IPOPHL Launches First Philippine Trademark Conference

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will host the inaugural Philippine Trademark Conference (TMCon Philippines) from July 24 to 26, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City.

The landmark event aims to bring together key stakeholders to explore the trademark ecosystem and encourage brand owners to maximize their trademark rights.

Under the theme “Leveraging Trademarks, Beyond Branding,” the conference will address emerging trends, best practices, and updates on trademark-related jurisprudence in the country.

The conference will feature discussions between international and local trademark experts on topics such as registration, protection, enforcement, valuation, and commercialization.

Invited speakers include representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), ASEAN IP Association, and notable trademark practitioners from the Philippines.

“The IPOPHL recognizes the significant role of our brand owners, businesses, MSMEs, and other key players in the trademark industry in sustaining a robust economy. Thus, the Bureau of Trademarks deemed it high time a convergence will be held not only to honor their contributions but also to enrich their knowledge on trademark protection, enforcement, valuation, and commercialization of their hard-earned IP rights,” the bureau said in a press statement.

Current trends highlight the importance of trademark protection in the Philippines but also show possible challenges applicants face in the process.

The conference is designed to address these challenges, offering lectures on effective branding techniques, basic trademark registration processes, common registrability objections and how to overcome them, and post-registration and maintenance requirements.

These sessions, led by IPOPHL lawyers and esteemed industry experts, aim to provide valuable insights to help applicants, especially those without access to trademark agents, successfully register their brands.

With the surge in trademark applications comes the increasing need for stringent measures against counterfeiting and infringement, particularly with the expansion of e-commerce and online marketing platforms.

In response, one day of the conference will be dedicated to trademark enforcement initiatives. This segment will provide brand owners, law enforcement agents, and relevant sectors with strategies to effectively combat infringement and other IP violations, shared by leading experts in the field.

TMCon Philippines will also enhance the knowledge of trademark stakeholders and practitioners on commercialization and valuation.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic impact of successful branding and how it can be a powerful tool for increasing revenue and expanding market access.

Featured speakers and industry experts will showcase their journeys and best practices, demonstrating the path to business success through effective trademark utilization.

One of the key highlights of the conference is a session dedicated to helping stakeholders chart global entry through the Madrid Protocol, a route to file trademark protection across foreign markets.

IPOPHL will ceremoniously launch and demonstrate the new electronic filing system for Madrid applications and unveil the Revised Madrid Regulations.

In addition to high-level discussions, TMCon Philippines will feature an exhibit showcasing products and services with registered trademarks, fostering networking opportunities among stakeholders.

Attendees will also benefit from free consultations with experts, and a dedicated booth will be available for on-the-spot trademark registration.

The three-day event is expected to attract approximately 1,000 participants, including industry leaders, practitioners, and experts, for enriching discussions and networking opportunities.

For more information and registration details, visit the TMCon Philippines 2024 information page. (With a report from Bureau of Trademarks)