Viva Holdings, Inc. (VHI) has signed the E-Commerce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) facilitated by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to curb piracy and counterfeiting of its massive content portfolio and retail products.
The agreement was welcomed in a statement released by Viva Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vic del Rosario, Jr., who emphasized the importance of intellectual property protection.
It was noted that VHI, recognized as the country’s leading content provider, views the agreement as a significant step to strengthen the company's efforts to protect its content and products from the persistent threats of piracy and counterfeiting, which negatively affect both revenue and the dignity of creators.
The MOU will serve as a direct access mechanism for content and product owner/signatories like Viva to raise piracy concerns with major e-commerce platforms, such as Lazada, Shopee, Zalora and TikTok, and demand the takedown of infringing posts more quickly and more effectively.
VHI and its 37 subsidiaries were named as signatories with business interests spanning film and TV production, streaming and distribution, music licensing, concerts and live events, food and restaurant operations, radio broadcasting, skincare and cosmetics and fitness studios.
The contract signing was witnessed by IPOPHL Director General Atty. Brigitte M. da Costa Villaluz, alongside IPOPHL's IP Rights Enforcement Office Officer-in-Charge Atty. Reggie Anne Pamatian and other members of the IPOPHL.
Also present were Vincent del Rosario III, President of Viva; Veronique del Rosario-Corpuz, President of Viva Artists Agency and Viva Beauty Group; Valerie Salvador del Rosario, President of Studio Viva; and Verb del Rosario, President of Viva Music Group
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, established in 1998, is the government agency mandated to manage and enforce intellectual property rights. Its role in fostering innovation and economic development through IP protection continues to be emphasized through initiatives like this MOU.