Annual Technical Report on Trademark Information Activities in 2024 submitted by Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. 

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADEMARK INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

In response to the evolving intellectual property landscape, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has been actively advancing its trademark information activities through intensified awareness campaigns and the enhancement of the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Program, which has significantly boosted filings from academic institutions.

Numerous significant projects have been initiated to help achieve these objectives. The First Philippine Trademark Rights Conference 2024 (TM Con Philippines) was a historic event that brought together stakeholders to discuss new trends in trademark registration, enforcement, and commercialization. In order to improve the quality of IP services, IPOPHL has released new guidelines for the formal recognition of patent and trademark agents. Further, the implementation of the Madrid e-Filing system demonstrates a significant emphasis on harnessing information and communication technologies to promote efficiency and accessibility. Other significant initiatives include new legislation for better protection of well-known marks and the implementation of the RAPID Rules to speed up the resolution of certain IP violation cases.

Statistically, trademark filings increased by 5% in 2024 to 44,216 from 41,978 the previous year. Pharmaceuticals, health, and cosmetics were the most common category industries for trademarks filed, followed by agricultural products and services and scientific research and information and communications technology. Moreover, the trademark registrations also increased by 3% to 31,869 from 30,866 from the previous year. This data demonstrates an increasing awareness of the significance of trademark protection in the Philippines.

For more detailed information, the official IPOPHL website serves as the main portal for news, updates, and access to e-services. The site's transparency page contains annual reports and other publications that provide deeper insights into the office's activities and performance.

Useful Links:

• IPOPHL News: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/news/
• IPOPHL Transparency (for Annual Reports and other official documents): https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/transparency/
• Philippine Trademark Conference 2024: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/tmconph2024/
• Launch of the Madrid e-Filing: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/news/ipophl-unveils-madrid-e-filing-empowering-ph-trademarks-for-global-reach/

 Trademark Statistics:

II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TRADEMARK INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

IPOPHL offers a comprehensive suite of services and activities designed to support individuals and businesses in protecting their valuable trademarks. From initial filing to ongoing management, the IPOPHL has embraced digital solutions to streamline processes and enhance accessibility for all applicants.

Information relating to e-filing, seminars, public consultations are found in the IPOPHL website www.ipophil.gov.ph

For online filing information: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/online-filing/

 FAQs: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/help-and-support/

The IPOPHL adheres to internationally recognized standards for the classification of goods and services below. This ensures that trademark applications are categorized in a consistent and logical manner, facilitating searching and examination.

The IPOPHL Bureau of Trademarks uses the following:            

                    NICE Classification:

WIPO NICE Classification: https://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/nclpub/en/fr/

Madrid Goods and Services Manager (MGS): https://webaccess.wipo.int/mgs/

ASEAN TM Class: http://www.asean-tmclass.org/ec2/

USPTO: https://idm-tmng.uspto.gov/id-master-list-public.html

EUIPO TM Class: http://euipo.europa.eu/ec2/

                     Vienna Classification:

 WIPO Vienna Classification: https://nivilo.wipo.int/vienna9/index.htm?lang=EN

WIPO Vienna Classification Assistant: https://vienna-assistant.branddb.wipo.int/

The IPOPHL has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by establishing clear guidelines for the registration of non-traditional trademarks. Recognizing that brand identity can extend beyond words and logos, information as to non-traditional marks are found in the Philippine Trademark Regulations which can be accessed on this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kfczZkVpKiWuFiRSgG5OIlAKvYvRXsB9/view

III. SOURCES OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

IPOPHL has largely digitized its sources of trademark information, prioritizing online access for timeliness and broad availability. The main publications and sources of trademark information are outlined below.

• Online (website)
  • https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/intellectual-property-code-implementing-rules-and-regulations
  • https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/trademark/madrid-protocol/
  • https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/trademark/examination-guidelines/
  • https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/help-and-support/trademark/
  • Amended Madrid Regulations: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ReWiISTmJAYhlsDUX5_4l2Rdz6NtvpC/view

IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TRADEMARK INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office:  general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements

