By Francis Allan L. Angelo
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) have forged a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that promises to enhance the reach and impact of Filipino brands on the world stage and deepen intellectual property (IP) awareness and protection at the grassroots level.
In a press release, IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba sees this partnership as a pivotal step towards empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “With PCCI’s support, we’re excited to see MSMEs flourish and mark their global presence through our Juan for the World Program, encouraging entrepreneurs to protect their trademarks internationally,” Barba stated.
The partnership will enable PCCI to sponsor the basic fee for international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol, with fees starting at CHF 625, aiding MSMEs to safeguard their brands across borders.
This collaboration aligns with IPOPHL’s strategic mission to globally competitive businesses via IP. Echoing this commitment, IPOPHL previously aligned with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau to reinforce IP protection for exporters.
In this symbiotic relationship, IPOPHL will equip PCCI-sponsored applicants with branding know-how, exempt the Madrid application handling fee, and provide advisory support through to registration approval.
Furthering the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, the PCCI will focus on increasing brand ownership among women-led MSMEs through the “Juana Make Mark Program,” which offers fee waivers to qualifying enterprises.
The PCCI pledges to raise IP registration awareness, back enforcement to curb piracy and counterfeiting, and involve IPOPHL in initiatives promoting IP as an essential business asset.
PCCI Executive Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer underscores the unique creative asset of Filipino MSMEs and the critical need for IP protection. “The MOA marks a vital progression in our enduring collaboration with IPOPHL, aiming to bolster the competitiveness of MSMEs by protecting their unique creativity and branding,” Ferrer observed.
Both organizations are also set to continue their tradition of hosting the Alfredo M. Yao (AMY) IP Awards, an annual accolade for patented technologies fostering economic growth since 2009.
Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan, a former judge at the AMY IP Awards, lauded PCCI’s commitment to transforming Filipino innovation into marketable products.
“The collaboration between PCCI and IPOPHL is instrumental in showcasing the ingenuity of Filipino innovators,” added Anthony Bengzon, Chair of PCCI’s Intellectual Property Committee. He confirmed PCCI’s intent to ensure innovations filed with IPOPHL become tangible market successes, thereby inspiring further innovation.
