The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is optimistic about getting a positive assessment from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) in its forthcoming report on markets engaged in counterfeiting, citing recent gains in IP protection.
‘The country remains confident that its latest achievements and sustained reforms will be reflected positively in the forthcoming USTR report,’ IPOPHL acting director general Nathaniel Arevalo said in a statement.
IPOPHL submitted a report to the USTR on Oct. 15, for the latter’s Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy Review.
‘We take the USTR review as an opportunity to demonstrate tangible progress,’Arevalo said.
He said the Philippines continues to reap the fruits of strategic IP enforcement, while promoting innovation and creativity.
IPOPHL cited gains including the all-time high value of counterfeit goods seized by the government, which reached P40.98 billion last year.
It also cited progress under its e-commerce memorandum of understanding (MOU) to fight counterfeit goods online.
IPOPHL said the number of MOU signatories is now at 108, up from 43 in the previous reporting period.
It expects more signatories to be added this year.
In the 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy report released by USTR earlier this year, Greenhills Shopping Center was identified as one of the physical markets reportedly engaging in and benefiting from substantial piracy or counterfeiting.
Located in San Juan, the mall has many storefronts selling electronics, perfumes, watches, shoes, accessories and fashion items.
The Philippines, however, has been out of the USTR’s Special 301 watch list for 12 straight years.
Countries included in the Special 301 report watch list are those with IP problems.
‘IPOPHL, together with members of the NCIPR (National Committee on IP Rights) reaffirms its dedication to continuous improvement in enforcement, policy coordination and public awareness, in alignment with international best practices,’ Arevalo said.