Dr. Abiola Inniss | Walden University (original) (raw)

Books by Dr. Abiola Inniss

Over the last three decades or more, the making and implementation of policy on intellectual prop... more Over the last three decades or more, the making and implementation of policy on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation, and technology within Caricom (Caribbean Community) has been fraught with issues. These include the lack of clear direction on the development of science, technology and innovation, and the attendant intellectual property policies and laws which would support their actualization at the level of the Caricom heads of Government and the highest levels of the Caricom administration. International groups and organizations have long attempted to raise the levels of awareness and usage of intellectual property rights in the region through investments in workshops, seminars, training sessions, and other mechanisms. This usually involves the private sector and public officials who most often have little impact at the level of policymaking. The challenge is for Caricom to plot a course which incorporates the development of innovation, technology and intellectual property rights which will propel the region to a greater scale of global competitiveness, and even more important, the creation of technologies which can assist the region with overcoming significant challenges such as food security and climate change. This essay discusses aspects of policy and procedure within Caricom, and the involvement of the international community. It highlights the issues and some possible solutions to them.

In September 2017, I completed a qualitative case study titled "Examining Intellectual Property R... more In September 2017, I completed a qualitative case study titled "Examining Intellectual Property Rights Innovation and Technology within the Caricom Single Market and Economy". The study was conducted between the years 2013-2017. This qualitative case study was designed to examine the effects of laws and government policies pertaining to intellectual property rights, innovation, and technology on firms in select CSME countries. I used the sample of the four largest economies in the CSME grouping, namely Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Among the key issues examined, were that Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and technology, and that international analyses and rankings rate the CSME countries' performance as poor in comparison with others at the same level of economic development resulting in negative impacts on the economic and social welfare of their communities. The study was validated by a team of peer reviewers.

Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intelle... more Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and technology. International analyses and rankings rate the CSME countries' performance as poor in comparison with others at the same level of economic development. This results in negative impacts on the economic and social welfare of their communities. A paucity of data existed concerning the effects of policies on decisions by local firms to engage in innovation and technology activities. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory-explanatory case study was to examine the effects of policies on IPRs, innovation, and technology on firms in select CSME countries. The questions addressed how IPRs policies affect the choices of innovation activities by firms, and what differences in IPRs policies in the sample countries Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, influence the decisions by firms to invest in innovation and technologies. Landes and Posner's utilitarian exposition that IPRs should be based on the maximization of social welfare provided the theoretical framework for the study. Various policy papers, firm studies, study reports, and legislation from government and international agencies were analyzed using four levels of inductive coding. Findings included a lack of clear IPRs policies, high levels of innovation where policies were weakest, and a general reluctance by firms in the countries to invest in innovation and technology. Further study of the sociological and cultural aspects of IPRs policies, and how they affect innovation in CSME is recommended. This study can help effect social change in the CSME by informing policies that maximize social welfare through innovation and technology.

This article addressesthe issue of Caribbean Intellectual Property law and policy, and looks at t... more This article addressesthe issue of Caribbean Intellectual Property law and policy, and looks at the findings
of a recent report titled “The changing face of innovation”, published in the last quarter of 2011 by the
World Intellectual Property Organization on the development of Intellectual Property Rights and innovation
trends worldwide. In this article, the burgeoning of IP rights and technological innovations is discussed,
and the question of the place of the Caribbean region in this new scheme is courted. It examines the
historical, socio-political and economic environment in which Caricom operates and proposes the
development of a legal and regulatory framework forIntellectual Property that will encourage technological
innovations and strengthen the workings of and confidence in the Caribbean Intellectual Property rights,
policies and regulation

Public Speaking Skills: Tips to becoming a competent presenter

Essays in Caribbean Law and Policy: a comprehensive discourse

Copying,Copyright and the Internet:the issue of internet regulation with regard to copying and copyright

Papers by Dr. Abiola Inniss

Caribbean countries, particularly those within the formal structure of CARICOM (The Caribbean Com... more Caribbean countries, particularly those within the formal structure of CARICOM (The Caribbean Community), find themselves at the juncture of an urgent need for greater self sufficiency for food security, mitigating the effects of climate change, and improving the quality of life for citizens. In an age of advanced and continuously advancing internet, artificial and mechanical technologies, the region is severely lacking in resources that can provide significant benefits in bolstering economic growth, protecting and providing new livelihoods, and reducing the challenges of food insecurity. Many of these technologies are already in use in other parts of the world and the majority of this knowledge is protected by intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

The Making of Policy on Intellectual Property, Innovation and Technology Within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and The International Agenda

Social Science Research Network, 2024

International Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Can the Caribbean Region Capitalize on Current Global Developmental Trends in IP Rights and Innovation Policies?

