The Intellectual Property Satellite Office (IPSO) - Cebu recently opened at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas Office to cater to entrepreneurs and IP generators in the Visayas who want to protect their intellectual creations for business benefits.
In cooperation with DTI, the IPSO Project is part of IP Philippines' strategic move to promote intellectual property such as patent or invention, utility model, industrial design, trademark and copyright as a strategic tool for business success.
At present, the IPSO in Cebu only accepts applications for trademarks and patents including utility models and industrial designs, IP Philippines' IPSO Area Manager for Visayas Cecilio M. Fernandez said.
Fernandez explained that his Office's initial assessment of the response of businessmen in the Visayas towards the Project indicates a positive feedback as reflected in the increasing trend of IP filings in the region, and that all IP documents will still be processed at the IP Philippines Head Office in Manila.
Processing time for trademarks is within 4 to 6 months if all requirements are met; while that of patents is within an average of about 4 ½ years which is good enough based on IPOs' international standards, and that of utility models and industrial designs is within an average of about 9 months, Fernandez added.
Fernandez underscored that the primary goals of the IPSO Project are to bring IP Philippines' services to the countryside and to build an IP inspired culture of innovation and creativity that will bring about countryside and national development.
With Cebu and Davao IP Satellite Offices launched, IP Philippines will likewise launch its satellite offices in Luzon where the bulk of applicants are also based.
To encourage entrepreneurs' adherence to IP creation, IP Philippines has provided seminar workshops, promotional information campaign, partnership and networking collaboration and commercialization assistance.
Recently, IP Philippines conducted a seminar on strategic management and use of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Cebu City.
Experts from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provided the necessary expertise and experience.
During a break in the seminar, the Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares; Cebu Fashion Accessories, Manufacturers and Exporters; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cebu Furniture Industry Foundation and Association of Negros Producers signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IP Philippines in support of intellectual property rights and the IPSO project.
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