The Philippines has laws and policies that generally support a conducive intellectual property (IP) environment, but enforcement is irregular and inconsistent.  Several considerations are important for effective management of intellectual property (IP) rights in the Philippines.  First, it is important to have an overall strategy to protect IP.  Second, IP may be protected differently in the Philippines than in the United States.  Third, rights must be registered and enforced in the Philippines under local laws.  For example, U.S. trademark and patent registrations will not protect rights holders’ IP in the Philippines.  There is no such thing as an “international copyright” that will automatically protect an author’s writings throughout the world.  Protection against unauthorized use in a particular country depends on the national laws of that country.  The Philippines is a member of several international copyright treaties and conventions and offers copyright protection to foreign works in accordance with these treaties.  The Philippines Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL) maintains a registry of patents and trademarks that is widely recognized in Southeast Asia.  The IPOPHIL also facilitates online application for registration of IP rights through its electronic filing services.  For information on Philippine IP laws, visit the Philippine Intellectual Property Office website at https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/.

Granting patents registrations is generally based on a first-to-file (or first-to-invent, depending on the country) basis.  Similarly, registering trademarks is based on a first-to-file (or first-to-use, depending on the country), so rights holders should consider how to obtain patent and trademark protection before introducing their products or services to the Philippine market.  It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right, and that the U.S. government cannot enforce rights for private individuals in the Philippines.  It is the responsibility of the rights holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors.  Companies may wish to seek advice from a local attorney or IP consultant who specialize in Philippine law.  The U.S. Commercial Service can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Please email businessphilippines@trade.gov.

While the U.S. Government stands ready to assist, there is little it can do if the rights holders have not taken these fundamental steps necessary to securing and enforcing their IP in a timely fashion.  In no instance should U.S. Government advice be a responsibility of a rights holder to promptly pursue its case.

It is always advisable to conduct due diligence on potential partners.  A good partner is an important ally in protecting IP rights.  Consider carefully, however, whether to permit a partner to register IP rights on one’s behalf.  Doing so may create a risk that the partner will list itself as the IP owner and fail to transfer the rights should the partnership end.  Projects and sales in the substitute for Philippines require constant attention.  It is also recommended that small- and medium-size companies understand the importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support efforts to protect IP and stop counterfeiting.  There are a number of these organizations, both Philippine and U.S.-based.  These include:

• The U.S. Chamber and local American Chamber of Commerce
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
• International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)
• International Trademark Association (INTA)
• The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy
• International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC)
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
• Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

IP Resources

IP protection resources are available to U.S. rights holders. Resources for U.S. companies on intellectual property include:

For information about patent, trademark, or copyright issues — including enforcement issues in the U.S. and other countries — call the STOP! Hotline: 1-866-999-HALT or visit https://www.stopfakes.gov/welcome.

For more information about registering trademarks and patents (both in the U.S. as well as in foreign countries), contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at: 1-800-786-9199, or visit https://www.uspto.gov/.

For more information about registering for copyright protection in the United States, contact the U.S. Copyright Office at: 1-202-707-3000, or visit https://www.copyright.gov/.

In any foreign market, companies should consider several general principles for effective protection of their intellectual property.  For background, please link to our article on Protecting Intellectual Property and Stopfakes.gov for more resources.

IP Attaché Contact for the Philippines:

Matthew Kohner, IP Attaché

U.S. Embassy Bangkok, c/o Foreign Commercial Service,

Room 302, GPF Witthayu Tower A, 93/1 Wireless Road

Bangkok, 10330 Thailand

Tel: (662) 205-5913

Email:  matthew.kohner@trade.gov

To access the Philippine Investment Climate State, which includes information on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, visit the U.S. Department of State Investment Climate Statement website.