Social Science Research Network, 2011

ABSTRACT Current evidence in the economic data of Intellectual Property rights registration shows... more ABSTRACT Current evidence in the economic data of Intellectual Property rights registration shows that IP registrations have not impacted the economic growth of Caribbean countries while their GDP’s have shown rates of growth across a period of examination dated 1995-2009; the region however remains significantly underdeveloped in the fields of science and technology. The recent report on Innovation and IP titled ‘The changing face of innovation’ published in the last quarter of 2011 by WIPO, indicates that countries which have implemented enhanced systems of IP protection along with policies which encourage innovation, have recorded significant scientific technological advancements. This essay asks the question: ‘In view of the current trends in innovation and IP development policies worldwide, can the Caribbean region benefit from following suit?’ In order to discuss this issue, the Caribbean Intellectual Property regulatory and policy framework as well as the statistical data on IP registration of select countries in the region are examined, and the theoretical and practical applications of some of the policies which have led to the reported developmental trends worldwide are discussed. It is to be noted that for the purpose of this paper the Caribbean region refers to members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) who are also signatories to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

IP in the Caribbean and Latin America – Coping Amidst COVID-19 and Beyond

Social Science Research Network, Sep 20, 2020

DESMOND OSARETIN ORIAKHOGBA: Copyright, Collective Management Organizations and Competition in Africa

GRUR international, Apr 20, 2022

Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Technology within the Caricom Single Market and Economy: A Case Study

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2018

Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intelle... more Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and technology. International analyses and rankings rate the CSME countries’ performance as poor in comparison with others at the same level of economic development. This results in negative impacts on the economic and social welfare of their communities. A paucity of data existed concerning the effects of policies on decisions by local firms to engage in innovation and technology activities. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the effects of policies on IPRs, innovation, and technology on firms in select CSME countries. The questions addressed how IPRs policies affect the choices of innovation activities by firms, and what differences in IPRs policies in Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, influence the decisions by firms to invest in innovation and technologies. Landes and Posner’s utilitarian exposition that IPRs should be based on the maximization of social welfare provided the theoretical framework for the study. Various policy papers, firm studies, study reports, and legislation from government and international agencies were analyzed using 4 levels of inductive coding. Findings included a lack of clear IPRs policies, high levels of innovation where policies were weakest, and a general reluctance by firms in the countries to invest in innovation and technology. Further study of the sociological and cultural aspects of IPRs policies, and how they affect innovation in CSME is recommended. This study can help effect social change in the CSME by informing policies that maximize social welfare through innovation and technology.

Copying, Copyright and the Internet

Public Speaking Skills: Tips to Becoming a Competent Presenter

International speaker and speech coach and legal professional, Abiola Inniss ,has combined over t... more International speaker and speech coach and legal professional, Abiola Inniss ,has combined over twenty years of experience in public speaking ,coaching and teaching to bring you an International approach to public speaking.Learn tips and tricks to becoming a competent presenter from constructing a speech to special occasion speeches for weddings or sombre moments. Learn the correct way to propose a toast or to make a roast.This book is written with the intention of providing guidance to native and non-native speakers of English language on practical areas of public speaking. It is written with a special focus on Caribbean culture and etiquette but is also applicable in many English speaking cultures. Anyone who wishes to master the art of public speaking and presentation skills will benefit tremendously from reading this book. The style is lively and descriptive, though formal .and provides an insightful, intelligent guide to the rudiments of public speaking.

WIPO Geneva- Caribbean Copyright- Enforcement of IP Rights, how to make it work within developing Countries. St Kitts & Nevis, August 12-13, 2013

WIPO Geneva – Caribbean Copyright –Moving towards an evidence based approach to establishing Copyright policies and National laws – St Kitts & Nevis August 12-13 2013

Examining Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Technology Within the Caricom Single Marke... more Examining Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Technology Within the Caricom Single Market and Economy by Abiola Inniss LLM, DeMontfort University, 2007 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Law and Public Policy Walden University November 2017 Abstract Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and technology. International analyses and rankings rate the CSME countries’ performance as poor in comparison with others at the same level of economic development. This results in negative impacts on the economic and social welfare of their communities. A paucity of data existed concerning the effects of policies on decisions by local firms to engage in innovation and technology activities. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the effects of policies on IPRs, innovation...

