Persons who need to conduct business with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO), while its physical location remains closed, are advised that they can continue to do so electronically. The office has been closed due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19.
Frequent users of CAIPO’s services may register to access the online database and conduct online transactions, including searches. The form for registration is titled “Registered Agent Application Form” here. It should be completed and emailed to ataylor@caipo.gov.bb, and to tsmith@caipo.gov.bb.
An “agent number” and password will be issued along with instructions on how to use the online database. Once registered, persons may use the EZPay+ system to top up their accounts.
Persons who do not require frequent access to CAIPO’s database have the option of utilising EZPay+ to make payments for a wide variety of filings.
Once payment has been made, individuals should email a copy of the documents being filed, along with the EZ Pay+ proof of payment, to caipo.general@barbados.gov.bb.
To register a business name, persons are advised to visit www.caipo.gov.bb. Once on the website, they should follow the detailed instructions for completing and submitting the application form. Payment may be done via EZPay+. The completed application form, proof of the EZPay+ payment, along with two forms of ID for each signatory, should be emailed to caipo.general@barbados.gov.bb.
Queries relating to the status of applications, post incorporation or other filings should be sent to caipo.general@barbados.gov.bb. The public is asked to note that some queries and/or submissions may require access to records held in CAIPO’s office, so there may be some delays. Any other documents required may be scanned and emailed to caipo.general@barbados.gov.bb.
E-signatures are being accepted for all electronic submissions, along with scanned copies of the relevant documentation, for example, notarials and powers of attorney. Where originals are required, an undertaking must be given by the company’s director or attorney-at-law to file the original documents, as soon as possible.
Documents, such as company charges with statements of charge, Bills of Sale, instruments of share transfer, applications for the renewal of registration of trademarks, and the payment of prescribed fees for patents and patent applications, which are required to be filed within the timelines stipulated by legislation, may be scanned and emailed to caipo.general@barbados.gov.bb.
In such circumstances, CAIPO will continue to recognise the date of receipt of the emailed documents pending submission of the physical documents, provided that the filing fee is paid via EZPay+ and evidence of payment is also submitted.
The Corporate Registry will accept corporate documents from other jurisdictions without the requirement of notarial certification provided that these documents can be independently verified. For example, they should contain a QR Code or some other access code, which allows the same document to be viewed on the issuing Corporate Registry’s website.
If there are no such means of independent verification, the Registrar will accept, without notarial certification during the prevailing circumstances, corporate documents from other jurisdictions where the documents are supported by an affidavit, which has been sworn by counsel for the body corporate, in accordance with Section 407 of the Companies Act, Cap.308 as amended, and which verifies the authenticity of the documents and the facts contained therein. Management and staff of CAIPO wish to thank the public for their continued patience, and advises persons to stay tuned to official media sources regarding CAIPO’s reopening.
Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO)