The patent, granted to veterinary medicine graduate and entrepreneur Mariam A. Elestwani, features a device for securing and lifting large dogs, with the objective of facilitating more safe, efficient and humane handling during medical and surgical procedures. According to Elestwani, this device has been an immense asset to her office, especially during mass vaccination drives. 

“We often handle up to 200 dogs and cats in a day,” Elestwani said. “This lifting device helps save time, prevent injuries, and reduce animal and human trauma.” 

The patent was filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The PCT simplifies the process of applying for patents in multiple states by streamlining documentary requirements, extending the timeline for payment of fees and providing feedback on the quality of the patent application. At present, the PCT has 158 contracting states. 

The awarding ceremony for Elestwani’s patent was held on October 20, 2025, at the Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga office. Representing IPOPHL at the event was Assistant Director Chamlette D. Garcia of the Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau. Also in attendance were DTI Caraga Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo and IAP volunteer patent professionals Professor Armando R. Reosura of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University and Ferdinand A. Dumalagan, Vice President for Research of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology. 

“I am deeply grateful to IPOPHL and WIPO (the World Intellectual Peoperty Organization) for the Inventor Assistance Program,” Elestwani said. “With their help, I was able to protect my inventions, gain global recognition, and develop solutions that solve real-life problems, like making veterinary care more efficient and supporting a Rabies-Free Philippines by 2030.” 

As a beneficiary of the IAP, Elestwani received free legal support, mentorship and international guidance throughout the patent application process.  

The IAP is a program established by the WIPO to pair under-resourced inventors with patent experts who provide highly valuable patent drafting and prosecution services free of charge. Since its launch in the Philippines in 2016, the IAP has empowered inventors with limited resources to protect their innovations and make inroads toward global commercialization. # # # (Rawl Maliwat, Communications and Marketing Writer)