Public Speaking Skills: Tips to becoming a competent presenter

Essays in Caribbean Law and Policy: a comprehensive discourse

Copying,Copyright and the Internet:the issue of internet regulation with regard to copying and copyright

The Making of Policy on Intellectual Property, Innovation and Technology Within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and The International Agenda

Social Science Research Network, 2024

International Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Can the Caribbean Region Capitalize on Current Global Developmental Trends in IP Rights and Innovation Policies?

Social Science Research Network, 2011

IP in the Caribbean and Latin America – Coping Amidst COVID-19 and Beyond

Social Science Research Network, Sep 20, 2020

DESMOND OSARETIN ORIAKHOGBA: Copyright, Collective Management Organizations and Competition in Africa

GRUR international, Apr 20, 2022

Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Technology within the Caricom Single Market and Economy: A Case Study

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2018

Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intelle... more Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under various laws and policies on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and technology. International analyses and rankings rate the CSME countries’ performance as poor in comparison with others at the same level of economic development. This results in negative impacts on the economic and social welfare of their communities. A paucity of data existed concerning the effects of policies on decisions by local firms to engage in innovation and technology activities. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the effects of policies on IPRs, innovation, and technology on firms in select CSME countries. The questions addressed how IPRs policies affect the choices of innovation activities by firms, and what differences in IPRs policies in Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, influence the decisions by firms to invest in innovation and technologies. Landes and Posner’s utilitarian exposition that IPRs should be based on the maximization of social welfare provided the theoretical framework for the study. Various policy papers, firm studies, study reports, and legislation from government and international agencies were analyzed using 4 levels of inductive coding. Findings included a lack of clear IPRs policies, high levels of innovation where policies were weakest, and a general reluctance by firms in the countries to invest in innovation and technology. Further study of the sociological and cultural aspects of IPRs policies, and how they affect innovation in CSME is recommended. This study can help effect social change in the CSME by informing policies that maximize social welfare through innovation and technology.

Copying, Copyright and the Internet

Public Speaking Skills: Tips to Becoming a Competent Presenter

WIPO Geneva- Caribbean Copyright- Enforcement of IP Rights, how to make it work within developing Countries. St Kitts & Nevis, August 12-13, 2013

WIPO Geneva – Caribbean Copyright –Moving towards an evidence based approach to establishing Copyright policies and National laws – St Kitts & Nevis August 12-13 2013

A review of Nwauche’s “The Protection of Cultural and Traditional Expressions in Africa”

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

A review of The Protection of Traditional Cultural Expressions in Africa, by Enyinna Nwauche

WIPO and Caribbean Intellectual Property, What's the point?

Balancing the Interests in Intellectual Property: The Guyanese Dilemma

This paper is a short exposition on the Intellectual property issues of Guyana, South America. It... more This paper is a short exposition on the Intellectual property issues of Guyana, South America. It deals with the interrelations of the law and policy with the society at large.

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2000

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Groups have been signatories to agreements for the sale of goo... more The African, Caribbean and Pacific Groups have been signatories to agreements for the sale of goods ,in particular sugar, which would have seen economic stability and growth over a long term. In keeping with its own protectionist scheme the European Union in1996 introduced a revised scheme which cut the price of sugar from developing countries. This essay takes a look at how the EU protectionism scheme works.

Journal of International Economic Law, 2004

The TRIPS Agreement can be read to reflect a static view of the structure of intellectual propert... more The TRIPS Agreement can be read to reflect a static view of the structure of intellectual property law. In this paper, we address whether -and how -the TRIPS Agreement can, on the other hand, be read with more fluidity, and thus to allow adjustments in national intellectual property regimes designed to reflect the dynamic nature of information production. To focus that inquiry, we concentrate on efforts to ensure a broader public domain for 'upstream' inventions by modifying various elements of US patent law. The paper considers three stylized examples and asks whether each approach could be adopted by the United States without falling afoul of the TRIPS Agreement as it is currently understood. Our purpose is to identify interpretive approaches that allow member states to keep their laws attuned to the developments and needs of science. But in so doing, we also raise broader questions regarding the level of formalism generated by the WTO dispute settlement system, and the extent to which the TRIPS Agreement allocates power between supranational and national institutions, and between international and national laws.