• Industrial Property Administration System (IPAS)
  • The Industrial Property Administration System (IPAS) serves as the primary software used by the Office to administer trademark applications, encompassing the entire process from filing, examination, publication, registration, to post-registration activities. It facilitates end-to-end online processing, thus streamlining workflows and improving efficiency. A key advantage of IPAS is its capacity to support remote working arrangements, enabling examiners and staff to access and process trademark files securely off-site. A possible area for improvement is to minimize system lags and unplanned downtimes, as well as to consider upgrading to a more advanced version of IPAS to leverage enhanced functionalities and better system stability.
• eTM File
  • The eTM File is an electronic trademark application management system that digitizes and centralizes trademark application process, enabling the complete online processing of trademark applications and payments. Its main advantage is the significant reduction of manual processing and reliance on physical files, which minimizes errors from manual data encoding and accelerates the overall trademark application process. Potential improvements include upgrading its search capabilities to support more intuitive and advanced filtering, and integrating AI-driven tools for automated search, classification, and detection of data inconsistencies.
• eDoc File
  • The eDoc File is an electronic document filing system used by the Office to manage all incoming requests, responses, and supporting documents related to trademark applications. Its key benefits include enhanced document traceability and a significant reduction in manual handling and receipt of physical documents. Future improvements could include enabling the single processing of multiple requests within the same application, further streamlining administrative workflows.
• eCorr
  • The eCorr system is an electronic correspondence platform that enables the Office to issue and manage official communications with applicants, agents, and other stakeholders in a secure and systematic manner. It supports electronic notifications, acknowledgments, and tracking of outgoing communications via email. This contributes to faster delivery times and greater transparency in the communication process. A recommended improvement is to incorporate more robust notification features, such as SMS or mobile push alerts, and to develop a user dashboard for better tracking of correspondence histories.
• IPOPHL uses business intelligence and data analytics software to provide support for data-driven decision making and better appreciate trends in application.
• As with most offices, the IPOPHL uses Microsoft’s office suite to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentation decks.

Hardware used to supporting business processes of the Office.

• Desktop, laptop computers
• Smart phone and tablet computers
• Printing equipment
• Document scanners
• Standard network infrastructure for internet connectivity

Internal databases:  coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources

• IP Databases for Patents, UM, ID, Trademarks and Copyrights.
• The IPOPHL internal trademark database maintains comprehensive records of all trademark applications and registrations filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). Its coverage includes bibliographic data, images of marks, goods and services classifications and specifications, status updates, and history of transactions from filing through registration, renewal, and other post-registration actions. The database is updated on a daily basis, ensuring that the information reflects the current status of trademarks and any official actions taken.

Additionally, the Philippine trademark database is interlinked with external platforms such as the ASEAN TMview, WIPO’s Global Brand Database, WIPO Publish, and Madrid Monitor. These connections allow for broader regional and international visibility of Philippine trademarks and facilitate comparative searches across multiple jurisdictions, thereby enhancing the capacity for prior rights examinations, searches, and helping rights holders monitor their marks.

Establishment and maintenance of electronic search file:  file building, updating, storage, documents from other offices included in the search file

• Search tools developed by WIPO

Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)

• Software for Administration: NGAS Financials, FMS Fee Management System, etc.

Other matters

• IP Statistics: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/reference/statistics/
• IP Help & Support: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/help-and-support/

V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION

Information on the following topics is desired:

IPOPHL’ Documentation, Information, and Technology Transfer Bureau (DITTB) held 320 Basic Orientation Seminars, 47 Capacity Building activities for DTI Negosyo center business counselors and frontliners, 4536 LGUs and MSMEs were capacitated, and 6607 clients were assisted via info desk and chatbot.

IPOPHL’s Bureau of Trademarks (BOT) conducts regular retooling workshops for our stakeholders (lawyers, paralegals/agents, trademark filers/registrants, IPOPHL CSR agents) covering topics related to 1) etools used in the trademark examination and trademark filing including the use of the recently launched Madrid e-Filing and ASEAN IP Register; 2) trademark laws and regulations including the Philippine Madrid Regulations; and 3) examination procedures.  The Bureau also introduced a new training workshop for stakeholders focusing on laws and rules related to the Declaration of Actual Use.

The examiners in the IPOPHL BOT also serve as resource persons for information dissemination activities initiated by other Bureaus such as the IP Academy and the DITTB.  They also participate in industry-focused IP-clinic activities to provide one-on-one consultation with stakeholders.

The Bureau is also active in establishing connections with other government agencies and organizations for the promotion of trademark registration focusing on the country’s MSMEs.  It actively solicits the participation of LGUs, cooperatives, and other pertinent associations in its geographical indication information campaign activities. 

Information about the programs and projects on trademarks can be found in the IPOPHL website.  The contents are regularly updated according to the recurring issues or questions raised by the stakeholders.

VI. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION

Information on the following topics is desired:

• International exchange of trademark information in machine-readable form (e.g., Official Gazettes)

The IPOPHL Bureau of Trademarks utilizes the following online trademark database/information systems: WIPO Global Brand Database (Global Brand Database (wipo.int) , WIPO Publish (WIPO Publish (ipophil.gov.ph), ASEAN TM View (Global Brand Database (asean-tmview.org), and Madrid Monitor for international registrations under the Madrid Protocol .

• ASEAN IP REGISTER

https://ip-register.aseanip.org/wopublish-search/public/trademarks?1&query=*:*

VII. ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WIPO STANDARDS CONCERNING TRADEMARK INFORMATION

VIII. OTHER RELATED MATTERS