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Philippines Drafts Initial Rules on GI
19 May 2022
In order to increase the protection of geographical indications (GI) products in the Philippines, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on GI.
The IRR, which went through its first round of stakeholder consultations, stated, "[P]rotection of geographical indicators is crucial in establishing the competitive edge of our local and indigenous products."
The IRR, drafted by the Bureau of Trademarks, strives to ensure that GIs are recognised as protectible IP under the 1997 IP Code. It will also meet the Philippines' commitment as a World Trade Organization member to provide reciprocal rights and GI protection to other countries.
GIs are defined in the draught IRR as "any signal that identifies a good as originating in a country, region, or town where the good's quality, reputation, or other attribute is mostly due to its geographical origin and/or human elements."
"We hope to finalise and implement the IRR soon so that we can make our unique and high-quality Philippine products more appealing," Director General Rowel S. Barba said. "Supporting these goods to have the global spotlight they deserve will make a tangible difference in the lives of our farmers, weavers, and everyone who makes up our GI landscape."
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