U.S. Chamber lauds IPOPHL’s anti-counterfeiting efforts in 2026 IP Index
20 April 2026
The Philippines’ intensified efforts to combat counterfeiting and piracy – and to strengthen intellectual property protection – have earned recognition from the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC), underscoring the country’s growing capacity for coordinated and proactive IP enforcement.
In its 2026 International IP Index, released in March, the USCC maintained the Philippines’ ranking at 36th out of 55 economies. The report noted that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) “has expanded its enforcement powers and is actively partnering with rights holders to more effectively combat physical counterfeiting and online infringement,” reinforcing earlier recognition of the country’s intensified anti-counterfeiting drive.
A key initiative highlighted is the ecommerce memorandum of understanding (MOU). Facilitated by IPOPHL, this voluntary agreement establishes a cooperative framework between IP rights holders and ecommerce platforms, featuring streamlined notice-and-takedown procedures and proactive monitoring of infringing listings.
Since its launch in 2021 with 12 signatories, the MOU has expanded significantly to 118 participants, including brand owners, industry associations and major platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Zalora and TikTok Shop.
The report also cited advances in trademark protection, particularly in safeguarding well-known marks. It highlighted IPOPHL’s establishment of a Register of Well-Known Marks, which enhances legal certainty for rights holders. Under the IP Code, these marks are protected against the use of identical or similar marks for the same or similar goods or services.
In addition, the implementation of the Internet Transactions Act is expected to further strengthen online IP protection over time.
IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo emphasized that while the recognition reflects meaningful progress, continued efforts remain essential. He affirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing proactive enforcement measures, including expanding the MOU’s reach and impact.
The USCC also commended IPOPHL’s achievements in the rapid disabling of infringing online content and the establishment of cooperative frameworks to address online piracy, particularly through its Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking, which took effect in late 2023.
Further, the Index noted the Philippine Senate’s ongoing deliberations on proposed amendments to the IP Code aimed at strengthening IPOPHL’s enforcement authority.
The report likewise praised the development of HAPAG-ISIPAN, IPOPHL’s Philippine Intellectual Property Strategy for 2025-2030. This roadmap outlines key priorities for reforming the country’s IP landscape, emphasizing the role of IP-intensive industries in socioeconomic growth and the need for cross-sectoral reforms – ranging from legal measures and targeted awareness initiatives to stronger support for commercializing IP assets.
Finally, the USCC recognized IPOPHL’s strategic vision, particularly its efforts to improve how the Philippines measures and captures the economic contributions of IP-intensive industries in terms of output and employment.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
