IPOPHL calls for legit shopping this holiday season  

December 9, 2025

Ahead of the holidays, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) urged consumers to choose legitimate sellers and avoid purchasing pirated and counterfeit products that may put their loved ones at risk.  

As holiday spending surges, counterfeiters exploit the rush, peddling fake goods that endanger public health, fuel criminal activity and inflict heavy losses on legitimate businesses and their IP rights. 

Calling attention to these negative impacts, IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo urged Filipino shoppers to exercise vigilance, make informed purchasing decisions and value authenticity as they select gifts this holiday season. 

Arevalo further suggested that local products offer a far better alternative to cheap fakes, as they not only guarantee quality but also support Filipino entrepreneurs and communities. 

“Authentic local products also make for truly special gifts,” he said. “They show your friends and loved ones that you value them enough to choose something genuine and thoughtfully made, and that carries a meaningful story of Filipino creativity.” 

“By choosing locally made goods, shoppers also help create jobs and contribute to the growth of homegrown industries. This simple act not only gives a gift with heart but also uplifts the people and communities behind these products,” Arevalo added. 

Emphasizing that IP rights are private rights, IPOPHL urged rights holders to take an active stance in protecting their IP by reporting violations. Consumers are also encouraged to report counterfeit sellers to the appropriate rights holders. 

“Everyone can help nurture the true spirit of Christmas by promoting a shopping culture that is authentic, meaningful and secure, and that is free from the menace of pirated and counterfeit products,” Arevalo added. # # # (Rawl Maliwat, Communications and Marketing Writer)