Intellectual Property Office

Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) was established on 1 December 1997 under Section 3 of the Patents Act, 1996. The Office is located on the 3rd Floor, Capital Plaza, 11–13 Frederick Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Operating as a department within the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs, the Intellectual Property Office is the national authority responsible for the administration and registration of intellectual property rights in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Office plays an important role in supporting innovation, creativity and economic development by protecting the rights of inventors, creators and businesses.

What We Do

The primary statutory function of the Intellectual Property Office is the granting and administration of intellectual property rights, particularly in the area of industrial property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

In carrying out its mandate, the IPO is responsible for:

Promoting innovation and inventiveness among the people of Trinidad and Tobago
Providing patent and intellectual property information services to the public
Determining opposition hearings relating to trademarks and geographical indications