Manila Hosts 76th APAA Council Meeting Highlighting Philippines’ Growing IP Filings

The Philippines has emerged as a significant player in intellectual property (IP) filings within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ranking fourth in new intellectual property rights (IPR) applications and registrations. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the country recorded 71,623 new IPR filings in 2023, comprising 4,889 patents, 65,219 trademarks, and 1,515 industrial designs.

These figures were highlighted by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 76th Council Meeting of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA). The event took place from November 18 to 21, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center and Conrad Hotel in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Senator Escudero underscored the Philippines’ achievements in IP practice and stressed the importance of comprehensive reforms across the national innovation system, which includes the academe, government, and business sectors. He urged stakeholders to enhance support for local scientists and researchers, emphasizing the country’s integral role in global development.

“We must do more to boost and support the local production of knowledge by our home-grown scientists and researchers,” Escudero stated. He concluded his address with a hopeful vision for future generations, expressing a desire for a better world shaped by innovation and knowledge.

Established in December 1969, APAA is a professional association open to patent attorneys and related organizations across Asia. The association facilitates the exchange of information on IP protection, including anti-counterfeiting, copyright, patents, designs, trademarks, and emerging IP rights, as well as enforcement challenges in various jurisdictions.

The 76th APAA Council Meeting in Manila was organized under the leadership of Chairman Atty. Lorna Kapunan and Co-Chairman Atty. Pablo Gancayco. The Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines (IPAP), led by President Atty. Rico Domingo and Chairman Atty. Ferdinand Fider, also played a key role in hosting the event.

Atty. Kapunan described the conference’s purpose as both enlightening and inspiring for attendees, noting that the timing was ideal for promoting the Philippines on the international IP stage. The event attracted over 1,200 participants, generating excitement and anticipation for the week’s sessions.

“APAA is a well-attended conference. This is a great opportunity for Asia to connect,” said Atty. Gancayco. He highlighted the conference as a valuable platform for learning, networking, and sharing knowledge to advance IP practice.

APAA President Hari Subramaniam emphasized that the conference fosters meaningful and lasting friendships among delegates, creating a strong sense of camaraderie. He praised the event as the best of its kind, where every participant is treated like family.

Atty. Ferdinand Fider pointed out that the business sessions combine social interaction with valuable learning experiences. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of IP mapping in the Philippines.

Atty. Rico Domingo noted that this was the fourth time the Philippines hosted the APAA conference, with previous meetings held in 1990 (Manila Hotel), 2000 (Cebu), and 2011 (Shangri-La Makati). He stressed the critical importance of IP protection in a country where 90% of businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Founded on March 31, 1977, IPAP aims to professionalize the growing practice of IP law in the Philippines. It is the sole Philippine national group recognized by APAA, the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association (AIPA), and the Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Industrielle (AIPPI).

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho, Junior Partner at Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices and IPAP Board of Trustees member, is available for further comments via email at info@sapalovelez.com or by phone at 09175025808 or 09088665786.