The Trinidad and Tobago Intellectual Property Office (TTIPO) in collaboration with the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) celebrated World Intellectual Property Day at the National Library on April 23. World Intellectual Property (IP) Day is commemorated annually on April 26.

The theme for the 2026 commemoration is "IP and Sport: Ready, Set, Innovate". In this regard, TTIPO presented a video about the important role IP plays in the evolution of sport innovation and took the opportunity to present copies of two publications: "Inventions and Patents and "The Art of Copyright" to Paula Greene, NALIS' Executive Director.

Delivering remarks before the showing of the video presentation were Debbie Goodman, NALIS’ Manager, Corporate Communications and Regan Asgarali SC, Controller at the TTIPO.  Goodman said, Intellectual Property Day is a reminder of the vital role that creativity and innovation play in shaping our world.” She added, Intellectual property rights not only protect the work of creators, inventors and entrepreneurs, but also encourage the sharing of ideas that drive cultural, social and economic progress.  As we reflect on this day, let us affirm our commitment to respecting and supporting original thought – whether in literature, music, technology or research. By valuing intellectual property, we help create an environment where innovation can flourish.”

Asgarali addressed the issue of the producing something entirely using artificial intelligence (AI).  He said, “If it is that something is produced entirely using an AI system, there is no intellectual property protection for such”.  He added that he wanted the audience, mostly made up of young adults, to understand the importance of being creators and to be able to benefit financially from their creation.

As a library and information network, NALIS is concerned about intellectual property (IP) and legal compliance because much of what the Authority collects is shared and preserved.