Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!!
Pan sweet pan and yes, we are talking about the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. The steelpan is a unique musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s. Originally, it was made from discarded oil drums that are hammered and tuned to produce different notes. The steelpan is widely regarded as a symbol of Caribbean culture and innovation, and has been adopted by musicians and bands around the world.
We never seem to catch a break and the following should be noted: the steelpan also faces challenges in terms of intellectual property protection and recognition. Despite its popularity and significance, the steelpan has not been patented or registered as a national instrument by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. This has allowed other countries and individuals to claim ownership and innovation over various aspects of the steelpan design and tuning processes, and to profit from its commercialization.
As an example, in 2001, two US academics were granted a patent for a method of producing a Caribbean steelpan using hydroforming, a technique that was already used by local steelpan makers in the 1970s. The patent was contested by the Trinidad and Tobago government, but the case is still pending. Another example is the E-Pan, an electronic version of the steelpan that was invented by a Trinidadian engineer, but has not been officially recognized or supported by the government.
These cases illustrate the need for more awareness and action on the part of the steelpan community and the government of Trinidad and Tobago to protect and promote the steelpan as a national and cultural asset. The steelpan deserves respect and recognition as an original and innovative invention that reflects the history and identity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Shenanagins aside, everyone understands that if you want a quality steelpan, a steelpan made in Trinidad and Tobago is worth its weight in gold. Yes, we are the gold standard, regardless of all the hoopla and claims by others. Now, with the cooperation of the EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation, our national instrument will gain respect with that stamp of approval. Read on...
EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation - Geographical Indicator/Intellectual Property Rights:
The steel pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago ?? and it holds a profound significance during the carnival season, serving as both a cultural emblem and a rhythmic heartbeat of the festivities.
Beyond its role in entertainment, the steel pan fosters a sense of community and pride, uniting individuals through shared traditions and collective expression. The steel pan is part of #CarIPI’s Origin Linked Products Mentorship Programme, intended to provide producers with technical assistance to develop business strategies based on #IntellectualProperty rights.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - Geographical indications (GIs) are intellectual property (IP) rights that serve to identify a product that originates from a specific geographical area and that has a quality, reputation, or other characteristics that are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Source: EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation
Topic: Steelpan - Geographical Indicator/Intellectual Property Rights (GI's)
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