IPOPHL leads in championing FIFA and FIG IP rights as PH hosts world-class sports events
November 7, 2025
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is taking an active role in elevating the country’s standing in the global sports arena as it commits to safeguard the intellectual property (IP) rights of two major international tournaments set to be hosted in the Philippines — the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 and the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships 2025.
Through a recently signed government guarantee letter, IPOPHL affirmed its pledge to uphold the IP and commercial rights of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). The letter forms part of the Philippines’ assurance to these international governing bodies that all necessary measures will be in place to protect their brands, trademarks, designs and other IP assets throughout the staging of the events.
Under the guarantee, IPOPHL will expedite the registration of FIFA and FIG’s trademarks, copyrights and other IP assets, ensuring swift legal protection over official emblems, logos and materials associated with both events.
As vice-chair of the 15-member National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), IPOPHL will also work closely with law enforcement and customs agencies to suppress counterfeiting, illegal streaming and other forms of IP infringement.
The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 — the first in Asia and a milestone for the Philippines — will run from November 21 to December 7, 2025, with matches hosted in Pasig City, Metro Manila and Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships 2025 will take place from Nov. 20 to 24, 2025, at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
“By securing the IP and commercial integrity of these events, IPOPHL reinforces the Philippines’ credibility as a responsible and capable host nation. The Office’s efforts ensure that the creativity and innovation behind the world’s most celebrated sports are protected from the courts and mats to the media and marketplace,” said Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo.
This commitment also anticipates World IP Day 2026, which the World IP Organization (WIPO) will dedicate to the role of IP in sports, from protecting athletes’ identities and team brands to enabling fair sponsorship and broadcasting.
“Through strong IP protection, we help ensure that, on or off court, the world’s biggest games are played with fairness, respect and integrity — values that lie at the heart of both sportsmanship and intellectual property,” Arevalo added. # # # (Janina Lim, Information Officer III)