IPOPHL and LESP Unite to Elevate Intellectual Property Valuation and Technology Transfer in the Philippines
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Licensing Executives Society Philippines (LESP) have officially joined forces through a strategic partnership aimed at significantly strengthening intellectual property (IP) valuation and technology transfer across the nation. This landmark collaboration is designed to empower Filipino innovators, inventors, and enterprises by providing them with the essential tools and expertise needed to accurately assess and fully realize the economic potential of their patents, trademarks, and other intangible assets.
Memorandum of Agreement Signed in Taguig City
Under a comprehensive Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formally signed on Friday in Taguig City, IPOPHL and LESP have committed to a multifaceted three-year initiative. The partnership will focus on organizing specialized training programs and advanced learning courses dedicated to the valuation of IP assets. This emerging field is crucial for determining the true economic worth of patents, trademarks, and various intangible properties, enabling creators to leverage their innovations effectively in the marketplace.
LESP will contribute substantially to these efforts by providing expert resource persons, technical proficiency, and high-quality learning materials sourced from the global network of the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI). This international support will bolster IPOPHL-led programs, ensuring they meet world-class standards.
Expanding Support Through Research and Education
The collaboration extends beyond training to include robust support for research initiatives and potential publications focused on IP valuation within the Philippine context. Additionally, both organizations will work together to develop specialized IP courses tailored for higher educational institutions, fostering a new generation of IP-savvy professionals.
A key component of the agreement is LESP's commitment to offering pro bono commercialization support to under-resourced Filipino inventors and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This assistance will be channeled through the Inventor Assistance Program, aligning with global initiatives spearheaded by the World Intellectual Property Organization and LESI to democratize access to IP commercialization.
Leadership Emphasizes Critical Synergy for Economic Growth
IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo emphasized the vital importance of strong collaboration between government entities and private sector experts in unlocking the full value of IP assets. "We thank LESP for working with us to help IP rights holders seize opportunities in commercialization and technology transfer. At IPOPHL, we recognize that IP commercialization and technology transfer are critical pillars of a strong national IP system. By expanding programs that deepen understanding of IP licensing and valuation, we are equipping Filipino innovators with the tools to transform ideas into valuable assets that drive economic and societal progress," stated ADG Arevalo, who also presided over the induction of new LESP directors and officers during the signing ceremony.
LESP President Victor N. De Leon echoed this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of synergy between IP protection and commercialization. "There must be a strong synergy between the protection and commercialization of IP rights that translates creativity and research into worthwhile commercial assets resulting in economic growth. IPOPHL plays a leading and pivotal role in both these areas, and LESP is fully committed to helping IPOPHL in this regard specially with the latter’s undertaking to provide cost-effective, pro bono commercialization support to under-resourced Filipino inventors and MSMEs," President De Leon affirmed.
Long-Term Commitment to IP Advancement
The MOA will remain effective for three years, with both parties pledging to continuously explore and implement joint programs that promote the protection, enforcement, and commercialization of IP rights throughout the Philippines. LESP, as a national society of LESI—a global umbrella organization representing over 6,500 individuals across 33 national and regional member societies involved in technology transfer and IP licensing—brings extensive international expertise to this partnership, covering everything from technological know-how and patented inventions to software, copyrights, and trademarks.
