On 26 November 2021, the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) presented to the public the draft amendments to the Rules and Regulations Governing Inter Partes Proceedings (Inter Partes Rules).  IP Law practitioners from various law firms attended the public consultation.

The strategic measure is in line with Director General Rowel S. Barba’s BRIGHT agenda, particularly, “Raising the ante for customer service” and “Transforming IPOPHL into a full digitalized agency”. The draft amendments will modernize and further streamline the procedures in oppositions (to trademark registration) and petitions for cancellation of patents and registrations of utility model, industrial design and trademark. The measures implemented by the BLA since last year to ensure the continuity of operations, access to and delivery of services during the Covid-19 pandemic are incorporated including e-Filing, e-SOA and online payment of fees, the conduct of online or virtual hearings and conferences, and e-Service of notices, interlocutory orders, decisions and final orders.

Making it easier for parties to comply with the requirements in filing oppositions, petitions, and answers [to the opposition or petition] is also one of the objectives of the amendments. Streamlining includes rationalizing the number of and the timelines for extensions to file pleadings and other compliances.

The BLA aims to implement the amendments in June 2022, thus giving law firms and IP practitioners ample time to get familiar with the changes in the rules.  The draft amendment to the Inter Partes Rules is still posted in the IPOPHL website. Those who are interested to submit comments or suggestions have until 31 December 2021 to do so through email address:  vanj.dapon@ipophil.gov.ph