In recent years, the number of countries that have joined the Madrid System has skyrocketed. Particularly noteworthy is the pace at which the Americas are adding members to the Protocol, which is creating new opportunities for the protection of trademarks for owners with interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Jamaica is the latest country to announce its accession to the Madrid Protocol, which is scheduled to enter into force on March 27, 2022.
The influence of North America (primarily the U.S. and Canada) on trade relations is particularly strong in this country. And although Jamaica is not a major brand-name market internationally—nor can one expect high consumption of foreign goods—it is undoubtedly an important international tourist destination where Spanish hotels have a significant presence. It is also a major producer and exporter of sugarcane, spices, and fruits; coffee; tobacco; and cannabis (a rapidly expanding market in the pharmaceutical and therapeutic industries); and, of course, reggae music, for which it is the birthplace, mecca, and universal benchmark.
Author: Cristina Arroyo