In the Philippines, intellectual property (IP) rights are governed by Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is the government agency responsible for administering and enforcing the IP Code.

The IP Code was enacted in 1997 to modernize the country’s IP laws, aligning them with international standards and fostering a strong IP system to promote innovation and national development.

Types of IP Protection

• Patents & Utility Models
• Trademarks & Service Marks
• Industrial Designs
• Copyright & Related Rights
• Geographical Indications (GIs)
• Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits
• Trade Secrets
• Plant Varieties

Main IP Legislation

• Overall Framework : Republic Act No. 8293 — Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (effective since 1998; amended by R.A. 10372 in 2013 and R.A. 11904 in 2022)
• Patents & Utility Models : Book IV of the IP Code
• Trademarks & Service Marks : Book III of the IP Code
• Industrial Designs : Book IV, Part II of the IP Code
• Copyright & Related Rights : Book IV of the IP Code (amended by R.A. 10372 and R.A.11904)
• Geographical Indications (GIs) : Covered under trademark law and administrative rules issued by IPOPHL
• Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits : Chapter XI of the IP Code
• Trade Secrets : Protected under the IP Code and Civil Code provisions on unfair competition
• Plant Varieties : Republic Act No. 9168 — Plant Variety Protection Act of 2002

Main IP Authority

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is the central government agency responsible for administering and enforcing intellectual property rights.

Web: www.ipophil.gov.ph