The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) have joined hands to reinforce the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights of cooperatives.
Rowel Barba, director-general of IPOPHL, and Joseph Encabo, CDA chairman, on June 16 signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on enhancing IP knowledge, promoting alternative dispute resolution and streamlining the resolution of IP-related conflicts within the cooperative sector.
The agreement focuses on building the capacities of CDA personnel in matters related to IP, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and adjudication. The MOA establishes an ADR referral system designed for streamlining the resolution of IP disputes.
“The MOA between IPOPHL and CDA encompasses several crucial provisions that will have a profound impact on cooperatives across the country,” said Nathaniel Arevalo, director of the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA).
“It is crucial to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and the utilization of cost-efficient ADR methods to enable cooperatives to thrive, innovate and have their IP rights effectively protected,” Barba said.
Encabo said the MOA will contribute to a “fair and inclusive business environment” empowering cooperatives and ensuring the protection of their IP rights.
