Annual Technical Report on Industrial Design Information Activities in 2025 submitted by Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)

Please provide links to your website where the requested information can be found in English, French, or Spanish.  Alternately, you may provide text responses instead of URLs if desired.  If the information is not available on your website in an ATR language, then please provide text.

URLs in responses should meet the following requirements:

• Link to pages with information in English, Spanish, or French
• The URL will remain stable over time (at least three years, preferably more)
• Goes to the specific information requested, not to a general homepage
• If the URL goes to a long PDF document such as an annual report, please indicate which sections or pages contain relevant information.
• Provide additional instructions for using the URL if needed. For instance, if the page requires the user to login first, or if the requested information requires selecting certain options or filters on the page that can not be included in the URL. 

The term "industrial designs" covers industrial designs and models.

Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in this series of Annual Technical Reports.

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

Information on the following topics is desired:

• Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of industrial design information activities and expected time frames for their realization

In 2025, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) revised its Manual for Patent Examination Practice which reflected the revisions for 2022 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations such as filing date requirements and formality requirements. For the examination of Industrial Design, the 2025 MPEP incorporated examination approach of emerging designs and the process evaluating novelty in view of an ordinary observer and circumspect observer.

As to address the use of artificial intelligence and inventions relating therein, IPOPHL established the Examination Guidelines of Inventions, Utility Model, and Industrial Design Applications Relating to Artificial Intelligence (2025 AI Guidelines). The AI Guidelines was established to assist examiners and stakeholders in relation to inventorship and approach in industrial designs which may involving the assistance of artificial intelligence.

The examination guidelines may be accessed here in this link: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/services/patent-examination-guidelines/

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has completed the necessary legal and preparatory work and submitted the Draft Declaration for Accession to the Hague Agreement for the Registration of Industrial Design (ID) in 2025 to the Department of Foreign Affairs for review.

As for the 2024 Riyadh Design Law Treaty, commencement of preparatory works for possible ratification is started and is currently in the pipeline in the future.

• New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies(plans) mentioned above, short description:  aims, partners, tasks

IPOPHL has resumed the following projects specifically beneficial to the design sector:

1. Juana Design Program: This flagship initiative is designed to empower and incentivize women creators by providing financial assistance and technical support for filing their industrial designs. It directly addresses the gender gap in the IP system and encourages more women to protect their creative output.

https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/juana-patent-and-juana-design-protection-incentive-program/

1. Youth Intellectual Property Incentive (YIPI) Program: Aimed at the next generation of creators, this program offers incentives to students and young designers, making it easier for them to file for ID protection for their innovative projects and school-based work.
2. Greentech Incentive Program: This initiative aims to stimulate ingenuity and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable future by encouraging inventors, researchers, and businesses to pursue patent protection for their groundbreaking green inventions.
3. Partnerships with Design Institutions: IPOPHL actively collaborates with design schools, creative hubs, and industry associations to conduct workshops on the strategic use of ID rights and to integrate IP education into design curricula.

• Main areas of industrial design information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year

1. Continuation of the Digitization of ID applications

IPOPHL has already completed the digitization project covering 10,333 industrial design (ID) applications in 2024. This includes the uploading of digital representation of drawings to the system and their bibliographic data. Such digitization of ID applications is still being continued for the current applications.

      2.  Centralized Monitoring for Examiners

Aside from digitization, the IPOPHL has started developing a centralized monitoring system for patents and industrial applications for examiners. The monitoring system aims to help examiners to manage their deadlines and workloads.

• Statistics:  changes in terms of application filings and grants (registrations) with respect to previous year;  trends or areas experiencing rapid changes

The filings for industrial applications have consistently increased for the past five years. In 2025, there was a significant increase of 30% in filings from 2024. The increase can be attributed to consistent implementation of programs for local awareness and capacity buildings sessions for industry partners and universities as evidenced by the 46.4% increase of filings from residents from 2024.

