Philippines to bolster IP rights under ASEAN Action Plan 2026-2030
Philippines to bolster IP rights under ASEAN Action Plan 2026-2030
It is a part of the first wave of interventions aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines has pledged to accelerate initiatives to strengthen Intellectual Property (IP) administration, awareness, capacity building and commercialization under the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan for 2026-2030, effective currently.
It was approved by member states, and the regional economic development agenda aims to enhance IP systems and advance an integrated, innovation-driven ASEAN community. This will enable an effective, enterprising and inclusive IP ecosystem by strengthening national IP regimes and reinforcing regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, under the current ASEAN authority, later this year, the IPO will host the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC).
AWGIPC was established in 1996 to foster regional IP collaboration. It carries out its mandate through specialized sub-committees, including the Task Forces for Trademarks, Patents, Industrial Design and Digital Transformation, alongside the ASEAN Network of IP Enforcement Experts (ANIEE) and the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) Network.
Nathaniel S. Arevalo, the Acting Director General of IPOPHL stated, “IPOPHL is championing several flagship initiatives to support these goals.”
The initiatives championed by the Philippines include the development and harmonization of the ASEAN IP Valuation framework to unlock the commercial value of ideas; promotion of intra-regional training opportunities in IP offices to improve service quality; establishment of IP commercialization hubs. These include TISCs and technology transfer offices to bring innovations to market; and curriculum development for the ASEAN IP Academy to build long-term IP capability.
Arevalo added, “The initiatives are to create an ASEAN IP ecosystem where innovations and creative works are not only protected but also valued and commercialized as they move across borders to generate greater growth and opportunities for the region.”
The initiatives align with five strategic measures defined under the roadmap:
a) Strengthening the effectiveness of national IP rights regimes.
b) Harmonizing regulatory frameworks and advancing regional IP platforms and institutions.
c) Facilitating IP asset creation, management and commercialization.
d) Fostering the ASEAN culture of respect for IP, alongside stronger compliance and enforcement.
e) Promoting the use of IP to support sustainable and inclusive growth in ASEAN.
Meanwhile, AIPRAP 2030 is a part of the first wave of interventions aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045, which aims to transform the region into a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred community over the next 20 years.
