IPOPHL remains as one of world’s innovative IP offices for its awareness efforts

May 30, 2024 

The Philippines remained part of the World Trademark Review’s IP Office Innovation Ranking 2024 which lauded the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for its awareness and education campaigns felt beyond the online space.

In the sixth edition of the report, IPOPHL placed 13th in the ranking of the global trademark news source which surveys offices based on various online metrics and value-add propositions. It interviewed more than 100 trademark practitioners from 48 jurisdictions for information on non-core tools and services offered by their local trademark office. 

The interviews highlighted remarkable commendations on IPOPHL’s “dynamic and innovative” work after the Office “managed the pandemic particularly well” to ensure “IP practice was not adversely affected.” Another positive feedback described IPOPHL as “doing a good job spreading IP awareness among the public.”

It pointed out its efforts targeted in educational institutions which have led to “more law students becoming interested in the practice of intellectual property.” The observed outcomes could derive from the aggressive efforts of IPOPHL’s IP Academy over the years. 

The IP Academy, the center for IP education, research and professionalization in the country, has been visiting various regions to conduct IP Roadshows. The activity aims to help bring the interesting world of IP closer to schools and students. Last year, the office also held an IP Career Expo which gathered several graduating students and law students to explore the diverse fields of IP in which they can make a difference with their skills and knowledge.

The IP Academy also created a more fun and engaging learning experience through its IP CIRCLE League, a series of inter-school competitions which includes  IP quiz , IP debates, IP advocacy poster and IP short film competitions. Director General Rowel S. Barba described such activities as “effective in sparking the youth’s competitive spirit and desire to engage in meaningful discussions.”

The IP Academy also regularly conducts the IP Homecoming program, which is a career talk session in various law schools and universities. The event serves as a platform to showcase the success stories of their respective alumni who are engaged in the field of IP. 

Graduates and undergraduates can also be part of the IPOPHL Student Internship and Practicum Program where they obtain hands-on experience  in IP work through on-the-job training tasks and exposure to IPOPHL’s daily operations for one to two months. 

Barba added that “IPOPHL will sustain its efforts to bring IP not just to law students but all types of students and professionals who focus their energies on making ideas come to life, whether in the form of art works, innovations and business products that can make an impact.”

IP Academy Officer-in-Charge Frederick P. Romero encouraged the public to follow the IP Academy Facebook page to be in the know about upcoming events for students and professionals alike, promising that “the IP Academy is devoting more time to ensure that IP is known and is made more relatable to the experiences of Filipino students and professionals.” # # # (Janina C. Lim, Information Officer III)