The Philippines highlighted major progress in curbing online piracy and strengthening cooperation with e-commerce platforms in its latest submission to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for the 2025 Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy Review.
In its report submitted on October 15, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said its digital enforcement initiatives and partnerships with online platforms are producing “tangible results” in combating counterfeiting and piracy in the digital space.
“Our results show that the Philippines continues to reap the fruits of strategic IP enforcement while cultivating respect for innovation and creativity,” said IPOPHL acting director general Nathaniel S. Arevalo.
IPOPHL said the country’s E-Commerce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has expanded from 43 to 108 signatories this year, reflecting growing cooperation among major platforms, brand owners, and government agencies.
Online marketplaces have tightened their verification and takedown systems, with Lazada removing 85.5% of infringing listings and Shopee achieving a 93.6% takedown rate.
IPOPHL reported a notable drop in repeat infringers, showing that coordinated enforcement between platforms and rights holders is working.
“Brand representatives have emphasized that these improvements stem from years of trust-building with platforms, resulting in faster takedowns and proactive action against counterfeiters,” Arevalo noted.
The MOU framework, first introduced in 2022, provides a voluntary mechanism for platforms to share data, adopt stricter seller verification, and remove counterfeit or pirated content without lengthy legal proceedings.
IPOPHL also cited early successes from its Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking, implemented in 2024, which allows the agency to order internet service providers to restrict access to piracy websites.
As of October 2025, about 30 websites hosting or distributing pirated films, TV shows, and software have been blocked under the program — a milestone that underscores the Philippines’ stronger stance against digital piracy.
The agency partnered with the GMA Network, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), and Globe for the “Piracy-Cybercrime Nexus” symposium, which explored how illegal streaming and download sites are increasingly linked to malware and data theft.
“Piracy has evolved into a cybercrime issue, not just an IP concern,” IPOPHL said in its report, noting that online piracy often exposes Filipino consumers to scams and data breaches.
The full implementation of the Internet Transactions Act (Republic Act 11967) this year also strengthened the government’s hand in regulating digital platforms, establishing accountability for online sellers and intermediaries.
Complementing this legal reform, the Department of Justice achieved a 98% disposition rate in IP-related cases in 2024, underscoring improved coordination among enforcement agencies and the judiciary.
Arevalo said IPOPHL remains committed to working with digital platforms and rights holders to ensure that the Philippines sustains its strong reputation in the USTR’s annual review.
“The country’s achievements in e-commerce cooperation and online piracy prevention reflect our collective resolve to make the digital economy safer and fairer for innovators and consumers alike,” he said.
The Philippines has remained off the USTR’s Special 301 Watch List for 12 consecutive years, though online markets continue to be closely monitored for recurring IP challenges.
