Second technology commercialization workshop underscores value of creativity and innovation

21 April 2009, MakatiCity – Commercialization of technology is an important ingredient in growth and development. This was stressed by both Atty Adrian S Cristobal Jr, Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) and Senator Edgardo Angara, at the 2nd National Workshop on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization.

The 2nd National Workshop on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization opened today at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati. The event, earmarked to keep innovation at a continuous keel, is organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines), through its training arm, the Intellectual Property Research and Technology Institute (IPRTI). It runs until 23 April 2009.

According to Atty Adrian S Cristobal Jr, IP Philippines Director General, “The 2nd National Workshop on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization is designed to keep innovation moving forward.” The IP chief said that last year, the 1st National Workshop on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization resulted in the Commission on Higher Education’s crafting of a joint circular urging the academe to come up with their own IP policy. This year, the workshop bridges the gap between the academe and the market by bringing together technology creators and those with the means to commercialize technology.

This linkage, Cristobal added, is critical “to take innovation from the research and development institutions (RDI) to the doorstep of people through commercialization. Technology commercialization is a priority program.”

Sen. Edgardo Angara, Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, sees innovation as a key to survival to the world economic crisis. He said, “Innovation is not just a matter of dependence, but survival.” Angara added, “Leveraging technological advances for the benefit of the Filipino people is a priority…Technology transfer allows the more efficient flow of information between parties. Technology transfer enables us to produce world class technology companies.”

IP Philippines recognizes the fundamental role that the academe and RDIs play in the effective and strategic utilization of intellectual property (IP) as a tool for economic development. As the country’s “center of IP creation”, IP Philippines crafted the country’s IP policy which identified universities and RDIs as priority areas. Under the IP Policy, IP Philippines shall help craft policies and legislation, promote IP courses in cooperation with CHED and DepED, and provide capacity building programs, such as performing patent search, patent claims drafting and commercialization of technology.

Special guests of the workshop include Rep. Joseph Emilio A. Abaya Chairman of Committee on Science and Technology; and Prof. Fortunato T. Dela Peña Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary for Science and Technology Services.

Attending the 2nd National Workshop on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization are representatives from various government and private organizations who support the development of technology generated from the academia and research and development institutions. Done in partnership with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the United States Department of Commerce, the workshop seeks to expand understanding of various concepts in technology transfer and provide practical illustrations and examples of revenue-creating capability of commercialized technology. The three-day workshop will also present participants with practical and operational framework that will allow them to perform processes in technology transfer, intellectual property (IP) valuation, licensing and transnational negotiations. Local and international experts from technology-generating and commercializing institutions are set to provide perspectives and strategies in marketing and licensing of academia- and RDI-generated technologies.

IP Philippines promotes creativity and innovation through the country's intellectual property system. IP Philippines grants patents and trademarks, supports the creative industries and advocates a vibrant IP culture.