IPOPHL opens help desk in Pangasinan

MANILA, Philippines — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently opened an Intellectual Property (IP) Help Desk in Pangasinan aimed at protecting the city’s IP assets as it rises to be a creative hub.

In a statement, IP help desk mainly aims to increase awareness on how creators, inventors and entrepreneurs can successfully use IPOPHL’s wide array of services – from IP search tools and registration to enforcement and mediation.

IPOPHL deputy director General Ann Claire Cabochan said the IP held desk plays a crucial role in integrating Pangasinenses into the creative ecosystem by providing wider access to the mentioned services.

“Pangasinan is a place where culture, creativity and tourism converge to create unique and unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike,” Cabochan said, noting that the province is well-positioned to be a major hub of Philippine creatives.

Pangasinan ranks 21st out of 80 under the Most Competitive Province category of the 2022 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) which measures IP filings under the innovation pillar.

For trademarks alone, Pangasinan saw 2022 filings jumping by 80 percent from 2021 applications, signifying an influx of new products and services that could help the province spring back from the downturn brought by the pandemic.

Cabochan identified the Bonuan or Dagupan Bangus as one of over 30 goods IPOPHL initially identified as potential geographical indications (GI).

A GI is a sign that identifies products whose qualities and reputation are due to their geographic origins.

“Your community of Bonuan Bangus producers and traders will greatly benefit from registering as a GI with IPOPHL,” Cabochan told Pangasinenses, citing the success of the Champagne of France, the Parmigiano Reggiano of Italy and the Kampot Pepper of Cambodia in the global culinary world through the use of the GI scheme.

The Pangasinan IP Help Desk is the third in the Ilocos Region along with those in the DTI-La Union and DOST-La Union.

In May, IPOPHL opened an IP help desk in Naga, Camarines Sur.

The agency said earlier that the expansion of help desks stems from IPOPHL’s broader mission to boost its presence in the provincial level starting with basic informational and support services.

In March, IPOPHL also launched a help desk in Tagbilaran City in Bohol.