IPOPHL STRONGLY SUPPORTS FIGHT AGAINST FILM PIRACY

26 April 2017

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently spearheaded a campaign promoting new initiatives to combat piracy, illegal recordings and similar intellectual property (IP) rights violations on films and movies during a news conference organized by the Motion Pictures Association. Director General Josephine R. Santiago (second from left) said that IPOPHL continuously collaborates with the government as well as major industry players to uphold IP rights in the country, particularly in the filmmaking sector. Observing that illegal copies of movies are still available in digital formats and online, Santiago emphasized the importance of IP rights education and awareness on the existing measures and laws to protect the IP system. She added IP violations have serious and adverse economic implications to the country that might possibly hamper the growth of creativity and innovation. The Director General encouraged everyone to join IPOPHL’s advocacy of defending the rights of creators, innovators and inventors, as well as in fighting infringement, piracy and other forms of IP rights violations. The government’s recognition of the important role of IP was underscored when President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No.190, declaring April as National IP Rights Month. With Santiago are (from left) US Embassy Economic Officer Brian Breuhaus, Philippine Association of the Record Industry Atty. Marivic Benedicto and iflix Country Manager Sherwin dela Cruz.