Philippines cites record enforcement gains, strong public-private partnerships in USTR review
October 22, 2025
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) underscored the country’s progress in intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement in its latest submission to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), citing sustained gains and enhanced collaboration with rights holders and market partners as part of its efforts to maintain a positive standing in the USTR’s Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy Review.
“We take the USTR review as an opportunity to demonstrate tangible progress,” said IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo, adding that the Office submitted on October 15, 2025 its inputs to help build the forthcoming 2025 report.
“Our results show that the Philippines continues to reap the fruits of strategic IP enforcement while cultivating respect for innovation and creativity as the roots of a responsible and sustainable economy,” he added.
Tougher enforcement in malls, borders
Authorities seized P40.98 billion worth of counterfeit and pirated goods in 2024, registering a 63% increase from the previous year and the highest on record. The figure reflects intensified operations across both physical and online markets, led by the National Committee on IP Rights (NCIPR), chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and presided by IPOPHL.
The Bureau of Customs accounted for the largest share of seizures through border operations, while the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation conducted raids in key markets such as the Greenhills Shopping Center (GSC), 168 Mall and 999 Mall.
In coordination with the local government, the GSC Administration enforced a three-strike policy, resulting in 299 tenant removals for repeat IP violations. By end-2025, an NCIPR Help Desk will be established in GSC to institutionalize on-site enforcement and assist vendors in transitioning to legitimate trade.
Expanded cooperation to e-commerce gains
IPOPHL reported major progress under its E-Commerce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Signatories now count at 108, up from 43 in the previous reporting period and with more expected this year.
Platforms have improved detection systems and seller verification policies, with Lazada proactively removing 85.5% of infringing listings and Shopee achieving a 93.6% takedown rate. The latest review of the MOU showed a decline in repeat infringers, reflecting more responsive coordination between platforms and rights holders.
“Brand representatives emphasized that such improvements are the product of years of relationship and trust-building, resulting in more efficient enforcement and proactive intervention,” Arevalo said.
Online piracy crackdown
Since implementing the Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking in 2024, IPOPHL’s orders have led to restricted access of about 30 sites, marking a stronger national stance against online piracy.
As part of its anti-piracy efforts, IPOPHL co-organized the “Piracy-Cybercrime Nexus” symposium with the GMA Network, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and Globe, exploring how piracy intersects with cybersecurity threats such as malware and data theft.
Advancing legal reform and judicial action
The DTI’s full implementation of the Internet Transactions Act (Republic Act 11967) this year established clearer obligations for digital platforms and online sellers. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice achieved a 98% disposition rate in IP-related cases in 2024, filing 240 cases and recording 51 convictions.
IPOPHL and its partners also conducted enforcement workshops and a judicial colloquium to strengthen prosecution and ensure more consistent case handling nationwide.
Collab with industry and LGUs
The Philippines continues to expand cooperation with business groups and chambers, including the American Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce and Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, to promote fair competition and brand protection.
At the local level, 21 local governments have enacted ordinances on IP protection, with many aligning their policies under the Department of the Interior and Local Government circulars on anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting.
Raising IP awareness and education
IPOPHL sustained nationwide campaigns promoting respect for creativity and IP rights, which include the distribution of Manix Abrera’s “Pirated Inferno” comic book to reach younger audiences.
IPOPHL also organized an IP workshop for the Greenhills Muslim Traders Association to strengthen understanding of IP rights and support the shift toward legitimate enterprise.
Confidence in steadfast IP enforcement
“The country remains confident that its latest achievements and sustained reforms will be reflected positively in the forthcoming USTR report,” Arevalo said. “IPOPHL, together with members of the NCIPR, reaffirms its dedication to continuous improvement in enforcement, policy coordination and public awareness, in alignment with international best practices,” he added.
The Philippines has been out of the USTR’s Special 301 Watch List for 12 straight years. However, certain domestic and online markets continue to be monitored due to recurring IP challenges, which the government and industry partners are actively addressing. # # # (Janina Lim, Information Officer III)