The Philippines is seeking to turn intellectual property into a financing and growth tool for small businesses, with the government and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) targeting at least 500,000 Filipino entrepreneurs under an expanded partnership.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and WIPO are broadening cooperation to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) move beyond registering trademarks, technologies and designs and instead use those assets to raise capital, commercialize products and enter international markets.
A key focus is intellectual property financing, including efforts to help banks and other financial institutions better recognize and assess intangible assets when evaluating business loans.
The initiative could provide an alternative source of funding for enterprises whose value is tied increasingly to brands, technology and designs but that may have limited traditional collateral.
“Together with IPOPHL, our goal is half a million Filipino entrepreneurs,” WIPO Director General Daren Tang said.
Tang said the partnership aims to help transform ideas into stronger brands and market-ready businesses, with intellectual property serving as an engine for growth, jobs and economic opportunities.
IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua said the cooperation would support Filipino entrepreneurs, artists and inventors in becoming more competitive and expanding beyond the domestic market.
The agencies also plan to extend IP assistance through business associations, chambers of commerce, professional networks and government bodies, including the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology.
E-commerce will be another area of focus, with IPOPHL and WIPO exploring cooperation with online platforms to strengthen brand protection for merchants.
The broader partnership will cover IP commercialization, artificial intelligence and green technologies as the Philippines seeks to convert homegrown innovation into investible businesses with access to global markets.
