IPOPHL, WIPO showcase ASEAN Register, empowering stakeholders to harness IP data for growth

June 13, 2025

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), successfully concluded a two-day workshop introducing the ASEAN IP Register to government agencies, IP professionals, law firms, the academe, intellectual property (IP) professionals and businesses in various sectors.

Held 9 to 10 June 2025, the event highlighted the Register’s use as a centralized online platform consolidating trademarks, patents and industrial designs data from all ASEAN Member States, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and supporting strategic decision-making.

In her opening remarks, IPOPHL Director General Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz highlighted the  importance of data and data search in advancing intellectual property (IP) systems and innovation.

WIPO Singapore Director Thitapha Wattanapruttipaisan further illustrated practical ways of integrating IP data to help businesses protect their intellectual assets and capitalize on market opportunities. 

Dr. Juneho Jang, Head of Global Relationship Management Section at WIPO, gave a step-by-step introduction to the ASEAN IP Register, showing the features that streamline access to IP data across ASEAN countries and allow users to track IP data real time and monitor competitors and white spaces. 

Kyaw Zaw, Senior Support Coordinator at WIPO, further demonstrated the tool’s functionalities, including search tools and data analytics, and showed participants how to utilize these features for competitive analysis, brand protection and strategic market entry. 

The workshop also included a hands-on exercise on both days, facilitated by Thitapha Wattanapruttipaisan and Kyaw Zaw from WIPO, along with experts from IPOPHL, which allowed participants to navigate the interface effectively and apply the data to real-world scenarios.

SM Group Legal Counsel Leah Lara brings to the table practical approaches in how IP-driven market intelligence can guide corporate management and help in developing effective legal IP and enforcement strategies.

Rounding out the workshop, Kris Garcia, President of The Business & Franchise Exchange Inc., showcased real-world examples how IP data informs successful business growth and franchise development, highlighting the commercial value of data. 

Janel Anne C. Eder, Science Research Specialist I at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), looked into how IP data can guide policy-making, highlighting the importance of data in creating responsive and forward-looking innovation policies.

The workshop reinforces the commitment of the Philippines and ASEAN partners to digital integration and stronger IP cooperation in the region. The online tool marks a key milestone in the ASEAN IP Rights Action Plan 2025–2030 aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and economic growth through transparent, harmonized and accessible IP data.