PH eyes stronger intellectual property protection law

The Department of Trade and Industry is aiming to have the Philippines’ 27-year-old intellectual property (IP) rights law amended, the government agency’s head said on Tuesday,

During the post-State of the Nation Address briefing on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said that a strong law on intellectual property rights is needed to support startup firms, as he cited their important role in stimulating the economy and creating more jobs.

“We have an existing one and I’m going to present to the president, hopefully soon, the proposed amendments to this law so we can strengthen the enforcement of the law for the further protection of intellectual property owners against piracy and counterfeiting,” Pascual said.

In a follow-up message to reporters, Trade Undersecretary Jose Edgardo Sunico said they want to address deficiencies in the legal framework brought about by current and emerging legal and technological developments.

“Our proposed changes aim to modernize the IP framework, enhance enforcement against online piracy and boost IP education. This will create a safer digital environment, foster innovation and support economic growth while ensuring we meet international standards,” Sunico said.

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Asked when they would present the amendments to President Marcos, Sunico said that the schedule is still being finalized.

Earlier in March, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said that IP registrations at their office had increased by 2.5 percent in 2023, marking three years of consecutive growth beginning the year following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.