The Philippines launches trademark conference
30 July 2024
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) launched the first Philippine Trademark Conference (TMCon Philippines) at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig City last July 24 and 26, 2024. In addition to encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to optimize their trademark rights, the event sought to bring together important players to examine the trademark ecosystem.
TMCon Philippines included new developments, industry best practices and updates on trademark-related law in the nation under the umbrella topic: “Leveraging Trademarks, Beyond Branding.” Experts in international and local trademarks discussed subjects including registration, protection, enforcement, value and commercialization at the conference. These were representatives from the ASEAN IP Association, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and eminent trademark practitioners from the Philippines.
“The IPOPHL acknowledges the vital role that companies, MSMEs and other prominent figures in the trademark sector play in maintaining a strong economy. In light of this, the Bureau of Trademarks decided it was time for a convergence, which would be conducted to both celebrate their accomplishments and broaden their understanding of trademark protection, enforcement, value and monetization of their diligently acquired intellectual property rights,” the bureau said.
One of the key highlights of the conference was a session devoted to assisting stakeholders in mapping out global entrance through the Madrid Protocol – a means of filing for trademark protection in several international markets. IPOPHL also unveiled the Revised Madrid Regulations and the new electronic filing method for Madrid applications.
The conference was intended to solve issues on successful branding strategies, fundamental trademark registration procedures, common registrability objections and how to handle them, and post-registration and maintenance needs. These seminars, taught by IPOPHL attorneys and renowned business leaders, were designed to give MSMEs – especially those without access to trademark agents – useful information to assist them in registering their businesses effectively.
TMCon Philippines aims to improve practitioners and stakeholders’ understanding of trademark valuation and commercialization.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
