IPOPHL putting up Ilocos region satellite office in H2

MANILA, Philippines — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will open a new satellite office to serve businesses in the Ilocos region in the second semester.

IPOPHL director general Josephine Santiago said in a text message the agency is set to open the 15th IP satellite office in Region 1 within the second half of the year.

She said it is important to open more IP satellite offices to cover areas currently not being served.

The opening of a new satellite office would “further promote inclusive growth in the country through the use of IP,” she said.

In addition, opening a new IP satellite office is expected to harness creativity and innovative capacity of individuals in Region 1.

She said the move is likewise intended “to enhance participation of the locals in economic development through effective utilization of the IP system.”

As of the first quarter, IP filings received by IPOPHL reached 11,327, 13 percent higher than the 10,031 filings received in the same period last year.

The applications made were for patents which cover inventions, utility models and industrial designs, as well as filings for trademarks.

IPOPHL has attributed the increase in IP filings to the expansion of its satellite offices.

Last year, the IPOPHL opened three new satellite offices to bring the total count to 14.

Total IP filings received by the IPOPHL reached 44,461 in 2018, up 15 percent from the 38,801 applications in 2017.

Higher IP filings indicate growing innovative capacity, as well as increasing business activity.