IPOPHL highlights partnerships in empowering women entrepreneurs, inventors

May 23, 2025

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) emphasized the importance of partnerships in fostering innovation and empowering women at a panel for the 2025 Women and IP Symposium for IP Offices held by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan put a spotlight on IPOPHL’s Juan for the World (JFTW) Program which offers a comprehensive support system, including financial and technical assistance, from both public and private sector partners.

Launched in 2021, the program aims to facilitate the global expansion of Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by supporting their international trademark registration through the Madrid Protocol.

“The partnership under the JFTW program offers MSMEs critical support from both public and private sectors when dealing with the international filing process for trademarks,” Cabochan said. “This has an impact on IP rights holders by helping them maximize the protections provided by the global IP system.”

Cabochan also shared a range of educational and support initiatives that are part of the Office’s commitment to narrow the gender gap in the country’s intellectual property (IP) landscape. 

“IPOPHL believes its efforts and commitment to support women in IP has contributed to addressing the gender gap in IP contributions of women,” Cabochan said. 

“To further empower women through their IP, IPOPHL has instituted IP programs that boost the participation of women entrepreneurs, inventors, and creators in the country’s innovation scene,” Cabochan added. 

“We believe these efforts empower women to bring their innovative ideas to life and create impact on communities,” she added.