Aiming to reach out to more creators and innovators and provide them with an easier way to secure their intellectual property (IP) assets, the IP Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently launched its own mobile application dubbed “IPOPHL Mobiliz.”
Available on Google Play and the App Store, IPOPHL Mobiliz facilitates all IPOPHL services, from filing to registration and raising reports or complaints against trademark infringers. Users can also get updates on the status of their application and view schedules on IP learning courses.
“Given that many of us spend most of our time on mobile, this development will help IPOPHL reach out to a wider audience and provide a convenient and faster way for securing intellectual property assets and further integrate IP in innovative, creative and entrepreneurial processes,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba said.
The launch of the app, according to Barba, is also “very timely” amid the recent IPOPHL policy that pushes IP applications to be strictly made online, ensuring the safety of stakeholders and their employees.
The IPOPHL Mobiliz is also seen to unload half of the daily calls the IPOPHL receives with regard to basic concerns and questions as the app provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for users to enjoy IPOPHL’s services.
The mobile app is IPOPHL’s latest digital upgrade in a series of efforts in past months to provide a contactless and user-friendly experience to stakeholders amid the pandemic. IPOPHL Mobiliz is part of the new and broader agenda which will be implemented during Barba’s term.
Anti-Red Tape Authority Director-General Jeremiah Belgica lauded IPOPHL’s mobile app and how it can spur innovation and creativity amid the pandemic.
“IPOPHL is not only protecting the dreamers, it is making it more accessible to them and telling them that challenging times like this, it is not only sufficient to survive but also to thrive.”
“IPOPHL is not only protecting the dreamers, it is making it more accessible to them and telling them that challenging times like this, it is not only sufficient to survive but also to thrive. My sincerest hope is that with this mobile application, it will open the floodgates of Filipino creativity and the creative mindset…to challenge the pandemic and the many other challenges to come as well as to continue toward a digital economy,” Belgica added.
The ARTA chief also encouraged others to follow in IPOPHL’s success in streamlining services for a smoother transition to automation.
“Gayahin po natin ang IPOPHL in the way they see the point, the compassion and the direction of our President in pushing for more streamlined services,” he stressed.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that IPOPHL’s digitalization efforts are aligned with DTI’s priority agenda, noting this will create greater awareness on the importance of registering intellectual properties with IPOPHIL.
Lopez added: “This is where business value is generated, benefitting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the future. Moreover, making this digital makes the process a lot easier. Going digital is the ultimate form of Ease of Doing Business.”
“This will be a great gift to the Filipino people.”
“IPOPHL’s efforts in digitalization will make government transactions more accessible and more convenient for all Filipinos. This will be a great gift to the Filipino people, aligned with the vision of the President to make lives more comfortable for our fellow Filipinos,” the trade chief explained.
At the event, IPOPHL and DTI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to widen the use of IP among MSMEs.
Primarily, the MOU aims to mainstream IPOPHL’s services and initiatives across DTI services, programs, projects, and activities where relevant. This provides more MSMEs the opportunity to leverage IPOPHL services, protect their IP assets, and build competitiveness.
The MOU also gives way for intelligence sharing on consumer complaints which concern counterfeit or pirated goods, thus boosting enforcement action.
“We hope that through this MOU we sign today, DTI can help bridge us to more MSMEs and give us the opportunity to contribute not only in their recovery but in helping them secure a competitive position in their fields so they can generate employment, help more Filipinos earn a living to feed and support their families,” Barba concluded.