Intellectual property examiner position handed over to Caymanians: Cayman News Service

CNS: The Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office has put in place a succession plan with the appointment of Omara Whittaker as its new intellectual property examiner, the first Caymanian to hold the position. Whittaker was promoted from the position of intellectual property registrar and has been serving as a replacement for the position alongside former intellectual property examiner Carolee Nunez.

She has also obtained her paralegal qualification, completed trade mark examination training with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and is currently taking an online trade mark examination training course offered by the EUIPO. She started her new duties on 22 July.

CIIPO Director Candace Westby said Whittaker is a great addition to the team. “Omara’s drive, reliability, efficiency and great work ethic make her a standout in our organization. This milestone celebrates her and reinforces our commitment to developing local expertise. As we continue to see an increase in IP filings, her addition to the examination team will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide quality service to our clients.”

Dr. Dax Basdeo, chief health official, said Whittaker’s new position was the result of a strategic career development plan. “I am very proud of the CIIPO team for preparing her for this step in her career and I congratulate her,” he said, adding that this is how “we want to prepare our department for the future.”

Whittaker joined the Cayman Islands Government in 2006 as a Customer Service Officer in the Corporate Division of the General Registry. In 2008, she moved to the Vital Records Division as a Customer Liaison Officer and in 2015 joined CIIPO’s Patents and Trademarks Division in the same position.

“This achievement is a recognition of my work and potential over the years. It motivates me to continue to strive for excellence. I thank my supervisors, colleagues and the Department of Financial Services and Commerce for their unwavering encouragement and support,” she said.

The CIIPO was initially part of the General Registry but became an independent department in 2021.