IPR agency lauds continued Phl exclusion in US watchlist

MANILA, Philippines - The government’s efforts in ensuring intellectual property rights (IPR) are protected are paying off, according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), as the country for the fourth consecutive year was able to retain a positive rating in the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Special 301 Report.

“This latest development is a testament that the Philippines has sustained the reforms it initiated to provide the most adequate and effective level of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights,” IPOPHL director general Josephine Santiago said.

She said the continued success of the country in the field of IPR enforcement is an indication of the harmonious working relationship among the members of the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), an inter-agency committee composed of various government agencies working towards the promotion, protection, and enforcement of IPR.

 “This strategic partnership has been cited by other countries as a best practice as the collaboration among the agencies provides a holistic government approach to the challenges of curbing intellectual property rights violations,” the IPOPHL said.

In 2016 alone, the agency said combined efforts of the NCIPR members resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and pirated goods with an estimated value of P6.2 billion.

The Philippines managed to stay out of the latest edition of the USTR Special 301 Report, an annual report that evaluates the level of protection and enforcement of US trading partners.

The country was first removed from the watchlist in 2014 after having been on the list for more than 20 years.

Santiago said the release of the 301 report served as a highlight of the National Intellectual Property Rights Month, which is celebrated in the country every April.

 “More than being a tool for effective IPR enforcement, a strong IP system is also a driver of economic development. To further strengthen the IP system in the country, the IPOPHL has redefined its programs to cover the entire IP cycle from creation, protection, utilization to enforcement,” the agency said.