IPOPHL to launch patent research network

MANILA, Philippines - The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippine (IPOPHL) is launching in March the first patent research network in the country which can be accessed in 33 universities nationwide.

The so-called Innovation and Support Offices (ITSO), which are also considered as patent libraries, will contain information on patents worldwide. 

IPOPHL said the network is expected to strengthen the capacity of the local industry to access patent information and make use of the patent system.

This project is one of the many lined up by the agency ahead of the upcoming visit of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director Francis Gurry to the country on March 21-23.

WIPO is the specialized agency of the United Nations with headquarters in Geneva.

Based on the 2011 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report the Philippines ranked 102 out of 142 economies in the protection of intellectual property rights.

A memorandum of agreement was recently signed between IPOHL Director General Ricardo Blancaflor and national Competitiveness Council private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz for the establishment of the patent research network.