IPOPHL raises concerns about decline in patent grants

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) raised concerns about a continuing decline in patent grants to Philippine residents.

IPOPHL Director General Josephine Santiago said on Thursday the number of Philippine residents who received patents was only 20 in 2016, despite 260 applications during the year.

“We are alarmed by this situation, not only because rampant violations fend off potential discoveries but also because intellectual property infringement damages the national economy,” she said.

IPOPHL intends to encourage more patent applications from Philippine residents.

“In terms of patent, really, our thrust is that of encouraging the universities,” Santiago noted.

“We want our local inventors to also apply for protection not only in the Philippines but also outside of the country where they choose to commercialize later,” she said.

IPOPHL will also waive application fees for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a net income of P100 million and below.

“We give out a 50-percent discount for fees for MSMEs for those that are having an income of P100 million and below in terms of assets and income,” Santiago said. —VDS, GMA News