IPOPHL Expects Robust Boost in IP Use as Innovation Law’s Set in Motion

IPOPHL Expects Robust Boost in IP Use as Innovation Law’s Set in Motion

February 11, 2020

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) welcomes the signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the landmark Republic Act 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act of 2018, a move that will finally jumpstart the country’s innovation advancements, especially of micro, small, and medium (MSME) enterprises, toward a faster track.

Under the approved guidelines, the 25-member National Innovation Council (NIC), which is led by the President of the Philippines to forge the country ahead in innovation development, shall issue a policy direction to ensure that relevant government agencies mainstream the harnessing of the intellectual property (IP) system for national progress.

At the signing ceremony held Friday, Feb. 7, 2020 at the National Economic Development Authority’s headquarters, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, vice-chair of the NIC, said the law “aims to resolve critical issues faced by the science and technology sector by providing… a vibrant intellectual property culture,” among others.

For his part, IPOPHL Officer-in-Charge Director General Teodoro C. Pascua said the Innovation Law will promote a whole-of-government approach in promoting the use of IP tools to gain competitiveness in driving innovation.

“In coordinating with innovation partners in government, the private sector, and the academe, IPOPHL will push for the effective implementation of the strategies set forth by the historic National Intellectual Property Strategy 2020-2025, the mid-term roadmap seen to bring the country’s IP system to a level that is beneficial to the lives of each Filipino,” Pascua said.

Under the IRR, the IPOPHL is tasked to continue its efforts in (1) promoting the registration of intellectual property to ensure protection of innovation against misappropriation; (2) streamlining and rationalizing administrative and registration procedures; and (3) undertaking programs to assist MSMEs in the registration of patents, layout designs, registration of trademarks, and geographical indications and other marks of ownership, industrial designs, utility models, and deposit of copyrights.

The IPOPHL, together with pertinent agencies of the government, the private sector, and the academe, shall also continue to promote the use of patent information and analytics as a strategic tool to facilitate technology development in the country.

In fulfilling the tall order set out by the Innovation Law, as well as in coping with the already high demand for IP protection, IPOPHL recently submitted to the Department of Budget and Management a total of 187 additional staff workers. This would increase IPOPHL’s current manpower of 306 by over 60%.

“IPOPHL aims to contribute substantially in fostering innovation and business development, so we need to be fully prepared in responding promptly to future applications and request for any assistance especially of our MSMEs,” Pascua added.

IPOPHL implements several projects that promote MSMEs’ awareness of the different IP tools, and what each of these can do for their business and innovation pursuits; greater access to the IP system through waiving of fees; and full assistance in their IP journey, from creation to commercialization under its Mind2Market program.