As for registrations, 76.5% of total filings were registered in 2025, not far from the usual percentage of registered applications for the past five years.

• Other matters and useful links (URLs):  annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc.

1. Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Official Website: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/
2. IPOPHL News Page and Press Releases: For the latest updates and press releases: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/updates/news/ or   https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/updates/press-releases/
3. IPOPHL Transparency Page: For access to annual reports and performance indicators: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/transparency/
4. IPOPHL E-Gazette: For published industrial designs and other IP filings: https://onlineservices.ipophil.gov.ph/patgazette/
5. IPOPHL Published Patent, UM & ID Applications for Community Review: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/published-patent-um-id-applications-for-community-review/

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

Information on the following topics is desired:

• Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) – URLs

On 01 September 2020, IPOPHL implemented that all filings, submissions, and payments shall be made online through IPOPHL’s online portal: https://onlineservices.ipophil.gov.ph/eIDFile/

Further information provided in the IPOPHL website that is accessible to the public or stakeholders ranges from overview of what an industrial design is, term of protection, step-by-step video instruction on how to file and basic procedure from filing to examination, relevant fees, and search database can be found herein. The link can be found herehttps://www.ipophil.gov.ph/services/industrial-design/.

Aside from online filing platform, the IPOPHL also provides e-correspondence (ECORR), a platform for transmission of communications and Office Actions to the Applicant online to enable the applicants or their representatives to receive Office Actions in their respective registered email addresses resulting to a more expeditious prosecution of registration and drafting of responses.

Electronic certificates have been issued for registered industrial design since March 2022. 

The links to the information on industrial design:

1. Industrial Design Search: https://wipopublish.ipophil.gov.ph/wopublish-search/public/designs;jsessionid=EB03ED60D3A6316F3F9C85833E05147A?0
2. Specific step-by-step instructions for filing: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/industrial-design-filing/
3. Schedule of fees: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/services/schedule-of-fees/utility-model-industrial-design/
4. Application Process (Overview): https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/services/industrial-design/industrial-design-registration-process-overview/
5. 2022 Interim Examination Guidelines on Novelty: https://ipophlgov-my.sharepoint.com/personal/webmaster_ipophl_gov_ph/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fwebmaster%5Fipophl%5Fgov%5Fph%2FDocuments%2FWP%2DIPOPHL%2FSERVICES%2FFORMS%2FDesign%2FIDED%20INTERIM%20GUIDELINES%20IN%20NOVELTY%20EXAMINATION%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fwebmaster%5Fipophl%5Fgov%5Fph%2FDocuments%2FWP%2DIPOPHL%2FSERVICES%2FFORMS%2FDesign&ga=1
6. FAQs: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/help-and-support/industrial-design/

• Availability of the application dossier in electronic form

The bibliographic information on the industrial application is published on the IPOPHL E-Gazette.

URL: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/reference/notice-of-publication/

• Classification and reclassification activities;  classification system used, e.g., International Classification for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification), other classification

IPOPHL has been using the International Classification for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification).

• Other activities

Nothing in particular

III. SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

• Main types of publications in the field of industrial design information, outline of the content (industrial design applications, design patents, registrations, etc.) and medium (on paper, on CDs, online – URLs)

1. Publication of industrial design is done via Official Gazette.
2. Information relating to e-filing, seminars, public consultations are found in the IPOPHL website: IPOPHL | Intellectual Property Office of the Philippine

• Official Gazettes:  main types of announcements, frequency of publication, medium (on paper, on CDs, online – (URL), etc.

