Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a nation embracing innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual property took centre stage this week as Minister of State Michael Freeland addressed delegates from around the world during the 68th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Delivering Antigua and Barbuda’s official country statement, Freeland highlighted the country’s recent achievements in intellectual property, digital transformation and business development while reaffirming the government’s commitment to using innovation as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

The Minister began by congratulating WIPO Director General Daren Tang on his reappointment, praising his leadership and the organization’s continued support for its member states.

“Your inclusive and forward-looking leadership has made significant contributions to the advancement of WIPO’s mandate and to the engagement of its Member States.”

Freeland also acknowledged the support Antigua and Barbuda has received through WIPO’s Build Back Fund, describing it as a transformative initiative for local producers.

He noted that the programme resulted in the registration of Antigua and Barbuda’s first three collective trademarks in 2024 and helped bring the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers’ Co-operative’s premium honey products, including Antigua and Barbuda Wildflower Honey and Barbuda Logwood Honey to market.

“This initiative has contributed to increased consumer interest in the Cooperative and its honey products, while significantly expanding the digital reach of the ABBC.”

Freeland said the successful completion of the project has demonstrated the value of intellectual property in creating economic opportunities for small producers and strengthening local brands on the international stage.

The Minister also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to equip entrepreneurs with the tools needed to protect and commercialise their ideas. He pointed to the 2025 Women Entrepreneurs in the Caribbean Mentorship Programme, which provided intellectual property training to 19 Antiguan and Barbudan women entrepreneurs.

“This initiative as a result has empowered our business community in the development of their products and services.”

Turning to digital transformation, Freeland outlined ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s intellectual property system through the introduction of WIPO’s electronic filing platform.

“We are grateful for these valuable developments as we aim to optimize user engagement.”

The Minister also spotlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s observance of World Intellectual Property Day 2026, held under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”

He noted that the national symposium, hosted in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and Cricket West Indies, explored the important relationship between intellectual property and sporting achievement while showcasing the country’s growing investment in sports development.

Freeland told delegates that Antigua and Barbuda is moving forward with plans to establish a state-of-the-art Cricket West Indies campus and cricket museum, while also expanding intellectual property awareness through a national art competition involving primary and secondary school students.
Concluding his address, the Minister thanked WIPO and its Latin America and Caribbean Bureau for their continued partnership and reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to innovation-led development.

“We remain committed to leveraging intellectual property as a catalyst for sustainable development for present and future generations.”

Freeland’s presentation formed part of Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the annual WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, where member states are discussing the future of global intellectual property policy, innovation, technology and economic development.