The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is pushing back firmly against any suggestion that Manila should return to Washington’s intellectual property watch list, arguing its removal remains “fully warranted.”
In a February 11 submission to the Office of the US Trade Representative, Acting Director General Nathaniel Arevalo told Assistant US Trade Representative Daniel Lee that the Philippines has moved beyond a “whole-of-government” model toward a broader “whole-of-society approach” in protecting intellectual property rights.
At the center of that shift is intensified enforcement. The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights conducted 4,422 operations nationwide in 2025—nearly triple the 1,650 actions recorded a year earlier. Authorities seized counterfeit goods worth P29.5 billion.
While that haul was lower in aggregate value than 2024’s total, Arevalo framed the dip as strategic, not symptomatic. Enforcement agencies deliberately pivoted toward intelligence-driven operations targeting high-risk sectors and known counterfeit sources, rather than pursuing fewer, splashy high-value raids.
Border controls were pivotal. The Bureau of Customs led seizure efforts through warrant executions and general law enforcement actions, accounting for the bulk of confiscated goods.
Prosecutorial reforms also gained traction. The Department of Justice investigated 563 IP cases in 2025, posting a 97% disposition rate and filing 201 cases in court. Specialized IP courts and upgraded prosecutor training tightened case management and boosted outcomes.
Online enforcement expanded in parallel. IPOPHL blocked 31 infringing websites under its voluntary administrative site-blocking mechanism, while major e-commerce platforms stepped up proactive takedowns.
“The Philippines firmly believes that strong IP protection underpins innovation, investment, and inclusive growth,” Arevalo said, signaling Manila’s intent to sustain reforms—and its constructive engagement with Washington.
