The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Jan. 26 to improve the country’s intellectual property (IP) system and support information and communications technology (ICT) innovation.
The agreement, signed in Quezon City, formalizes cooperation on several fronts, including training, research, technical support, and joint initiatives on intellectual property issues relating to emerging technologies. It aims to help both agencies respond to the challenges posed by digital transformation and modern ICT developments.
Under the MOU, DICT and IPOPHL plan to conduct seminars, workshops, and research collaborations that deepen the understanding of IP rights in the context of digital technologies and equip stakeholders with the tools to protect and commercialize their innovations.
The partnership also seeks to strengthen IPOPHL’s capacity to assess new and complex technologies — such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other digital applications — and to maintain the efficiency, timeliness, and quality of its patent services.
Acting IPOPHL director general Nathaniel Arevalo said the collaboration will give innovators greater certainty in moving their ideas forward.
“This collaboration will augment our knowledge of innovations and maintain IPOPHL’s record of efficiency, timeliness and quality in providing patent-related services, equipping innovators with the certainty needed to bring digital solutions from concept to deployment,” Arevalo said.
Officials from both agencies said the agreement aligns with broader government efforts to improve digital infrastructure and support the growth of the ICT sector.
