IPOPHL offers incentives to boost green technology

MANILA, Philippines — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has rolled out an incentive program to encourage the development of green technologies.

Speaking at the Green Technology Incentive Program launch yesterday, IPOPHL Bureau of Patents director Cristina de Guzman said the program is now accepting applications for patents, utility models (UMs) or industrial designs (IDs).

The program involves providing incentives to up to 30 patents, 60 UMs and 60 IDs.

De Guzman said the program also involves waiving certain application fees and reducing the time of processing for technology-related intellectual property (IP) that mitigates environmental impact and conserves natural resources.

Under the program, she said applicants could enjoy benefits like saving up to P6,600 in fees.

Another benefit, she added, is reduced processing time as the application is prioritized or undergo preferred examination.

For invention applications or patents, she said the average turnaround time for the total processing of applications is four years.

“Under this program, you can save up to one year already,” she said.

In addition to lower costs and fast-tracked processing, the program also enable greater visibility for those who qualify.

To qualify for the program, the technology applied for protection must fall under the following classification: alternative energy production, solar energy, sustainable transportation, energy conservation, waste management, sustainable agriculture or forestry, administrative, regulatory or design aspects and nuclear power generation.

The program will run until Nov. 1, 2025 or until slots for applications have been filled in.