Geneva, 9 May 2017 – The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) received international endorsement today of its application to be designated as an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority (ISA/IPEA), the first step towards becoming a duly-authorized regional hub for patent applications.
The Working Group on Patent Cooperation Treaty, which is holding its 10th meeting in Geneva from 8-12 May 2017, reviewed the application and unanimously decided to positively recommend the application to the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization, which will make the final decision in October 2017.
IPOPHL Director-General Josephine Santiago highlighted the capability of the Philippines to conduct searches and preliminary examinations on international patent applications, stressing that the Philippines can help address the volume of global applications by providing quality and timely services; be a strategic partner of other ISAs and IPEAs in the region; serve as a tactical link to Asia; and pave the way for increased usage of intellectual property.
Director General Santiago cited the economic vibrancy of the Philippines and its strengths as an emerging hub of innovation and human capital development in the region, having one of the most successful networks of Innovation and Technology Support Offices. The Philippines has also been identified by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) as a hub for intellectual property creation and commercialization and cited by the UN Conference on Trade and Development as among the top 15 preferred investment destinations of multinational enterprises.
“With this as backdrop and the extensive experience in search and substantive examination of IPOPHL, it is well-placed to ensure a dynamic and accessible intellectual system in the region,” she said.
Director-General Santiago also underlined the dynamism of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community (AEC), and pointed out that the designation will boost initiatives for an inclusive, innovation-led growth for the region. The Philippines is chair of the ASEAN this year as the regional group commemorates the 50th anniversary of its founding.
“The endorsement of the Working Group is an important first step in our journey towards becoming a regional hub for invention and innovation,” said Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva. “If approved by the General Assembly, the designation will benefit the Philippines itself by fostering an environment conducive to innovation and supportive of the country’s development strategies,” he added.
The Patent Cooperation Treaty is an international treaty that allows patent applicants to simultaneously seek protection from a large number of countries by submitting their applications in only one office. Under the treaty, a country can designated as an ISA/IPEA after fulfilling minimum technical requirements as assessed by other member-countries.