IP Crimes Lowered In The Philippines
21 February 2014
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has noted the improvement in the convictions of IP crimes lodged before the Regional Trial Courts as six convictions were recorded from 2011 to 2013.
IPOPHL Director General Ricardo Blancaflor sees this as an indication that the reforms implemented in the adjudication of IP cases are bringing in positive results. The Rules of Procedure for IP Cases that was issued by the Supreme Court on October 24, 2011 and the continuing capacity building programme for judges, prosecutors, and clerks of courts have been a big boost in the efficient, effective, and expeditious disposition of IP cases.
IP has truly become an essential tool of trade and commerce that creators and right owners are now zealously guarding their intellectual creations, thus any violation thereof is viewed at with grave concern. It is with this very reason that IPOPHL maintains its commitment to be at the forefront of the drive to intensify IP protection and enforcement, said Deputy Director General Allan Gepty.
