CHED, IP Phils team up to attract investments

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has partnered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) in an attempt to generate more investments in the country through the help of intellectual property assets.

“One of the major factors that hinder commercialization of technology is the lack of awareness on how the IP system can benefit academic and research and development institutions in the country,” Adrian S. Cristobal Jr., director general of IP Philippines, said.

The two agencies recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will help universities and colleges use intellectual property assets not only attract more businesses in the country but also create more employment.

On May 21 and 22, the two government agencies will hold the first National Conference on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization.

“This conference, a first of its kind in the Philippines, jumpstarts a series of projects and activities that support technology commercialization,” Cristobal explained.

The Philippine IP Policy Strategy has identified universities and research and development institutions (RDI) as the innovation hubs of the country.

During the conference, international experts provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and European Patent Office will present the international perspectives of IP and Technology Commercialization, focusing on protection, marketing and financing strategies.

Meanwhile, Filipino experts will present the state of IP commercialization in the country, experiences of academic institutions in crafting and implementing IP policies, roles of the government and private sector in IP commercialization through policies, programs and legislation.

“The conference also serves as a venue for establishing linkages among various IP stakeholders such as universities and RDI, financial institutions and venture capitalists, government institutions and entrepreneurs to encourage the use of IP for technology commercialization,” Cristobal said.

“To be globally competitive, the Philippines should be a creator, innovator, and user of new technologies. IP Philippines will undertake follow-through activities that will support this sector. In the next three years, the office targets that five percent of all issued local patents should be in the commercialization stage,” he added.

The two-day conference was organized in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development – Economic Modernization through Efficient Reforms and Governance Enhancement (EMERGE).