15 years of the IPC

01-08-2012

Ma. Consuelo Agno

The enactment of the Intellectual Property Code on June 6, 1997, was a landmark in the history of the IP system of the Philippines.

The 15th anniversary of the IPC was celebrated by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in June 2012. The IPC created IPOPHL to replace the Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Technology Transfer, and introduced important changes to the IP laws of the Philippines, such as the first-to-file rule. It also granted IPOPHL the authority to retain its revenues, making the office self-sufficient.

During the 15th anniversary celebrations, the director-general of IPOPHL presented its accomplishments to date.

From 1998 to 2004, steps were taken to shape the legal and administrative frameworks. Specifically, the implementing rules and regulations for patents, trademarks, utility model and industrial designs, voluntary licensing and inter partes proceedings were promulgated.


IPC, The Philippines, 15 years

WIPR