IPOPHL: Resolution of IP cases now 40% faster
The turnaround time for intellectual property (IP) cases in the Philippines has been shortened by nearly 40 percent, lasting only nine months on average this year, according to government data.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said this in response to the concerns cited by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in its Special 301 Watchlist, the Philippines was cited as having slow opposition proceedings.
But Rowel Barba, director general of the IPOPHL, said the turnaround time this year had improved to nine months as of the first quarter of this year, down from an average of 14.2 months last year.
In 2023, processing time had likewise gone down from an average of 19.6 months in 2022, which the government agency attributed to the positive impact of the electronic filing system and digital case management system implemented in 2021.
Barba added that processing time was now further down to just nine months as of the first quarter of this year, with the issuance of decisions averaging only six days from the date the cases had been submitted after hearings.
“We stand by the merits of our defense, which are robust enough to put the USTR’s concerns behind us. We will continue working with the NCIPR (National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights) and relevant stakeholders to preserve the trust and confidence of investors and consumers and maintain the country’s good reputation in the global IP and enforcement landscape,” Barba said.
Aside from allegations of slow proceedings, the USTR also flagged the Philippines as one source of fake medicines and geographical indication issues.
