IPR body to return to the fold of DTI

Malacañang is set to give back supervision of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The IPO was placed under the Office of the President during the term of former Trade and Industry Secretary and now Senator Manuel A. Roxas III.

The move is supposed to strengthen and consolidate government’s effort to comply with Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Laws.

The Philippines’ weak compliance has led to its continued inclusion in the Special 301 Watchlist of the United States.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima has pledged to institute reforms to ensure compliance with IPR laws which would then allow the Philippines’ delisting from the Special 301 Watchlist of the US.

The US continues to retain the Philippines in its list of IPR violators in spite of government’s efforts to curb piracy in the country and go after IPR violators.

The US acknowledged that the Philippines has taken some steps in curbing IPR violations by passing an optical disc legislation that would help combat optical media piracy.

However, the US still wants more and tougher action. Purisima has repeatedly assured the US Government that aside from the optical media disc legislation, "the government especially the Department of Trade and Industry has been working with the private sector to ensure that the Intellectual property rights are honored and enforced."

The DTI and the Bureau of Customs are also exploring ways to curb the entry of fake and pirated goods into the country.

Purisima expressed optimism that "our previous and recent effort will bear fruits as more companies comply with IPR laws by using the legitimate software and that retailers will sell only genuine products in the market."

He also urged consumers to refrain from buying fake and imitation products since the quality and workmanship of these items are substandard."