IPOPHL’s Official Gazette is accessible only in online format and can be accessed through this URL. In the e-Gazette, IPOPHL publishes information and announcements in volumes three (3) times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).  IPOPHL e-Gazette: https://onlineservices.ipophil.gov.ph/patgazette/

The following announcements and information available in the e-Gazette for Industrial Design are as follows:

1. List of first publications Industrial Designs and Bibliographic information of such ID application
2. Registered Industrial Designs Under R.A. 8293
3. List of expired industrial applications
4. List of industrial applications for first and second renewals of terms
5. Certificate of Corrections for Industrial Design Applications

• Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) available to examiners, including external documentation and databases

Examiners and ID stakeholders may conduct prior design searches through the ff:

1. ASEAN DESIGNVIEW
2. GLOBAL DESIGN DATABASE-WIPO
3. J-PlatPat
4. AUSPAT
5. CIPO
6. DESIGNVIEW (OHIM)
7. ESPACENET
8. Google / Google Patents
9. Online selling platforms and social networking sites
10. WIPO Publish

• https://wipopublish.ipophil.gov.ph/wopublish-search/public/designs
• Published 1960 – current

• Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) and services available to external users;  conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)

1. WIPO Publish and IPOPHL e-Gazette may be accessed for external users – free of charge
2. Published Patent, UM & ID applications for community review: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/published-patent-um-id-applications-for-community-review/

Industrial Design Applications that have been published and are identified as subjects for Community Review and are submitted to specific industry partners or concerned community or any third party for the purposes of possible submission of Adverse Information. The information sent to the third party contained details of the subject application (application number, applicant, & title).

• Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)

Applicants may access legal status of an industrial application in the WIPO Publish (Pending, Denied, Registered).

As for examiners, the access of legal information may be accessed using WIPO IPAS 3.6.1

• Other sources 

Nothing in particular

IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 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

WIPO Intellectual Property Administration System (WIPO IPAS). The WIPO IPAS is a system developed by WIPO which serves as the core system in IP filing and application. The IPOPHL currently uses version 3.6.1 to support the end-to-end processing of patent and industrial design applications.

The IPOPHL uses business intelligence and data analytics software to provide support data driven decision making and better appreciate trends in application.

1. Microsoft’s Office Suite is used for creation and editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentation decks.
2. WIPO Publish supports the patent search tool for published applications
3. e-Gazette supports the publication of applications integrated to WIPO IPAS
4. eID file supports the online filing of industrial design applications integrated into WIPO IPAS
5. eDoc Patents supports the online filing of subsequent communication, e.g responses, requests, annual fees, etc. for patents and industrial applications
6. eCorrespondence supports the electronic sending of communications/correspondence to applicants/filers/representatives
7. Internal Statistics supports the monitoring of information concerning examiner’s performance, number of filings/grants, etc.
8. eFull Doc Patents supports the preparation of final patent documents upon publication or grant of patent applications
9. eCertificate supports the issuance of electronic copy of Patent Certificate with a verifiable QR Code

• Hardware used to supporting business processes of the Office

IPOPHL mainly uses servers, network devices, PCs for business use etc. Specifically, the hardware used by IPOPHL are:

1. Desktop, laptop computers
2. Smart phone and tablet computers
3. Printing equipment
4. Document scanners
5. Standard network infrastructure for internet connectivity

• Internal databases:  coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources

Examiners use WIPO IPAS 3.6.1 not only for monitoring of ID applications but also for internal search of published ID applications in the Philippines for purposes of establishment of Registrability Reports and in cases of Adverse Information.

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

PH Design Bibliographic Data and Description with Representative Drawings are available electronically and may be searched on IPOPHL WIPO Publish (Industrial Design). 

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

IPOPHL uses third-party software such as ASP Report maker to generate statistics of ID filings, registrations, and examiner’s load.

For further software for administration, the IPOPHL employs the use of NGAS Financials, FMS Fee Management System, etc

• Other matters 
• IP Help & Support: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/help-and-support/

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

Information on the following topics is desired:

• Office’s library (if deals with industrial design information): equipment, collection management, network of libraries in the country, cooperation with foreign libraries

Establishment of patent libraries within ITSOs has been an ongoing commitment and is reflected in the ITSO clustering guidelines. As reported, nine patent libraries were established.

