The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) aimed at advancing the technical expertise of patent examiners and personnel in the emerging technologies related to intellectual property management.
According to IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel Arevalo, the initiative will explore the application of artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and other information and communication technologies in streamlining patent registration processes.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda expressed commitment to ensuring that IPOPHL staff remain abreast of technological advancements, thus equipping them with the necessary skills to assess complex digital technologies effectively.
In recent months, IPOPHL has been proactive in establishing guidelines for patent applications related to AI, addressing critical aspects such as patentability, inventorship, disclosure, and clarity of claims. This follows a memorandum of understanding signed in the previous year concerning the e-commerce sector, which involved 41 other signatories. This agreement aims to create a self-regulatory framework to combat counterfeit goods and fraudulent practices.
Both the DICT and IPOPHL are integral members of the National Committee on IP Rights, an interagency group tasked with developing national intellectual property policies and enhancing the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights throughout the nation.
This partnership is a significant step in leveraging technology to bolster the efficacy of intellectual property management in the Philippines, addressing contemporary challenges posed by digital transformation.
