PBBM feted for efforts to boost intellectual property protection

MANILA – The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on Monday feted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his efforts in promoting innovation and advancing intellectual property protection.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin received the First IP Champion Award on behalf of the President during the Gawad Yamang Isip (GYI) Awards at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City.

The President vowed to fully support efforts to protect intellectual property and promote innovation.

“Thank you for acknowledging my efforts in advocating innovation and intellectual property protection. Rest assured that until the end of this administration, we shall remain steadfast in encouraging not only the government but also our partners in the private sector and the academe to fully utilize and reap the benefits of innovation,” Marcos said in his speech read by Bersamin.

Marcos also sought the support of stakeholders in establishing the Philippines as a "regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and a place where innovation, creativity and sustainability shine for future generations to come."

“Finally, let me congratulate the recipients of the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards. May you continue to be driven to improve the Filipino’s quality of life,” the President added.

The GYI Awards commended Filipinos and homegrown brands and technologies whose IP made a positive impact on people, the planet and peace.

The GYI is the most prestigious Philippine award on innovation, creativity and intellectual property.

This year’s awards follow the theme set by the World IP Organization (WIPO) for World IP Day which focuses on “IP and SDGS: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.”

“There are so many Philippine artists, inventors and homegrown brands that are helping create a sustainable future through one IP at a time. It was indeed a challenge to handpick this year’s winners but it was a difficult decision that the executive committee had to make. And we’re very pleased with the list because the GYI 2024 awardees really proved they deserve this and it’s time that more people be made aware about their contributions to the Philippines and to the SDGs,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba said in his speech.

For this year, the GYI has five categories -- patents, industrial design, performing arts, visual arts and trademarks.

Aside from the GYI, IPOPHL also presented WIPO’s special awards to last year’s winners of IPOPHL’s Socially Relevant Technology Contest, which highlights sustainable technological solutions to environmental challenges.

Another special award conferred was the WIPO National Award which recognizes innovators, creators, entrepreneurs and businesses that leverage their IP assets to contribute to the country's development.

IPOPHL likewise recognized institutions tagged as top filers whose active protection strategy reminds others to protect their IP rights.

These are the Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (Patent), Cebu Technological University (Utility Model), Deaign Center of the Philippines (Industrial Design), INSPI Philippine Venture Merchandise Corp. (Trademark), Cignal TV Inc. (Copyright) and Progressive Medical Corporation (Madrid Protocol).

The agency similarly recognized top IP Agents who have processed the most IP filings as a service to IP rights holders.

The GYI served as an opportunity for IPOPHL to show its appreciation to institutional partners, enforcement allies, media friends, people who have supported its programs and other partners who have helped make the GYI and the National IP Month celebration a success.

Among the IPOPHL's National IP Month partners are the Presidential Communications Office, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Economic Development Authority. (PNA)