The focus on innovation and technology has become synonymous with the narrative on the advancemen... more The focus on innovation and technology has become synonymous with the narrative on the advancement of so-called developing countries as one of the most important means by which countries can move from low to high levels of economic development, to the extent that some are advocating for the renaming of the world groupings from developed and developing to technology rich and technology poor. This does not however properly take into account the economic dynamics which underlie the categorizations as they have come to be known. The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report prepared by the United Nations categorizes countries into three broad areas, developing economies, economies in transition, and developed economies, and it seems as though movement through the categories follows a linear pattern from the least to the greatest. It is not quite so certain how so-called technology poor countries move into becoming technology rich without any definable transitory stages. The impassioned clamoring of advocates for changes in the way the world is viewed is of little value where it is unaccompanied by real solutions to the challenges faced in creating the kind of impetus needed for poor and developing countries to propel themselves from one level to the other. It is highly unlikely that the renaming of categories of countries can actually change the reality on the ground. The fact is that the North-South (developed-developing) delineation exists along with particular distinguishing conditions. It is the same with many of the well-meaning initiatives which come from many developed countries through assigned agencies and funding for the promotion of innovation and technologies in developing countries. These efforts are often short term project cycles which assume that what is needed is a demonstration of the worth of innovation, a contest for young innovators followed by a brief period of mentorship for contest winners, and away will go the innovation for development train-or not. The advocacy for innovation and the quest to find the means by which it can be propagated in countries that seem unable to initiate and sustain programs which actually work are important, and are not actuated out of pure philanthropy. Rather it is a combination of the considerations of the considerable economic advantages which can be gained by bringing an end to a parasitic relationship in which billions of dollars in possible revenues to developed countries are lost in countries which are weak in innovations and her twin sister intellectual property rights. Wholesale copying and reproduction of certain goods result in potential and actual losses which it is believed would be avoided where countries are doing more for themselves in creating an enabling environment for the growth, development and exchange of technology and information. Without doubt there is the firm belief by some academics and volunteer service sectors that developing countries can begin to bridge the technological gap by making use of old technologies from developed countries, and that with globalization as a catalyst, the process must necessarily move much faster. The instance of the widespread use of cell phones in Africa is an example of how imported technology impacted the everyday life across an entire continent, but the actual evidence of other technologies having the same effect is chastening. There has been little success in the importation and widespread adaptation of technologies in local usage in

WIPO New York Office – International Intellectual Property Law and Policy - focusing on the Caribbean 12/12/2011

Cut and Paste; Copyright and You – International Conference of Toastmasters –May 2013 Georgetown Guyana.

WIPO Geneva- Caribbean Copyright- Enforcement of IP Rights, how to make it work within developing Countries. St Kitts & Nevis, August 12-13, 2013

WIPO Geneva – Caribbean Copyright –Moving towards an evidence based approach to establishing Copyright policies and National laws – St Kitts & Nevis August 12-13 2013.

Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Caribbean: a cultural conundrum-Excerpts from a Guest lecture given at DePauw University, Indiana ,USA , 11/10/2011

This project is designed to examine the relationship between intellectual property rights (IPRs),... more This project is designed to examine the relationship between intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation, and technology in select Caricom Single Market and Economy countries (CSME). The objective is to understand how intellectual property rights policies affect the choices of innovation activities by firms, and whether the differences in IPRs policies in these countries influence the decisions by firms to invest in innovation and technologies. Some scholars have made the argument for increased protections of IPRs claiming that developed countries are unwilling to invest in developing technologies in countries where IPRs protections are not robust. Others have countered that greater IPRs protection do not necessarily mean increased benefits for developing countries, and can stifle growth and development. The Global Innovation Index shows that as at 2015, Caribbean countries scored lower in the production of creative goods and the export of high technology goods than other economies. Additionally, there is the perception of significant hesitancy on the part of local and regional innovators and foreign direct investors to become involved in technological and other developmental projects which attract intellectual property rights in the region (Nurse, 2007). A qualitative exploratory-explanatory case study design will be used; and the method of data analysis and interpretation will be content analysis. Contribution to social change will be made by adding dimension to the scholarship on IPRs, innovation, and technology within the context of the CSME. This in turn, will increase the ability to craft policies that positively impact the lives of ordinary consumers, producers, manufacturers, and holders and users of IPRs.