Recognition system launched

Having your trademark or service mark registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is the only way by which one can own such a mark and prevent others from using an identical or similar mark especially with respect to identical or similar goods or services without the owner's consent.

- MARY ANN LL. REYES

Same goes with patent. An inventor can have the exclusive right to prevent others without his authorization from using, selling, importing his invention which can be a product or a process only if the inventor is able to secure a patent from the Bureau of Patents.

But registering a trademark or securing a patent, especially the latter, can be difficult for someone who does not have sufficient knowledge of intellectual property laws and rights.

And so businesses especially hire the services of agents or lawyers to do the work for them.

Enforcing one's IP rights, including filing cases for trademark or patent infringement, would of course require getting the services of a qualified IP law practitioner.

Fortunately, the next time someone wants to engage the services of an agent or an attorney to assist either in having a trademark or patent registered with the IPOPHL or in enforcing one's IP right, it will have to be an agent or lawyer who is recognized to provide such services.

The IPOPHL had recently introduced a formal recognition system for trademark agents and attorneys in a bid to ensure the credibility and competence of individuals providing IP-related services.

Registration with the said office will authorize representatives to transact or conduct business with the IPOPHL on behalf of applicants for registration of trademark or maintenance of a registered trademark or those involving applications for patent, utility models, or industrial designs.

According to IPOPHL director general Rowel Barba, this will strengthen the IP profession as it sets the standards that make for satisfactory and quality IP services and deter fraudulent activities.