The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines (IPAP) have formalized a partnership aimed at strengthening intellectual property (IP) protection and expanding access to legal and technical support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other underserved sectors.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed on March 2, 2026 in Taguig City, brings together the country’s lead IP agency and the organization of IP professionals to institutionalize collaboration in capacity building, policy advocacy and public outreach. 

Under the agreement, IPOPHL and IPAP will jointly conduct seminars, webinars, conferences and training programs for IP practitioners, lawyers, MSMEs and regional stakeholders. IPAP will also support IPOPHL’s regional outreach initiatives to broaden IP awareness and strengthen technical capacity across the country. 

For its part, IPAP commits to provide provision of pro bono or reduced-fee legal assistance to qualified MSMEs seeking to register, manage and enforce their IP rights. The parties will also develop practical educational materials on IP strategy, branding, franchising and technology commercialization to help enterprises maximize the value of their creations.

The collaboration likewise reinforces initiatives that empower women-led businesses, complementing IPOPHL’s Juana Make a Mark and Juana Patent and Juana Design Protection Incentive Programs, and extends assistance to indigenous communities in protecting traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources.  

Beyond service delivery, IPOPHL and IPAP will work together in policy and legislative advocacy.  

To oversee implementation, both institutions will meet quarterly to plan, monitor and evaluate programs under the MOA. 

“Through this strengthened partnership, IPOPHL and IPAP reaffirm their shared commitment to building a more inclusive, responsive and innovation-driven IP ecosystem, ensuring Filipino creators, entrepreneurs and communities can protect and harness their intellectual assets for their growth and for the sustainable development of the country,” said IPOPHL Acting Director General (ADG) Nathaniel S. Arevalo.  

IPAP President Dino Vivencio A. Tamayo lauded IPOPHL for its openness to work with institutions and emphasized the principle of fairness behind IP protection.  

“Intellectual property does not arise out of thin air, but from hard work and innovation. Protecting these creations is simply just and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with IPOPHL to reach more people to benefit from the IP system,” he said.