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The Philippines turns to comics to fight against intellectual piracy
02 July 2024
Photo: KOMIKET | Picof
Following the release of 5,000 physical copies and assurance of its accessibility for readers online, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), in collaboration with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), is expanding the public’s access to Manix Abrera’s comic book Pirated Inferno.
Physical copies of the comic book were introduced at IPOPHL’s Taguig City headquarters on June 13, 2024, aligning with the 16th anniversary of the interagency National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) on June 21, 2024.
The comic book’s online edition was first made available in 2023, with a soft launch during the Philippine Book Festival the same year. It was created to raise public awareness about IP rights and the negative effects of piracy, especially among the younger generation. It was also published as part of the NCIPR’s shared objective to protect IP rights.
“In a world where technology and connectivity have opened doors for opportunity, it has also provided a breeding ground for piracy to flourish. As leaders, consumers and members of our society, we have the power to shape the narrative by choosing to support genuine works and rejecting piracy in all its forms,” said IPOPHL Deputy Director General and Officer-in-Charge Nathaniel S. Arevalo during the launch. “I hope that Pirated Inferno will inspire us all to take action and stand against piracy by championing the value of creative work.”
Physical copies of Pirated Inferno will be distributed by IPOPHL and the NBDB to various stakeholders at their youth-focused events. On the other hand, Abrera will share copies during the Manila International Book Fair in September and the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICF) this July.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
