IPOPHL, DTI, DOST launch program to fast-track over 1,000 IP applications

December 29, 2020

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), signed last month a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will enable the government’s investments in research to create a greater impact on society and on its culture of innovation.

Called the "Science and Technology Superhighway" Project, the DOST-led initiative tasks IPOPHL to process a total of 1,050 DOST-funded IP applications through its existing express lanes and other available modes for faster IP protection. 

"This Superhighway Program will surely be an accelerator of innovation outputs in the country," IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said at the virtual MOA signing. 

"Expediting processes will help give our Filipino innovators, creators and businesses the leverage they need in a cutthroat global competition, which is being defined by speed, among others," he added. 

Under the program, applications for 400 industrial designs (ID) will be processed through IPOPHL's "ID in Five Days" program, which the Office offers to all applicants who comply with all documentary and formality requirements. Likewise, 400 utility models (UM) will be processed through its "UM in Two Months." 

The target timelines under the express lane-programs are much shorter than the 2019 average turnaround time of six months for ID and 10 months for UM. 

Meanwhile, 150 patents will be granted an early publication with immediate substantive examination while 100 trademark applications will also be processed faster in line with IPOPHL's goal to further cut turnaround across all its processes. 

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña said the program will inspire, motivate and support more researchers, innovators, investors and markets, and eventually elevate the country's ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII). 

"This is really my dream, going up the rankings by way of IP registration," dela Peña said. 

To recall, UM fillings, which advanced in the 2020 GII to 8th from 15th, was identified as one of the highest drivers for the country’s overall gain this year. 

Aside from UM, another major driver to rankings were ID applications which leaped 38 spots to 33rd from 71st. The patent by origin indicator also edged up one step to 81st. 

"We need to encourage our innovators and startups to really pay attention to IP protection, especially in a pandemic that has accelerated technological trends and digital shifts. So this Superhighway is a very, very timely response to this need," the DOST chief added.### (Janina Lim, Media Relations Officer)