The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) was recognized by the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) for its important contribution in promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a cost-effective tool in resolving disputes.
Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) Director Nathaniel S. Arevalo and BLA IP Rights Specialist Luwin M. Dela Concha received the award last 07 December at the 2022 National Alternative Dispute Resolution Convention (NADRC).
It may be recalled that IPOPHL and the OADR entered into a Memorandum of Agreement last 07 March 2022.
The partnership of the two agencies paved the way for the nationwide conduct of seven collaborative activities, such as seminars, training sessions and mediation simulation, all accumulatively drawing in over a thousand participants.
In the same venue, IPOPHL’s application for the renewal of its accreditation as a public ADR provider organization (APO) in mediation was approved by the OADR. The renewal was approved following IPOPHL’s compliance of the requirements under the OADR Accreditation Guidelines for APOs and Training Standards for ADR Practitioners.
Likewise, IPOPHL’s roster of 18 mediators was recognized as qualified neutrals.
To date, IPOPHL is still the only government agency accredited as an APO.
An office under the Department of Justice (DOJ), the OADR is the main government agency mandated to implement Republic Act 9285 or the ADR Law of the country.
