The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) reported Thursday the successful efforts of the National Committee on IP Rights (NCIPR) in intercepting P24.9 billion worth of counterfeit goods in 2021.
The IPOPHIL issued the statement, following the report from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) citing the Philippines as a counterfeit hotspot.
The 13-member of NCIPR, which IPOPHL leads as acting chair, reported intensified inspection and raid operations last year that surpassed 2020’s P9.8 billion of seized fake products.
“This showed our return to normal of our raid and search operations. We have to repeat our record seizures to increase efforts and recognize the unwavering commitment of the NCIPR given that this record was achieved, even with pandemic restrictions. We also strategized on directing our efforts to the bigger fish by targeting large warehouses and logistics sectors in various cities which proved to be hotspots for counterfeit goods,” said IPOPHL director-general Rowel S. Barba in a press briefing Thursday in celebration of the agency’s 25th founding year.
In 2021, the NCIPR issued 324 search warrants compared to the 109 in 2021 while the IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO) received a record-high of 152 counterfeiting and piracy complaints from right holders and reports from citizens.
This surpassed the previous record of 121 complaints and reports received in 2020 when e-commerce grew at a phenomenal rate amid the pandemic. Of the 152 reports and complaints received last year, 76 percent were of counterfeit goods and the remaining 24 percent were of pirated content, the NCIPR said.
IPOPHL and the NCIPR are also working closely with local government units to help them institutionalize counterfeiting and anti-piracy policy which will ensure the strict implementation of the IP code and foster a culture of fair business practices and respect for IP rights at the local level.
The IPOPHL noted that a stronger coordination processes with LGUs will lead to learning modification and more information that can better prevent illegal goods from getting into the hands of consumers and help IP rights holders take action against violators.
“Through this many will strive to continue keeping out from both the European Commission and the US Trade Representative Special 301 Report on Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, in turn help us preserve the Philippines attractiveness as an investment destination.
We will strengthen our enforcement network as we have last year with our new partnerships,” Barba said.
The agency will also push to implement in 2022 a rolling site-blocking regime that will effectively block access to IP infringing sites.
“We have been working hard for this, exactly why we have been recognized by the Motion Picture Association as a Government Leader for Site Blocking in Asia Pacific,” said Barba.
Barba added that the agency will be strengthening its legal services and alternative dispute resolution services for a faster settlement of IP cases.
In 2021, IPOPHL improved its caseload reduction, with the disposal of its inter partes cases and IP violation cases higher by 23 percent and 106 percent year-on-year, respectively.
