LGUs urged to pass ordinances protecting IPR

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances that will curtail the sale, rental, transfer, distribution or manufacture of fake goods, articles and services in their respective places.

In a memorandum, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina reminded LGUs of the provisions of Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Rights Code, which recognizes the protection of the intellectual property rights (IPR) of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens.

"Toward this end, the national government adheres to curb the proliferation and introduction into commerce of pirated, counterfeit or fake goods, articles or services and the commission of acts that violate intellectual property rights as protected by law," Lina said.

Earlier, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) passed a position paper expressing full support for the passage of ordinances that will help curtail the sale of fake goods at the local level.

Nathan Zulueta, president of the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed the PCCI’s call, saying that the protection of intellectual property rights does not only apply to big businesses but to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well.

Under the DILG memorandum, ordinances passed in cities and municipalities shall provide that all business licenses and permits issued by city or municipal authorities shall carry the express condition that a licensee shall not engage in the sale of fake goods, articles or services.

The ordinances must also include a provision that business establishments shall prohibit any vendor from selling fake goods within two meters away from their locations.

Lina said any violation shall be a ground for the revocation, suspension or cancellation of business permits or licenses.