2025 IP filings hit record high amid innovation push

CEBU, Philippines — Intellectual property filings in the Philippines surged to a record in 2025, signaling a stronger drive for innovation and commercialization even as economic growth slowed.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) reported total applications for patents, trademarks, utility models and industrial designs rose 2 percent to 53,231, from 52,257 a year earlier.

The increase was driven largely by gains in innovation-led categories, signaling stronger activity in research, product development and design.

Patent filings grew 8.3 percent to 4,486, led by a surge in resident applications, which jumped 25.1 percent to 1,007. Non-resident filings, which still account for the majority, rose a more modest 4.3 percent to 3,479.

Pharmaceuticals remained the dominant field, followed by digital communications and biotechnology, reflecting continued investment in health and technology-related innovation.

Utility model filings expanded 20.6 percent to 1,918, supported primarily by domestic applicants. Industrial design applications posted the fastest growth, climbing 30.2 percent to 2,576, with resident filings rising sharply as businesses stepped up efforts to protect product aesthetics and functional design.

“The new record in IP filings reflects a growing recognition of IP protection as a key strategy for competitiveness in a fast-paced digital economy,” IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo said.

“The sustained rise in applications, particularly in innovation-driven categories, points to accelerating innovation and a stronger appreciation of the need to protect IP assets,” he said.

The agency attributed the momentum in part to the expansion of its Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) network, which now includes 103 member institutions. The program enables universities and research bodies to convert research output into protected and market-ready assets, contributing to higher filing volumes and increased commercialization activity.

Trademark filings, which account for the bulk of applications, reached 44,308, holding near record levels despite a marginal 0.5 percent decline.

Domestic filings slipped 0.8 percent, while non-resident applications edged down 0.2 percent, reflecting a more cautious business environment amid slower economic growth. Pharmaceuticals, business services and scientific instruments led trademark activity.

Copyright deposits rose 2.8 percent to 6,736, driven by stronger awareness of registration and enforcement. Written works accounted for the majority of filings, followed by software and digital applications, highlighting the growing importance of intellectual property in the country’s expanding digital economy.

IPOPHL said ongoing efforts to improve IP awareness and build capabilities—from filing to valuation and commercialization—are helping shift the ecosystem from creation to monetization.

“People are learning to better protect, manage and extract value from their IP assets,” Arevalo said. “Enhanced IP capabilities are enabling this transition, supporting job creation, enterprise growth and higher-value economic activity.”