Patent libraries to boost Cebu's ICT sector

CEBU, Philippines – The establishment of patent libraries in Cebu, through the network of innovation and technology support offices (ITSOs) is seen to boost Cebu's Information Technology and Communication (ICT) sector.

The ITSOs, a technical assistance mission from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will provide a broad range of services include advice on the innovation process from idea conception to product commercialization, protecting innovation through the use of patent system, provision of access to technical information, assistance in patent search for technical information, advice and training on Intellectual Property Rights (IPO).

After Cebu was recognized by WIPO as one of the pilot areas in the country to have the ITSOs, industry stakeholders expressed confidence that the establishment of the facil-ity here will fast tract Cebu's bid becoming a world-class ICT destination.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Cebu Provincial Office) director Nelia F. Navarro said WIPO together with her agency have already identified sites where the ITSOs will be located. Possible host institutions include in the academe sector, industry support organizations like PhilExport-Cebu office, at the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) and other areas.

The establishment of ITSOs is also seen to build on the institutional capacities of universities, research and development institutions, government field offices, industry service providers, consultants and associations to teach and conduct patent searches, patent drafting and provide assistance in patent prosecution.

At the same time, the local technological base is strengthened by building up local know-how to create, own and manage their IPRs.

Since, Cebu is still on the early stage in building itself as the next "Silicon Valley", Navarro said developers, as well as companies need to have a good manual for possible innovations, of which similar concept are being half-way developed by other innovation experts around the world.

The facility, will give Cebuano ICT players, including companies to access the global science and technology information that are legally available for "copying".

"Instead of spending money for broad and massive and time consuming research, innovators, R&D developers, academe, and even companies can access the patent library based on their desired technology that needs to be developed," Navarro said.

The patent library, formally called as ITSOs offer 70 million canned documents that can be accessed by Cebuano developers, ICT experts, academe and any other interested parties, Navarro said.

Gregg Gabison, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) dean for College of Information, Computer and Communications Technology (CICCT) said that the ITSOs in Cebu could boost the knowledge creation, and fuel realization of researches from academe that is moving up for commercialization.

The existence of patent library in Cebu established by WIPO will also provide wide exposure of Cebu-based developers to existing technology that would serve as reference to potential developments in the ICT sector.

ITSOs serve as the institutional mechanism to demystify and democratize the patent system with the end in view of making it an effective tool for technological, socio-cultural, and economic development. (FREEMAN)