The Intellectual Property Section of the Registry General will join other intellectual property personnel around the world on Sunday in celebrating World Intellectual Property Day with a view to raising awareness of intellectual property and how it encourages innovation and creativity.

Intellectual property refers to non-physical goods that are the creation or expression of the mind. Areas of intellectual property include trademarks/service marks, patents, industrial designs, trade dress, trade secrets and copyright.

The theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2015 is “Get up. Stand Up. For Music.”

The theme encourages reflection on the contributions of both past and present Bermudian musicians whose diverse and innovative works defined the traditional Bermudian music that many have come to appreciate — namely calypso and jazz.

The list of Bermudian visionary musicians is extensive. It comprises of songwriters, producers, vocalists, pianists, percussionists, keyboardists, musical groups and music teachers.

Bermudian musicians include legends such as the late Sydney Bean, who was a guitar and bass player, singer and songwriter. He wrote numerous songs, including one of his most popular hits, Bermuda’s Still Paradise. There was also the late Hubert Smith, a vocalist, musical director and songwriter, who wrote more than 50 songs and even performed for the Queen and President John F. Kennedy. His most popular song, Bermuda is Another World, became known as Bermuda’s unofficial anthem. The late Lance Hayward was a renowned blind jazz musician whose music was popular throughout the United States, Canada and Jamaica. More recently, there has been John Woolridge, the songwriter, keyboardist and producer, whose song Proud to be Bermudian has become very popular and has resonated with young and old.

Over the years, there have been various shifts in the music industry owing to technological, economic and legislative changes. The ways in which music is created, disseminated, listened to and enjoyed has changed dramatically with the advent of social-media outlets such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, who has responsibility for the Registry General Department, said: “We would like to encourage musicians to get their creative juices flowing and show the world their ability to create lyrics, produce songs and craft the most original music they can imagine.”

Questions regarding copyright and intellectual property can be directed to the Registry General Department on 297-7708.