IPOPHL celebrates 25 years of advancing innovation, creativity through the IP Code

June 6, 2022

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is delighted to celebrate today the silver anniversary of the IP Code. With the theme “Creating a Silver Bright Future,” the celebration aims to signify IPOPHL’s continued commitment to support the country’s post-pandemic recovery by encouraging greater use of the intellectual property (IP) system.

“IPOPHL is proud to have delivered in fulfilling its mandate under the IP Code. In line with its functions, IPOPHL played defining roles in shaping the innovation, creativity and business landscapes of the country in the last 25 years,” Director General Rowel S. Barba said. 

Barba encouraged the public to celebrate with the Office in its event “IPOPHL Rising at 25: Creating a Silver Bright Future” to be streamed live at 5:00 PM today on IPOPHL’s  Facebook page. 

The event is a back-to-back event that will hold a Stakeholders’ Night and the Gawad Yamang Isip (GYI) Awards.

The GYI is the country’s most prestigious IP Awards of the year. It is conferred to Filipino individuals and institutions that have helped improve Filipinos’ quality of life through innovation and creativity. 

The event will also allow IPOPHL to give recognition to its partners who have supported the Office in its evolution into a digitalized, development-oriented Office. 

Optimistic of a new IP Code in next congress

“But IPOPHL commemorates this event not only by reflecting on our past achievements but also by contemplating the future,” Barba said. 

Barba shared that one of the key achievements IPOPHL hopes to see in the near future is the passage of the bill amending the IP Code. 

“Our first 25 years have taught us invaluable lessons on resilience and determination, and we hope to apply all that we have learned to achieve more and bigger accomplishments in the future, including  the passage of the IP Code amendments,” Barba added.

To recall, IPOPHL has been pushing for the amendment of the law to keep in step with the rapid advances in technology and evolving international legal frameworks, standards and best practices. 

“The new IP Code provisions that we push for will make the country more competitive and  attractive to foreign investors,” Barba said.

“We will surely intensify work in lobbying with legislators as we hope to see the realization of a new IP Code in the next Congress,”he added. 

IPOPHL was established pursuant to Republic Act 8293 or the IP Code signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos on June 6, 1997. The law aims to build an effective IP system as it emphasizes IP’s importance in promoting domestic creative and innovative activities, attracting foreign investments and ensuring market access of products.