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The Philippines\' Seizure of Counterfeits Hits P6 Billion In The First Quarter
17 April 2014
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) announced that for this first quarter alone, the combined enforcement operations conducted by the law enforcement agencies under the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) already reached a total value of P6,239,574,942.51 (US$805 million). The entire 2013 seizure only amounted to a total of P7,811,608,211 (US$1.01 billion). The first quarter of 2014 result is almost already surpassing 80% of the total amount of last year.
IPOPHL Deputy Director General Allan Gepty, who oversees the inter-agency task force, said that this seizure report is the highest quarter ever in the country’s history. Gepty attributed this remarkable achievement to IPOPHL’s ever committed reliable allies, the members of the task force. He also said that the IPOPHL enforcement and visitorial powers under RA 10372 or the amendments to the IP Code is a great factor in strengthening the IP regime in the country.
IPOPHL Director General Ricardo Blancaflor echoed his goal of steering the country into adopting a culture of respect for intellectual property rights and expressed that it will happen in due time with the continuing efforts and commitment of the task force. He added that the enforcement operation is one area in IP enforcement where respect for IP can be cultivated.
Blancaflor assured everyone that the Philippine government will never stop in its quest to address the worldwide problem of piracy and counterfeiting.
