IPO-Davao now accepting trademark applications
-A A +AWednesday, July 18, 2012
THE Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Davao City is now ready to accept applications from local trademark holders for international trademark rights, its official announced Tuesday.
IPO said the Madrid Protocol will authorize cost-efficient international applications for products through IPO offices in the country.
Madrid Protocol is a treaty that provides international registration of trademarks, including service marks. It has 85 countries as members.
Madrid Protocol Unit division chief lawyer Jesus Antonio Ros, in a press briefing at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said by filing a single international application in one country trademark holders obtain a single international registration which secures protection for their mark in several countries members of the Madrid Protocol.
Ros said this international application is piloted in the cities of Cebu and Davao, two key areas identified by DTI to have the most number of exported goods.
Those who have real and effective industrial or commercial establishment can apply for international application under the Madrid Protocol.
Ros aid all products ranging from chemicals to software development to services can be registered to the Madrid Protocol.
"You will not have any problem finding foreign lawyers that have the products registered in US (United States) or in any countries," Ros said.
IP lawyer Lope Manuel Jr. said only individuals and firms in Davao City and Cebu City, who are presently trademark holders, can apply for Madrid Protocol.
"Those who are outside these cities will have to apply to our main office in Taguig City," Manuel said.
Though Madrid Potocol, all trademark holders can designate trademark registration for their products to country where they export.
In Davao City, there is already one firm interested to apply for international trademark application.
The IPO also held an advocacy training on Tuesday for 25 lawyers and 21 existing trademark holders on Madrid Protocol.
The IPO satellite office in Davao City has listed around 350 trademark holders.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on July 18, 2012.
Business
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