IPOPHL, WIPO hold Asian Innovation conference
13 September 2023
Photo: IPOPHL
In collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) held the Asian Regional Conference in Support of Accelerated Life Sciences Innovation on September 11 to 15, 2023. According to IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba, the event “offered a venue to exchange knowledge, share best practices and discuss current trends in fostering a thriving life science innovation ecosystem.”
The event’s goal was to support the accelerated development of innovation ecosystems, skills, and capacities related to IP management and technology transfer in the Asian region. It was created with policy makers, innovators, IP managers, researchers and experts in technology transfer in mind.
The Philippines was highlighted for its achievements in enhancing inter-sectoral cooperation in creating a vibrant environment for open innovation and knowledge transfer in the life sciences. The Innovation and Technology Support Offices, academic partners of IPOPHL that help innovators and inventors use the patent system, has worked hard to make this feasible.
The success story of the Philippines enabled academic institutions and R&D facilities to examine the aspects of IP legislation and consider enhancing support for their innovation ambitions.
As it related to search, disclosure requirements and protection of innovations linked to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, the conference also concentrated on the experiences and difficulties the Philippines has faced compared to other Asian and European nations. Additionally, it discussed current procedures and new patterns for safeguarding genetic resources, focusing on data search, compliance controls, IP management and models for voluntary out-licensing programs.
It went into further detail about the unique elements that creators and innovators must take into account while obtaining patents and performing data searches on chemical compounds and biological sequences relevant to pharmaceuticals. Participants got a greater understanding of the numerous IP valuation techniques frequently employed by the industry, financial risks, funding mechanisms that assist innovation in other nations, and alternative dispute resolution options.
In order to hasten the development of Covid-19 remedies, the event also promoted the tools created within the context of WIPO’s Covid-19 Response Package, such as the Patent Landscape Report on Covid-19 Vaccines and Therapeutics.
“Local and international experts in the life sciences innovation ecosystem provided a comprehensive learning experience, which we hope could help our over 100 participants contribute to ensuring the continued balance of protecting the rights of IP holders and the interest of public health,” said Barba.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
