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DOST-IMPROVE: Strengthening the IP Protection for DOST-Funded Technologies

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Published: 03 January 2023

By Princess Joy T. Garcia

The Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) conducted a Basic Intellectual Property (IP) Enforcement Training for DOST Personnel.

DOST-IMPROVE: Strengthening the IP Protection for DOST-Funded Technologies

Bicutan, Taguig | The Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) conducted a Basic Intellectual Property (IP) Enforcement Training for DOST Personnel last December 15 to 16, 2022.

This is the first among a series of capacity building activities under the DOST-IP Management and Protection of Rights or Ownership against  Violations and Encroachment (DOST-IMPROVE) Project which aims to benchmark and develop the in-house capability of DOST-TAPI in the protection and enforcement of the IPRs and Ownership of DOST on its funded technologies and ensure that the technology transfer efforts are protected against infringements or attacks of technology peddlers and trolls. 

These capacity-building activities aim to help RDIs and technology owners identify possible infringement issues or IP violations on DOST-Funded technologies and consequently will be protected to preserve and increase their monetary value.

The DOST has consistently maintained its efforts to manage IP for its funded technologies in the past ten years. However, at the same time, it encountered significant roadblocks because it was challenging to process the freedom to operate and some infringement issues.

With the current difficulties in enforcing proper actions against IP violations and infringement difficulties, the focus is now on strengthening the protection of all  DOST-research products, which were refined over the years from conceptualization to commercialization.

Republic Act No. (R.A.) 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, was signed into law to protect and secure the exclusive rights of gifted citizens to their IP and creations, and enhance the enforcement of IP rights (IPRs) in the Philippines.

Atty. Marion Ivy Decena, DOST-TAPI Director and DOST-IMPROVE Project Leader, in her message during the Basic IP Enforcement Training said that “it is important to take note that the primary objective of this project is to capacitate interested DOST offices, officers, and personnel and NOT to file infringement cases or engage in litigation haphazardly.”

On a final note, protecting one’s IP means protecting what’s his or hers: one’s time, money, and the effort put into the inventions, ideas, or business. Without the protection of these, one will not be able to fully benefit from one’s work. Hence, one must invest in his or her treasures wisely so that their value won’t be lost.

Legal expert, Atty. Joy Marie Tolentino of the Hechanova Group, shares her knowledge of the Trademark concepts and procedures here in the Philippines during the AM Session of the 1st Day of Basic IP Enforcement Training for DOST-Personnel.

Another IP expert, Atty. Chrissie Ann Barredo of the Hechanova Group talks about the basic concepts of Patents, Utility Model, and Industrial Design during the PM Session of the 1stDay of Basic IP Enforcement Training for DOST-Personnel.

Participants from BARMM joins the first DOST-IMPROVE training seminar.

Our legal expert, Atty. Daniel S. Hofleña of the Kalaw Prasad & Hofileña Law (KPH Law) discussing the topic about “Law on Copyright” to the DOST Community during the AM Session of the 2nd Day of the Basic IP Enforcement Training for DOST-Personnel.

Intellectual Property Expert Atty. Editha R. Hechanova of the Hechanova Group lead the lecture on Remedies for IP Infringement to the DOST Community for the PM Session of the 2nd day of the DOST-IMPROVE Seminar Series on Basic IP Enforcement Training for DOST-Personnel.