The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has designated Deputy Director General for Policy, Legal and External Relations Nathaniel S. Arevalo as Acting Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
The designation was issued through Department Order 25-160, which was signed Wednesday by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and has taken effect immediately. The change in leadership follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s acceptance of the courtesy resignation of former Director General Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz on Sept. 19, 2025.
As Acting Director General, Arevalo is directed to oversee all functions, activities and operations of IPOPHL; issue rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects of IPOPHL; and manage other functions incidental or essential to IPOPHL’s mandate.
Arevalo assured stakeholders that the change in leadership will have zero disruptions in IPOPHL’s services.
“We will continue to support our stakeholders in protecting their intellectual property while sustaining the momentum of ongoing programs and reforms that boost innovation and creativity. The transition in leadership will not affect our progress and our commitment to efficient and reliable public service,” Arevalo added.
