The country’s intellectual-property (IP) rights watchdog is set to host a convergence forum this month, as the government aims to instill respect for intellectual property among Filipinos.
As part of the celebration of the National Intellectual Property Rights Month, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will conduct a high-level forum on April 26. The program will be headed by IPOPHL Director General Josephine R. Santiago, and is expected to be attended by delegates from the government, private sector and academe.
In the forum, Santiago will talk about the government’s main action plan in trying to create a robust IP regime. This will include strategies for regulation, administration and enforcement of the country’s IP laws.
“The IPOPHL is committed, now more than ever, to promote intellectual property and protect intellectual-property rights. Our duty to ensure an intellectual property-friendly environment that rewards creativity and innovation is the best incentive for Filipinos to harness intellectual property for national development,” Santiago said.
“Promoting a culture that respects intellectual property, one that provides fertile ground for innovation and creativity, is a compelling competitive advantage for the country that spurs economic development. While IPOPHL is at the forefront of this advocacy, creating a conducive atmosphere that respects IP can only come about through concerted efforts of all stakeholders from public and private sector and Filipino consumers,” she added.
The forum will also have World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry discussing how the country can adjust its national approach on IP under the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution. The IPOPHL views this as crucial given the emerging technologies that can either be a boon or a bane for the IP system.
Aside from the high-level forum, the IPOHL also scheduled activities for the month aimed at enforcing compliance to IP laws and improving innovation in local industries with respect to regulations.
Under Proclamation 190, President Duterte designated the month of April as National Intellectual Property Rights month to align the country’s IP rights celebrations with global IP festivities.