Antigua and Barbuda is pursuing new international partnerships to strengthen intellectual property protections for its cultural and agricultural assets, according to Antigua.news, following high-level discussions with officials from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Minister of State the Honourable Michael Freeland and Registrar of the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property and Commerce Office (ABIPCO), Ms. Ricki Camacho, held meetings with WIPO representatives to explore potential areas of collaboration, including initiatives designed to improve public understanding of intellectual property rights.
The discussions brought together Mr. Kinihiko Fushimi, Director of the International Classifications and Standards Division and Platforms Sector; Mr. Takanori Kusaki, Associate Officer in the Division for Asia and the Pacific, Office of the Department for Development Cooperation; as well as Ms. Lorena Bolaños de Pacheco and Mr. Javier Spencer, both of WIPO.
Talks centred on the possible development of a collaborative project focused on copyright protection, with particular attention to initiatives showcasing Japanese art and cultural heritage. Minister Freeland noted that the meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing intellectual property education and raising awareness of how such rights can support creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation.
Separate discussions involving Minister Freeland and Registrar Camacho turned attention to one of Antigua and Barbuda's most recognised agricultural products — the Antigua Black Pineapple. Those talks, held with WIPO's Mr. Marcus Höpperger and Ms. Jiasmine Honculada, explored the potential use of geographical indications (GIs) to formally recognise the pineapple's unique qualities and its specific origin.
A geographical indication designation would distinguish the product in international markets by linking its reputation and characteristics to its place of production, while establishing a framework to protect its heritage and economic value. Officials also explored opportunities for technical cooperation and support to advance the pineapple's protection under the geographical indications system.
The series of meetings, as reported by Antigua.news, forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's intellectual property framework and secure greater international recognition and protection for the country's cultural expressions and locally produced goods.