• Publications related to different business procedures and industrial design information sources available to users, for example, books, brochures, Internet publications, etc.

The IPOPHL publishes promotional events on different online social platforms such as facebook, tiktok, X, and the likes. Similarly, news and events can also be simultaneously seen on the IPOPHL website.  

• Cooperation with universities, technology and innovation support centers, etc.

IPOPHL continuously conducts patent-related training and industrial design training such as overview of patent, utility model, and industrial design and patent and industrial design information search paper for academic institutions (ITSOs and non-ITSOs), RDIs, MSMEs, startups, and relevant government agencies.

• Education and training:  training courses, e learning modules (URLs), seminars, exhibitions, etc.

Industrial Design FAQs (IPOPHL Website) https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/help-and-support/industrial-design/

a.  IP Learning Programs (iLEAP) 

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) continues to deliver intellectual property (IP) learning programs through free webinars for the general public. Previously called iLEAP IP, iLEAP Plus has expanded offerings with the aim to make the intellectual property (IP) system easier to understand and to provide useful information on IP registration and maintenance. Each session focuses on one IP right with the aim to help participants to understand the different IPRs and how to have their IP assets registered with the IPOPHL. https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/ileap-ip/

b. IP Boost Camp

 The IP Boost Camp is a FREE comprehensive 5-day training program that provides an opportunity for undergraduate students and law students to acquire a deeper knowledge of IP and other IP-related areas. The IP Boost Camp targets this audience to better prepare them in their respective career by boosting their competence and confidence on IP. https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/ip-boost-camp/

c. IP Roadshow

The IP Roadshow is a short training program on intellectual property (overview of the IP system, patents, industrial design, utility model, trademark, and copyright and related rights), as well as an advocacy campaign on the enforcement of IP in order to build respect for intellectual property rights. The IP Roadshow shall visit universities, colleges, and relevant institutes/agencies to conduct a short seminar on IP for 100-250 students per leg. Aside from the theoretical lectures, IP Roadshow also includes fun activities such as games, video presentations, and other interactive activities. https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/ip-academy/ip-roadshow/

d. Innovation Technology Support Offices (Regional Centers)

 IPOPHL, in recent years, developed a network of 100 ITSOs composed of higher education and research development institutions. This program seeks to foster creation of intellectual property (IP) in the academe and research sectors, particularly in invention and utility models, to increase the national innovative output and to push the presence of Filipino inventions in the international patent system. Likewise, it is setup to strengthen support for our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the ITSOs extend technical assistance to MSMEs and local inventors as regards trademark and patent searches as well as drafting of patent, utility model, and industrial design documents. https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/innovation-technology-support-office-itso/

e. Intellectual Property Satellite Offices (IPSOs)

 The IPOPHL recognizes that effectively harnessing the intellectual property system towards economic development is a coordinated, nationwide undertaking. To extend its services and capture IP creators outside of Metro Manila, IPOPHL maintains a network of Intellectual Property Satellite Offices (IPSOs) throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, housed in Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offices. The IPSO personnel for each region conduct their own IP dissemination activities and patent/design drafting seminars around the country. https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/intellectual-property-satellite-office-ipso-2/

f. Juana Patent and Juana Design Protection 

The JUANA PATENT and JUANA DESIGN PROTECTION (JPIP) is an incentive program that advances government's initiative to boost women, MSME and startup innovativeness and competitiveness. The program will waive certain fees in favor of 50 inventions, 150 utility models and 150 industrial designs that are qualified. Beneficiaries will also enjoy prioritized and fast-tracked processing of their applications under the JPIP. In the selection process, the individual, MSME or start-up must pass a set of criteria to benefit from the program. For availment of the incentive package, the applications must be filed at IPOPHL, through its headquarters or its Intellectual Property Satellite Offices (IPSOs) in the regions. https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/juana-patent-and-juana-design-protection-incentive-program/

g. Capacity Building for IP Professionals

 Examiners and officials regularly serve as resource speakers and facilitators for key learning programs such as the IPOPHL Summer School, and the Patent Attorneys Training Course (PATC). Through these programs, participants gain foundational and advanced understanding of the Philippine patent system (invention, utility models and industrial designs), including filing requirements, substantive examination procedures, patent search tools, and legal frameworks. These activities help build a pipeline of qualified patent professionals in the country.

