THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it issued new guidelines for recognizing intellectual property (IP) agents and attorneys.
In a statement on Wednesday, IPOPHL said it released Memorandum Circulars 12 and 13, outlining the formal recognition system for patent and trademark agents and attorneys, respectively.
“The guidelines set the standards for the recognition’s qualifications, application procedures, training, fees, grounds for revocation, cancellation, and renewal,” IPOPHL said.
With the new set of rules, IP service providers are required to fulfill documentary requirements, undergo requisite training, and pass a qualifying examination to become recognized.
IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said that the new guidelines will allow the office to officially recognize IP professionals who provide patent and trademark services to creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs, among others.
“Overall, this will strengthen the IP profession as it sets standards that make for satisfactory and quality IP services,” Mr. Barba said.
The circulars provide for the creation of the Recognition Board, whose five members will oversee the implementation of the system.
“The recognition is mandatory for non-lawyers who are providing patent and trademark services to IP owners, while the recognition is voluntary for lawyers,” IPOPHL said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
