Copyright champ puts Phl in global IP map

Under the leadership of Director-General Atty. Rowel Barba, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has achieved global recognition, improved governance, and spearheaded impactful regional initiatives, solidifying its role in fostering a dynamic and sustainable IP ecosystem.

For IPOPHL, 2024 stands out as a landmark year of innovation and progress.

It not only reinforced its presence on the international stage but also expanded its role as a leader in regional intellectual property cooperation.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) commended IPOPHL for its leadership in the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC), where the Philippines played a key role in driving strategic IP policies across Southeast Asia.

The recognition highlights IPOPHL’s growing influence in shaping IP frameworks that benefit the region.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has recognized IPOPHL’s contributions as a leading force in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

IPOPHL’s leadership in the APEC IP Experts Group ushered in a deeper exchange of knowledge and policy development among member economies, particularly in fostering a collaborative approach to IP enforcement and commercialization.

In addition to these international recognitions, IPOPHL’s designation as a competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) by the US body marked a significant achievement for the Office.

The prestigious status is shared by only a few major IP offices globally, such as the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

By being part of the select group, IPOPHL has forged its credibility as a global player in patent examination and IP services, attracting more international clients and further positioning the Philippines as a hub for innovation.

Global strategy

IPOPHL had launched its newest Philippine IP Strategy (PHIPS) 2025-2030 or the Hapag-Isipan IP Strategy.

“Hapag-Isipan,” directly translated as a “Banquet of Ideas,” was coined specifically for the PHIPS, the term uses the Filipino word “hapag” to symbolize community, collaboration, and togetherness, setting the Philippines as the global table for creativity, innovation, and collaboration to build and enjoy IPs towards shared progress.

IPOPHL’s focus through the PHIPS will be on Strengthening IP Awareness and Education, Building Systems for IP Valuation and Commercialization, Enhancing Local and Global Cooperation, and Maximizing Emerging Technologies.

The new IP strategy, coupled with IPOPHL’s continued efforts through the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Program, is seen to surely help the Philippines accelerate its rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII).

In 2024, the country moved up three ranks to 53rd in 2024 and for the first time, claimed third place among 38 lower-middle-income economies.

The country continues to perform beyond expectations for its level of development, standing out as one of only seven economies cited for its stellar innovation growth over the last 10 years.

As a member of the National Innovation Council, IPOPHL will strive to keep the wheels of collaborative progress moving toward more fruits for our innovators to enjoy.

Collaboration for creativity

IPOPHL’s work does not end in laboratories and universities.

It extends to the theatrical stages, to movie screens, to the painters’ canvas, and to artists’ studios.

“IPOPHL has been intensely collaborating with industries of sorts to help them leverage their copyright and related rights. We’ve succeeded in creative projects that uplifted the underrepresented sectors of the community and we’ve enlightened many about the best practices to protect and respect copyright,” according to Barba.

Barba said he will continue to work as a member of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) and as a strong believer that creativity is a God-given gift to Filipinos.

“But we have to start moving beyond just believing in our creativity to actively building on this creativity. Because that’s where the competition lies today — turning ideas into assets that can move markets, into stories and products that not only preserve our cultural heritage but also ensure it is celebrated across the world,” he said.

Strengthening anti-piracy initiative

For its efforts to protect innovation and creativity, the Philippines remained outside the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Special 301 Watchlist for the 11th consecutive year.

The USTR even commended IPOPHL for its enforcement efforts, particularly the IP and Citizen Journalism for Schools program, the Pirated Inferno comic campaign and our ongoing anti-piracy initiatives.

Another key development was the successful implementation of IPOPHL’s voluntary site-blocking mechanism.

Site blocking has been cited as a tool seen to better protect the creative economy and create a great consumer shift toward legitimate platforms.

Because of IPOPHL’s unwavering push to implement a voluntary site-blocking measure, IPOPHL was recognized by the Motion Picture Association.

In 2024, during its first year of implementation, IPOPHL effectively disabled access to 17 piracy domains in its first year.

The initial block in May targeted domains linked to the YTS brand, one of the largest piracy sites globally. In October, IPOPHL expanded this effort by blocking six additional piracy websites during National Anti-Piracy Month.

The e-commerce memorandum of understanding, a model for online self-regulation, expanded its network to 45 signatories by the end of 2024.

IPOPHL worked closely with e-commerce platforms to host IP Boot Camp sessions, helping rights holders utilize IP protection tools effectively.

“IPOPHL also strengthened collaboration with the National Committee on IP Rights (NCIPR) to address counterfeiting in Greenhills — a market previously identified in the USTR’s Notorious Markets List. Greenhills has made significant strides in its 10-year roadmap to eliminate IP infringement by 2027,” Barba stated.

Barba maintained that IPOPHL, as vice-chair of the NCIPR, will work towards replicating these in other notorious markets identified by the European Commission such as the Cartimar Shopping Center and markets in Baclaran and Divisoria.

Key engagements on AI, branding

It was also a year of critical discussions about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and IP.

IPOPHL successfully organized the second Philippine-International Copyright Summit, bringing together global experts to explore how AI is reshaping copyright protection.

Similarly, the first Philippine Trademark Conference was held to examine the vital role of trademarks in business and consumer protection, reflecting the growing global presence of Filipino brands.

According to the Global Innovation Index, the Philippines ranked 34th in global brand value and 35th in intangible asset intensity, signaling the rising importance of Filipino IP in international markets.

“In April 2024, we celebrated National IP Month with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout the month, we highlighted the role of IP in achieving a more sustainable future. However, sustainability remained a key theme beyond the month-long celebration. IPOPHL launched the Green Technology (GreenTech) Program, which provides incentives for green technology applications, including fee waivers and expedited processing,” the IPOPHL chief narrated.

Additionally, our Socially Relevant Technologies Project marked its fifth year, recognizing innovations that address global challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Good governance

Moreover, IPOPHL intensified its commitment to governance, transparency and accountability, earning several prestigious accolades for its efforts.

Among these was our Gold Trailblazer Award for completing the governance pathway in a revalida with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA). We also received an Outstanding Accounting Office Award and the Freedom of Information Award in recognition of our transparency initiatives.

This year, IPOPHL maintained good standing in the World Trademark Review’s IP Office Innovation Ranking, securing 13th place and highlighting the Office’s widespread outreach and educational initiatives, which have reached far beyond the digital space.

“On a personal note, I was honored with the Impact Award from the overseas Filipino workers Partylist, the Asia’s Golden Icon Award and the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Award in Public Service. These accolades are a reflection of the collective dedication and excellence of the entire IPOPHL team,” Barba said.

Furthermore, Barba said IPOPHL ramped up efforts to reach regions across the Philippines in 2024.

The launch of the IP Regional Development Plan, starting with Western Visayas and Cagayan Valley, marks the beginning of a three-year program designed to address each region’s unique IP needs and foster local innovation.

Partnerships with the Philippine Information Agency and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas further expanded our outreach, spreading awareness about the importance of IP at the grassroots level.

“With the foundation laid in 2024, IPOPHL is poised to lead once more in 2025 and beyond. Together, we look forward to a future where Filipino ideas and creations continue to shine on the global stage,” Barba, a native of Marinduque and an alumnus of the University of the Philippines, said.