MANILA — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is ready to protect European brands and products as part of the Philippines - European Union Free Trade Agreement.
At a forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), IPOPHL Director General Teodoro Pascua said the agency can handle the potential arrival of more goods from Europe and protect the brands, copyrights, and intellectual property rights.
"The issue of counterfeiting and piracy is still there. So ano kung ano dadalhin nila dito, we really have to assure that it will maintain its integrity," Pascua said.
Beyond just the elimination of tariffs, the FTA also covers the assurance to protect intellectual property rights on both sides.
The EU earlier said that the mutual benefits of the PH-EU FTA include 'better protection of intellectual property rights, including for a commercially meaningful list of EU Geographical Indications.'
Pascua added that beyond physical products, they also monitor digital items or copyrighted content from abroad. IPOPHL has a lot of programs to combat counterfeit products- both physically and online.
He said the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights continues to do inspections in various sites like Greenhills in San Juan.
"Alam nung mga nagtitinda doon na they're being watched. And they know their days are numbered. Kaya we're encouraging them change yung material na tintinda niyo. Sell more of local, produce local goods," Pascua added.
Beyond protecting EU brands, Pascua said their initiatives also lead to the protection of Filipino products exported to Europe.
"We have to protect yung materials that are coming in from EU, US kasi at the end of the day it’s an exchange really- what protection we give, we can also ask it also from them," he added.
Pascua said IPOPHL has already passed its recommendations and replies to queries of the EU said. He hopes negotiations will end this year with a posdoble signing next year.
Kathyrin Pioquinto, ECCP Director for Advocacy & Government Affairs, said they support the move to push for IP reforms to benefit both the Philippines and EU.
She said, "Protect their ideas, strengthen their brands, commercialize innovation, and turn intellectual property into opportunities for growth. ECCP remains committed to be part of that work."