The Philippines, through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), has committed to spearheading initiatives to strengthen intellectual property (IP) administration, awareness, capacity building and commercialization under the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan for 2026–2030 (AIPRAP 2030) that is now in force.
Approved by member states, the regional economic development agenda aims to enhance IP systems and advance an integrated, innovation-driven ASEAN community. It seeks to build an effective, enterprising and inclusive IP ecosystem by strengthening national IP regimes and reinforcing regional cooperation grounded in respect for IP rights.
Under the Philippines’ current ASEAN chairship, IPOPHL is set to host the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) later this year. Established in 1996 to foster regional IP collaboration, the AWGIPC carries out its mandate through specialized sub-committees, including the Task Forces for Trademarks, Patents, Industrial Design and Digital Transformation, alongside the ASEAN Network of IP Enforcement Experts (ANIEE) and the Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) Network.
“IPOPHL is championing several flagship initiatives to support these goals,” IPOPHL Acting Director General (ADG) Nathaniel S. Arevalo said.
Some initiatives championed by the Philippines include the development and harmonization of the ASEAN IP Valuation framework to unlock the commercial value of ideas; promotion of intra-regional training opportunities in IP offices to improve service quality; establishment of IP commercialization hubs, such as TISCs and technology transfer offices, to bring innovations to market; and curriculum development for the ASEAN IP Academy to build long-term IP capability.
“Taken together, these initiatives are about creating an ASEAN IP ecosystem where innovations and creative works are not only protected but are also valued and commercialized as they move acrosss borders to generate greater growth and opportunities for the region,” ADG Arevalo added.
These initiatives align with five strategic measures defined under the roadmap, namely:
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Strengthening the effectiveness of national IP rights regimes;
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Harmonizing regulatory frameworks and advancing regional IP platforms and institutions;
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Facilitating IP asset creation, management and commercialization;
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Fostering ASEAN culture of respect for IP, alongside stronger compliance and enforcement; and
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Promoting the use of IP to support sustainable and inclusive growth in ASEAN.
AIPRAP 2030 forms part of the first wave of strategic interventions aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045, which aims to transform the region into a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered community over the next two decades.
