Philippines launches intellectual property management certification course

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has started a new certification course focused on intellectual property management. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of local professionals in this important area. The course will last four days, with the first session taking place from March to May. Topics covered in the course include licensing, auditing, valuing, and managing intellectual property rights. IPOPHL Director General Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz emphasized that understanding and maximizing the economic value of IP assets is vital for creators in today's digital economy. Recent reports from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) highlight a significant trend: intangible investments now make up over half of the global gross domestic product (GDP). These investments, which include intellectual property and research and development, are growing faster than tangible investments. In the Philippines, the number of intellectual property registrations has also increased. In 2024, the IPOPHL issued 6,552 copyright certificates, a slight rise from the previous year. Most of these registrations were for books and articles, accounting for 65 percent of the total. The data shows a growing interest in intellectual property in the country. In recent years, the number of registrations has steadily risen, reflecting a shift towards knowledge-based economies and innovation.