investment Climate Statement website.