29/07/2024
๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ
A seminar on Intellectual Property (IP) Rights was conducted with the aim of enhancing awareness and understanding of the IP system among stakeholders. The event was organized by the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) - Maguindanao, and took place on July 23, 2024 at EM Manor Convention Center, Cotabato City.
The seminar gathered 124 participants representing various sectors, including MSMEs, local artists, entrepreneurs, LGUs from Maguindanao Del Norte and Maguindanao Del Sur. The diverse composition of the audience enriched the discussions and facilitated knowledge sharing.
The activity commenced with a welcome address delivered by Romeo N. Diocolaรฑo, Provincial Director of the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) Maguindanao. In his speech, Director Diocolaรฑo emphasized the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in driving innovation, economic growth, and development in the province. He also highlighted the MTIT's commitment to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs in protecting their intellectual assets.
Engr. Abdulrakman K. Asim, Director General of the Ministry of Science and Technology โ BARMM, urges Bangsamoro residents to harness their innovative potential and safeguard their intellectual property. He emphasizes the crucial role of registering new technologies and ideas in driving the region's progress and fostering a strong Bangsamoro identity.
IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba emphasizes the power of intellectual property (IP) in uplifting communities. He highlights the REAP IP initiative as a crucial step in empowering local governments to safeguard IP rights and stimulate economic growth. By effectively utilizing IP, LGUs can foster innovation, create jobs, and enhance their competitiveness. Barba also underscores the importance of the new geographical indications (GI) rules in protecting unique local products.
Following the welcome messages, Ralph Jarvis H. Alindogan, JD, Director IV-DITTB, provided a comprehensive overview of the intellectual property system. His presentation covered the fundamental concepts of IP, its significance in the global marketplace, and the role of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in safeguarding intellectual property rights.
Engr. Maria Conception Zabala, IP Rights Specialist III, IPBSDO-DITTB, provided an in-depth discussion on patents, utility models, and industrial designs. Her presentation covered the criteria for patentability, the application process, and the rights and obligations of patent owners.
Ms. Emmelina C. Masanque, Information Officer IV, IPMCD-DITTB, discussed the importance of trademarks in brand protection and the concept of geographical indications. She provided practical examples of successful trademark registrations and the benefits of obtaining geographical indication status.
Atty. Emerson G. Cuyo, Director IV-BCRR, and Ms. Josephine J. Santiago, IPOPHL Program & Services Information Officer II, IPMCD-DITTB, jointly presented on copyright protection. Their session covered the types of works protected by copyright, the duration of copyright, infringement issues, and the copyright registration process.
To enhance practical application, Engr. Jessel Peneyra Original-Cofleros, IPROD-Gensan, DITTB, conducted hands-on workshops on trademark search tools and trademark online filing. Participants were guided through the step-by-step process of conducting comprehensive trademark searches and initiating the trademark application process. Additionally, Engr. Peneyra provided insights into the copyright application process.
The program concluded with inspiring closing remarks from Hussein B. Biruar, Director of the Bureau of Trade in Industry. Director Biruar emphasized the crucial role of IP protection in driving innovation and competitiveness. He encouraged participants to leverage the acquired knowledge to protect their intellectual assets and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
