IP Seal launch seen to boost investors' confidence

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s effort to uphold the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection is seen as an added attraction to investors in the province, especially in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector.

“We are positioning as an Innovation Island, as well as picked as the Creative City by the British Council. We have to seriously uphold the IPR protection here, not only in the ICT sector, but across all industries,” said Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO) Provincial Director Nelia F. Navarro.

The Intellectual Property Seal (IP Seal) was recently launched in Cebu by the IP Coalition, with Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI), and Campaigns and Ads (CAMP Cebu) as the first two recipients.

The IPR seal is a multi-dimensional program that focuses on intensified educational campaign to raise software copyright awareness in the corporate, retail, internet café, and consumer levels.

Navarro expressed confidence that with the pro-active industry players in Cebu, the rate of piracy in the Philippines will be lessened.

“Cebuanos always go for excellence. They will work together regardless of affiliations for the sake of Cebu, and most importantly, they don’t want to be called a ‘thief’ ” Navarro said adding that while the adoption of IPR to their companies and lifestyle can push the realization of Cebu becoming a world-class Innovation Island, Creative City, and investment hub, Cebuanos can truly uphold IPR protection.

Navarro said protection of IPR is very central and important to developing the IT industry. Cebu is considering IT and BPO sectors as the primary drivers of the economy.

The IP Coalition, an umbrella organization of private intellectual property (IP) stakeholders and associations in the Philippines, aims to recognize Cebu businesses and other cities in the province that are committed to helping promote and protect IPR in their operations.

Businesses across all industries that are found to adhere to the country’s IPR laws will be given due recognition through the awarding of the IP Seal of Excellence. The IP Seal of Excellence also qualifies the recipient to one-year immunity from software piracy enforcement initiated by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Also, businesses that earn the IP Seal will also be featured in the IP Coalition website as well as the website of other IPC members and partners.

“The IP Seal represents a seal of approval and endorsement for companies from the IP community for being good corporate citizens that respect and adhere to the country’s IPR laws,” said IP Coalition secretary general Jun Rodriguez.

To be a recipient of the seal, Cebu-based businesses should register for the program until June 7, 2010 and conduct a voluntary self-audit/self-administration of software used in business operations.