• Other activities 

Nothing in particular

VI.INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Information on the following topics is desired:

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

Acquisition of software for streamlining the data update process for Industrial Design information on WIPO Publish.

• Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to industrial design information

a. Chair of the ASEAN Industrial Design Task Force (IDTF) meeting

The Philippines, through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) was the Chair of the ASEAN ID Task Force activities to ensure the implementation of AWGIPC's deliverables such as digitization activities, backlog reduction, common guidelines, and harmonization of registration process. The Philippines also participates in EU-ARISE ASEAN Design Convergence Network Meeting which aims to improve ASEAN design services by identifying similarities and differences in industrial design practices among ASEAN member states, as well as to strengthen the efficiency of ASEAN intellectual property (IP) Offices through the convergence of design practices.  

b. The Philippines, through IPOPHL, participated in the 7th meeting of the ASEAN Industrial Design Task Force (IDTF)

• Assistance to developing countries

Nothing in particular

• Other activities 

Nothing in particular

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

Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values: 

• "Fully implemented"
• “Partially implemented”
• "On implementation phase"
• "Planning to implement"
• “On assessment phase” 
• "No plan to implement"

Implementation Status Definitions

"Fully implemented" 

The WIPO Standard has been implemented in a manner compliant or compatible with the Standard.

"Partially implemented" 

The WIPO Standard has been implemented in part.  The Office practice aligns with some, but not all, requirements of the Standard.

"On implementation phase"

The decision to implement the WIPO Standard has been made and it is currently being deployed, configured, or integrated into systems and workflows.

"Planning to implement"

The decision to implement the WIPO Standard has been made;  planning activities (resource allocation, timeline development, technical design) are underway before actual implementation begins.

"On assessment phase"

The WIPO Standard is under active evaluation to determine its feasibility, technical requirements, costs, benefits, and alignment with organizational needs before making an implementation decision.

"No plan to implement"

The WIPO Standard has been reviewed and there is currently no intention or plan to implement it.

WIPO Standard ST.2:  Standard manner for designating calendar dates by using the Gregorian calendar

• Implemented

WIPO Standard ST.3:  Recommended standard on two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and intergovernmental organizations

• Implemented

WIPO Standard ST.13:  Recommendation for the numbering of applications for industrial property rights (IPRs)

• Implemented

WIPO Standard ST.80:  Recommendation concerning bibliographic data relating to industrial designs

• Implemented

WIPO Standard ST.81:  Recommendation concerning the content and layout of industrial design gazettes

• Implemented

WIPO Standard ST.86:  Recommendation for the processing of industrial design information using XML (extensible markup language)

• Planning to implement

WIPO Standard ST.87:  Recommendation for the exchange of industrial design legal status data

• No plan to implement

WIPO Standard ST.88:  Recommendations for electronic representation of industrial designs

• Implemented

WIPO Standard ST.90:  Recommendation for processing and communicating intellectual property data using web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

• No plan to implement

WIPO Standard ST.91:  Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images

• No plan to implement

WIPO Standard ST.92:  Recommendations on the data package format for the electronic exchange of priority documents

• No plan to implement

WIPO Standard ST.96:  Recommendation for the processing of intellectual property information using XML (extensible markup language)

• Planning to implement

WIPO Standard ST.97:  Recommendation for processing of intellectual property data using JSON

• No plan to implement

VIII. OTHER RELATED MATTERS

Nothing in particular.