NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday that a compendium of bills debated in Parliament will reform, strengthen, and modernize the national approach to protecting intellectual property and providing efficient registrar services for companies and individuals.
Cooper, the Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, emphasized that once these bills are debated, passed, and implemented, they will equip The Bahamas with a competitive intellectual property framework, positioning the country alongside its regional and international peers as a place where creators’ intellectual output is respected and protected.
The compendium includes the Patent Bill 2024, the Copyright Bill 2024, the Trademark Bill 2024, the Registrar of Records Bill 2024, and the Registrar of Companies Bill 2024.
“These transformative bills have been sought after for decades,” said Cooper. He added, “In simple terms, the work of creatives—including musicians, authors, visual artists, photographers, filmmakers, playwrights, and content creators—will be better protected. Additionally, we will establish two digitally equipped, standalone Companies and Records Registrars that will better serve the public.”
Cooper noted that for years, many Bahamians opted to file copyrights, patents, and trademarks in other jurisdictions due to inadequate local protections. “These bills will reverse this trend. Any country serious about attracting investors and talent must have a robust IP framework in place,” he stated.
A key factor in encouraging Bahamians to protect their intellectual property both locally and internationally is bringing the country’s IP laws up to international standards. Cooper noted that the legislation will make The Bahamas more appealing for both domestic and foreign direct investments. “Business people, whether Bahamian or international, need assurance that their brands, products, and innovative ideas are protected, which is why many seek IP protections abroad,” he said.
According to Cooper, the bills modernize the approach to copyright, trademark, and patent protections, addressing areas like geographical indications, false trade descriptions, and new plant varieties.
Currently, The Bahamas’ framework is non-compliant with CARIFORUM-EU EPA and WTO guidelines.
“By the end of this process, our IP laws will align with the highest international standards. A significant part of this reform will be the recognition of various international conventions and treaties that The Bahamas will join and sign. This will be done in phases to ensure effective implementation and full compliance with our commitments. We have identified 11 new international conventions that we plan to join as part of this process,” said Cooper.
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