Legazpi City — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) has opened its fourth satellite office in this city as part of its continued effort to extend public outreach nationwide. IP Philippines targets to open a total of five IPSOs until the end of 2009. Three IPSOs, including Cebu, Davao, and Angeles, have been established since the project kicked off in 2008.

IP Philippines Director General, Atty. Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. said that the intention for opening the satellite offices is to “encourage inventors, and entrepreneurs in the countryside to protect intellectual property (IP) creations by having them registered with IP Philippines”. He added that by making its services accessible in the regions, IP Philippines can effectively harness the creative talents and innovative skills of IP generators.

He underscored that provincial businesses possess the capacity to become commercial successes and bring financial benefits to the country. Provincial operations from August to December 2008 were positive, with 139 IP applications filed directly through the IPSOs.

IP Philippines also created a build-up of interest among small and medium enterprises and academic groups through the satellite offices’ intensive and business-focused programs and activities such as basic orientation seminars, consultative meetings, partnership and networking collaborations, and commercialization assistance programs. Cristobal noted that in fact, a number of priority SMEs and industry groups have already forged partnerships with IP Philippines.

The establishment of satellite offices is aligned with IP Philippines’ three-year strategic plan which aims to accomplish the following goals: deliver quality and timely patents, deliver quality and timely trademarks, improve results-oriented technology transfer interventions, provide speedy and effective legal remedies, institutionalize copyright development and support services, and sustain dynamic leadership in the IP system.

IP Philippines promotes creativity and innovation through the country’s intellectual property system and grants patents and trademarks, supports the creative industries and advocates a vibrant IP culture.

Source: Philippine Information Agency, May 19, 2009