Marking a yearlong celebration of its 25th Year Anniversary with the theme, “Creating a Silver BRIGHT Year” to sustain Philippine recovery through intellectual property (IP) in 2022, and aligning with the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) 2022 theme, “IP and the Youth”, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) through its IP Academy, conducted the IP Boost Camp last July 25-29, 2022. Joining the event were students from universities in Metro Manila and surrounding key cities, studying different programs such as engineering, law, pharmacy, computer science, information technology, business, psychology, and more.
Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) nominated six students to represent the University, namely: Angel Ann Abanto and Arsenio Jose Candia, College of Pharmacy-Valenzuela Campus; Alex Pascual and John Lawrence Nagera, College of Computer Studies-Valenzuela Campus; and Trixie Mae Gayon and Cyril Alcantara, College of Computer Studies-Quezon City Campus.
Providentially, this year’s IP Boost Camp was conducted face-to-face, achieving more powerful interactive discussions, workshops, group activities, and games. Professional practitioners from various institutions also shared insights on trademarks, copyrights, patents, the utility model, industrial design, and other aspects of intellectual property. To ascertain the effectiveness of the training, participants took assessment exams revolving on topics discussed each day. The IP Boost Camp featured activities around the subject matter of Intellectual Property— its different branches, important facts, and technical know-how.
Day One was all about nuts and bolts— expectations of the IP Boost Camp; getting to know more about IPOPHL and the IP Academy; and defining the concept of “Intellectual Property” and its role in economics, development, science, technology, and innovation. Enlightening panel discussions also unfolded with MSME’s (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), creatives, and investors who dissected the impact of IP in their respective fields. Likewise, WIPO or the World Intellectual Property Organization was introduced to the delegates.
Day Two featured a tour of the IPOPHL building in Upper McKinley, Taguig City, where each of the departments narrated the kind of work they do and how. After the IPOPHL tour, the group returned to the main venue, the TESDA Women’s Center, where three speakers touched on the topic of trademarks— their importance; how to examine if a trademark is registrable; trademark searching; the process of trademark registration, and emerging issues about trademark protection like counterfeiting and digital economy. Then, participants had group presentations on creating their own trademarks, group names, and logos.
Day Three highlighted the subject on copyright and other related rights. Three speakers tackled copyright protection and its role in the Philippine creative economy; collective management of copyright and related rights, and copyright in the digital era.
Day Four tackled patents, utility models, and industrial designs. Attendees learned practical skills on patent searching and patent drafting which progressed into group presentations on solution formulation.
Day Five, or the finale, showcased IP enforcement, management and commercialization, as well as technology transfer and licensing. Renowned professionals in the IP industry figured in an engaging panel discussion on career prospects in the IP industry. The last group exercise involved writing short paper about IP topics and supporting it with credible resources. Naturally, delegates received their certificates of completion. Notably, OLFU participants were recognized as part of the groupings in the top ranks. Team Imben2 Produk2, of which OLFU’s Abanto and Gayon were part of, was adjudged as First Place. On the other hand, Team 4Ps came in second, with OLFU’s Candia and Alcantara being members of the said group. Meanwhile, OLFU’s Pascual who was a member of Team TeraBright, bagged points from games about copyright, patent, and trademark.
For the trainees, the IP Boost Camp was a catalyst for change. It debunked the idea that intellectual property is only meant for scientists who invent products that “fix a problem”. In the five-day training, attendees were enlightened to the fact that IP is for everyone. It exists to protect the products of creative minds— be it a song, story, poem, design, an invention, or a business trademark. IP rights must be in place so that the creator enjoys the benefits derived from the work, ensuring that upholding these rights will not only benefit the IP rights holders themselves but, rather, the whole nation as citizens become motivated to create and innovate to make living more convenient and enjoyable.