Phl dubbed ‘ASEAN champion in IPR enforcement’

MANILA, October 24 (PIA)– The efforts of government and the private sectors to address and fight counterfeiting and piracy in the country is finally gaining recognition in international circles as groups from abroad and non-governmental organizations have dubbed the Philippines as the ASEAN champion in intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement.

In May 2011, the Philippines was removed from the Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) of the US Trade Representative (USTR).

The USTR acknowledged the progress in enforcement efforts and the passage of legislation against unauthorized camcording of motion pictures in theaters.

Director general Ricardo R. Blancaflor of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) was pleased with the announcement and stated that, “we are only one step away from being removed completely from the USTR watch list of countries that fail to adequately protect intellectual property rights (IPRs).”

The removal of the country from the OCR was the result of the government’s implementation of a holistic approach, as spearheaded by IPOPHL.

The approach recognizes that effective enforcement is only one component of IPR management; there is creation, utilization, protection, commercialization, to enforcement. The sustained support and cooperation of stakeholders are essential to creating a strong, balanced, and viable intellectual property system.

Blancaflor said that this approach is the core of the IPOPHIL action plan on IPR Protection and Enforcement, and rests on the following six major pillars: 1) effective enforcement; 2) heightened public education and awareness; 3) speedy and quality disposition of IPR cases and effective IPR dispute resolution mechanisms; 4) strong legal and policy environment that safeguards IP protection and supports enforcement; 5) institution and capacity building of relevant government institutions and private organizations toward an IPR regime; and 6) sustained international partnership and cooperation.

Blancaflor said that in light of these enforcement programs, brand owners are optimistic about the outlook of the retail trade in the country. Both local and foreign businesses are more confident to expand their operations in the Philippines since their intellectual property rights can be adequately protected.

“In fact, Louis Vuitton, one of the most prominent international luxury brands, is opening a bigger store to increase their presence in the local market. This signifies their confidence in the government’s ability to address intellectual property rights issues,” Blancaflor added in a news release posted on the DTI website.

Relative to this, the IPOPHL, in cooperation with the other members of the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), launched today the 1st Philippine Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Summit during the IPR Week from 24-28 October 2011.

The Summit aims to increase public education and awareness on the importance of intellectual property rights and the serious effects of counterfeiting and piracy.

Heads and key enforcement officers of the member agencies of the NCIPR, relevant government agencies, brand owners, and IP stakeholders are expected to participate in the celebration.

The focus of this year’s activities is the convergence of government and private sectors’ efforts to address and fight counterfeiting and piracy in the country. (DTI/RJB/SDL-PIA NCR)