Some 554 intellectual property (IP) certificates were recently awarded to various Department of Science and Technology research and development institutes, state universities and colleges,high schools, and private inventors, a proof that Filipinos are becoming more aware of the need to claim ownership to their innovations and technologies.
The DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) awarded a total of 61 copyrights, 19 utility models, and one industrial design to DOST-attached agencies. In addition, 335 copyrights and 37 utility models were given to SUCs while 89 copyrights and one utility model were handed over to science and national high schools. Further, three copyrights and eight utility models were awarded to private inventors.
For the past decades, the DOST-TAPI has been assisting technology generators and inventors in securing IP protection through its IP Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP).
DOST-TAPI Director Edgar I. Garcia said that the event only proves that the stakeholders own their innovations and technologies by obtaining IP protection.
“We want those certificates to be of use as innovations in the industry and enterprise development or in your own businesses,” said Dir. Garcia.
He also said that commercialization of these protected technologies is the next step and that the Institute is very willing to assist them further.
“DOST-TAPI takes responsibility in the commercialization of these innovations which you have already generated,” added Dir. Garcia.
Subsequently, Atty. Lolibeth R. Medrano, director of the Bureau of Patents of the IPOPHL, said that they acknowledge DOST-TAPI’s support for IP protection and technology commercialization to the market through technical and financial assistance.
“I have recognized the critical role and the value of partnership with DOST-TAPI as among the most vital in developing a national culture of innovation and creativity,” said Medrano.
She added that IPOPHL looks forward to further partnership with DOST-TAPI.
Moreover, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, chief science research specialist of DOST-TAPI’s Invention Development Division informed the awardees and guests that through the IPRAP, the number of quality local patent filings has increased in recent years.
“From 2008 to 2018, the Institute has assisted more than 4,000 IP applications with our increasing targets of 1,000 IP applications filed per year,” said Decena.
The University of the Philippines Diliman, Capiz State University, and the DOST-TAPI received 65 copyrights, 36 copyrights and 23 utility models, and 40 copyright certificates, respectively.
Meanwhile, Polytechnic University of the Philippines received 212 copyright certificates, and Ruth O. Yanga, an inventor, received two utility model certificates.
DOST-TAPI patent agents, Caezar Angelito Arceo, Engr. Janeth Cruzada-Vidal, Engr. Roberto Verzosa, and Anna Liza B. Saet were also recognized for their efforts in working closely with the researchers and inventors to draft and file their technologies.
The Institute’s in-house patent agents have accumulated an estimated total savings of around PhP 1.8M from January 2017 to present.
Members of the Association of Patent Professionals, Inc. were present during the event, including Atty. Neptali Bulilan of Sapalo Velez Bundang and Bulilan Law Offices, Atty. Bayani Loste of Fortun Narvasa and Salazar Law Offices, and Atty. Editha Hechanova of Hechanova & Co., Inc.
These law firms and offices have been providing assistance to DOST-TAPI’s clients in the preparation of patent documents and prosecution of IP applications.
