IPOPHL Taps DICT to Use Blockchain, Emerging Tech in Intellectual Property

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The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), which is responsible for implementing state policies on intellectual property rights, said that it signed an agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to hone the technical skills of patent examiners and other agency personnel in utilizing emerging technologies for intellectual property management.

IPOPHL x DICT

According to IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel Arevalo, the agency is set to evaluate AI, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and other ICT fields that could be used in patent registration.

“This is vital not only as a national office but also as an international Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority as we provide inventors early insight into how strong their invention is before they seek patent protection in multiple countries.”

Nathaniel Arevalo, Acting Director General, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines

Moreover, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda pledged that they will help the personnel of IPOPHL to remain updated with developments in ICT and be equipped with the skills needed to evaluate complex digital technologies.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the Philippines’ innovation ecosystem by ensuring that our intellectual property personnel are equipped with the latest ICT knowledge and skills. By bridging digital technology and IP protection, we are creating an environment where Filipino ingenuity can truly thrive.”

Henry Aguda, Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology

IPOPHL’s Recent Initiatives in Emerging Tech

In November 2025, the agency released guidelines for AI-related patent applications, specifically in patentability, inventorship, disclosure, and claim clarity.

A year before, the IPOPHL signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the e-commerce industry for brand owners and online platforms. With 41 other signatories, it establishes a self-regulatory framework to address counterfeit products and fraudulent trade practices.

Lastly, the MOU allowed the signatories to submit complaints directly, specifically with violations in both physical and digital markets.

Both the DICT and IPOPHL are members of the National Committee on IP Rights, an interagency body mandated to formulate national IP policy and strengthen the protection and enforcement of IP rights in the country.

This article is published on BitPinas: IPOPHL Taps DICT to Use Blockchain, Emerging Tech in Intellectual Property

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