IPOPHL pushes for swift action on key IP treaties

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Philippines is urging fellow Member States at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to reach a consensus on several crucial intellectual property treaties.

These treaties are expected to bolster the knowledge economies of developing and least-developed countries and protect indigenous heritage.

At the WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General Rowel S. Barba highlighted the need for action on four significant treaties: the Treaties for the Protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs), the Design Law Treaty (DLT), and the Treaty for the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations.

In a press statement, Barba stressed the importance of the TK and TCEs treaties in setting international standards for protection, ensuring that communities retain their economic rights and cultural dignity.

He noted that these treaties are essential in preventing the misappropriation of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, which are often exploited without proper compensation or recognition to the originating communities.

Additionally, the Philippines is anticipating the Diplomatic Conference on the DLT. The treaty aims to harmonize industrial design protection requirements across countries, simplifying the process for designers entering international markets.

Harmonization is seen as a significant step toward creating a more seamless and accessible global market for designers, which can help foster innovation and creativity.

Another critical issue raised by the Philippines is the need to finalize the negotiations on the Broadcasting Treaty. This treaty seeks to address existing gaps and streamline processes to provide stronger protection for broadcasting rights.

The treaty is expected to offer better safeguards against the unauthorized use and distribution of broadcast content, which is increasingly crucial in the digital age.

“By closing existing gaps and streamlining processes, these treaties will provide stronger protection for cultural heritage, industrial designs, and broadcasting rights, benefiting creators and communities worldwide and giving our creative and innovative Filipinos the leverage they need in this competitive digital age,” Barba said.

Barba also highlighted the productive year for the international IP community, marked by the adoption of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge last May.

This treaty represented a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with them.

“The international community, with the leadership of WIPO Director General Daren Tang, has shown a commitment to a more inclusive and responsive IP system. Together with fellow Member States, the Philippines is determined to continue this progress, representing the voices of local artists, creators, and MSMEs in these critical international dialogues,” Barba added.