The Fair Trading Commission, represented by a Competition Analyst and a Legal Officer, participated in a regional workshop on the Intersection between Intellectual Property Rights and Competition Law, held from June 30 to July 2, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago.
The workshop was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission, and the CARICOM Competition Commission. The event aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of competition issues related to intellectual property (IP) within the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The three-day workshop brought together experts in competition law and intellectual property from across the region, fostering knowledge exchange and meaningful dialogue on the evolving interface between these two critical areas.
Central to the discussions were concerns regarding the potential for IP rights —while intended to incentivize innovation — to give rise to competition issues. These concerns are particularly pronounced in contexts involving monopolistic practices related to licensing, copyright enforcement, and the growing dominance of digital platforms.
The workshop addressed a broad spectrum of topics. Day One focused on fundamental principles of competition law and intellectual property, as well as the role of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) and their influence on market dynamics. Participants examined how competition law can both support and challenge the enforcement of copyrights, and explored the competition implications of collective rights management.
Day Two shifted attention to practical challenges and emerging issues. Sessions explored the licensing of patents and copyrights — particularly in the pharmaceutical and creative industries — and examined the regulation of digital platforms and their expanding influence in Caribbean markets. A panel discussion underscored the importance of fostering stronger collaboration between intellectual property offices and national competition authorities across the region.
The workshop represented a significant step toward the continued development of more integrated and responsive regulatory frameworks within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
