Philippines assists indigenous communities and MSMEs with IP rights
10 February 2023
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) was signed to assist Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in defending their intellectual property (IP) rights.
IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba remarked, "Through the MOA, IPOPHL and IBP will endeavor to help local communities with IPs and possible GIs and handhold them toward the registration of their IPs and GIs. We expect that this relationship may improve public understanding of and protection for ICC products, therefore promoting cultural heritage, enhancing ICCs' IP rights, and enlightening and educating the general public about IP.”
Given IBP's broad nationwide network of regional and local chapters and its current MOA with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to advance the welfare of indigenous people, IPOPHL believes the MOA will put it in a better position to approach ICCs all over the world.
The signing of the MOA follows the implementation of the GI registration implementing rules and regulations in November 2022. The Guimaras Mangoes was the nation's initial GI application.
In addition to assisting ICCs, the cooperation intends to help MSMEs make the most of their trademarks through IPOPHL's Juana Make a Mark and Juan for the World initiatives by offering them legal assistance if necessary.
IBP may also provide financial support to those who register their trademarks under the Madrid System, a worldwide method of trademark registration.
- Excel Dyquiangco
