Minister of State at the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, recently encouraged individuals, especially those in the music industry, to monetize and manage their intellectual property in order to secure their future.Â
Dr. Dunn made this call at the ‘Sounds of Success’ seminar hosted by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) on Monday, February 27.
The Minister noted that Jamaica’s music is more than just a cultural expression; it is a valuable commodity that has the potential to drive economic growth. It is essential that the country’s people and industries view it as a business and explore all commercial opportunities that exist.
“Persons must recognize that art is a value and pay for that value as well. This masterclass is an exceptional opportunity for you to learn from the best in the industry about the business side of music and how to navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights, royalties, licenses, and copyright, and to use this knowledge to build successful careers and businesses,” said Dr. Dunn.
He also encouraged young musicians to view their craft as more than just contributing to the creative industries and to monetize their talents using the many digital tools available to them. Dr. Dunn commended JIPO, EMCVPA, and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association for their collaboration and vision to explore some of the critical areas of business operations for all musicians and intellectual property.
In conclusion, the State Minister stressed that Jamaica’s talents and individuals are blessings, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide an enabling environment in which these talents can be nurtured and developed. By monetizing their intellectual property, individuals can secure their future and that of their children.
