The Philippines’ intellectual property rulebook was written when dial-up internet was still a novelty. Nearly three decades later, regulators say the law is showing its age.
As the Intellectual Property Code marks its 29th anniversary, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is pressing Congress to approve a package of reforms designed to bring the country’s IP framework closer to the realities of a digital-first economy.
IPOPHL Director-General Teodoro Pascua said the rapid rise of e-commerce, online content distribution, and new forms of branding has exposed gaps in a law crafted long before websites, social media platforms, and digital marketplaces became central to business activity.
The reform push comes as lawmakers in the 20th Congress consider several measures that could significantly expand the country’s intellectual property protections and enforcement powers.
Among the most consequential proposals is legislation that would allow IPOPHL to directly order the blocking of websites engaged in copyright infringement. Currently, regulators rely largely on a voluntary site-blocking mechanism, which critics argue can limit the speed and effectiveness of anti-piracy efforts.
Another measure seeks to establish a dedicated legal framework for geographical indications (GIs), a move that could strengthen the protection and commercial value of products closely associated with specific regions. The proposal is seen as particularly relevant for agricultural and artisanal goods whose identities are tied to place-based reputations.
Lawmakers are also considering amendments that would permit the registration of non-traditional trademarks, including sounds and scents, reflecting how brands increasingly compete through sensory and experiential marketing rather than logos alone.
Taken together, the proposals signal a broader shift in how intellectual property is viewed—not merely as a legal safeguard, but as an economic asset that supports innovation, investment, and competitiveness.
The House Committee on Trade and Industry has already approved the measures, subject to amendments, giving momentum to IPOPHL’s modernization campaign.
For regulators, the message is straightforward: while innovation has evolved rapidly, the laws protecting it must keep pace. The challenge for Congress is ensuring that a code written for the analog era remains fit for the digital one.
