The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to help businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in capitalizing the benefits of protecting their intellectual-property (IP) rights.
Under the partnership, the IPOPHL said it would train PCCI members to build their capacity in providing IP-related assistance, with PCCI exploring prospects of developing a permanent IP-related service to its members.
“IPOPHL will also be promoting eligible IP assets from the PCCI community by featuring them on the IP Depot, the Office’s online marketing platform for MSMEs’ IP products and services,” it said.
“It will also extend assistance for PCCI members to succeed in commercialization once such opportunities arise as a result of IP Depot’s marketing support,” it added.
IPOPHL said the PCCI will also help in promoting its programs “that incentivize MSMEs to protect their IPs, and assist in business-members’ filings under international systems, namely, the Patent Cooperation Treaty for patents and Madrid Protocol for trademarks.”
“Both committed to deliver other forms of support, such as providing venue, mentorship and IP business advice for joint technology and innovation-related activities; showcasing incubated technologies in relevant events; and drawing in participants to engage in the other’s campaigns, programs and activities where relevant to their respective stakeholders,” IPOPHL said.
IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba, PCCI President Benedicto V. Yujuico and PCCI Director Alfredo M. Yao signed the MOA at the PCCI Innovation Center on Monday.
“For IPOPHL, we always dream of more IP filings and the further protection of creativity and innovation for the future of the Filipino people. Just like the Innovation Center, I know this dream of ours, where IP services will be offered by the PCCI to its members, will also be fulfilled with this partnership,” Barba said.
The MOA signing was witnessed by Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, who noted that PCCI’s involvement is “very important” given “the potential contribution of industries and enterprises in generating IPs.”