SMPFC backs Phl inclusion in int'l treaty

Manila, Philippines - San Miguel Pure Foods Co., Inc. (SMPFC) has thrown its support behind the Philippine government’s move to join the “Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks” (Madrid Protocol) to help stem trademark piracy and raise the global competitivess of local brands.

The Madrid Protocol is an international trademark treaty that facilitates the filing of trademarks in more than one country with a single application. With the agreement, Filipino companies are guaranteed protection of their brands in major international trading markets that are already members of the Protocol.

In a statement, SMPFC president Francisco Alejo III said the Philippines’ inclusion in the Madrid Protocol has become an important step in stopping trademark piracy and has paved the way for the company and other Philippine brands to become globally competitive.

“With the Protocol, SMPFC, which holds in its portfolio some of the most formidable brands in the Philippine food industry, can now seek protection in 84 countries including the United States, Canada, and Europe, where it is currently growing the export of its Magnolia and Purefoods labels.”

“The agreement will also provide local companies a cost-effective and efficient means to secure their business rights in key export markets,” he added.

Starting July 25, Philippine companies can file all their international trademark applications through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, instead of applying in each country where the brand will be exported. Existing international registrations can also be replaced with a single international registration to centralize monitoring and renewal of trademark protection in multiple jurisdictions.

For more information on the Madrid Protocol, you may contact the IPOPHL: Telephone numbers 798-0114 or 238-6300 ext. 515; Email: [email protected].