By Kimberly S. Miguel, StratCom Correspondent
and Nympha G. Borromeo, StratCom Intern

To enhance their capabilities in protecting and managing intellectual property, 50 researchers from various higher education institutions and agencies in Region I participated in the re-echo training on advanced patent search, invention spotting, and response to formality examination report hosted by Mariano Marcos State University. 

Held at the Center for Flexible Learning, the four-day training which started on April 18, is a collaborative effort between the Ilocos Consortium for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (ICIEERD), the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources R & D Consortium (ILAARRDEC), and the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement - Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (RAISE-IP-TBM) program in MMSU. 

Participants are from the MMSU and Northwestern University in Ilocos Norte; University of Northern Philippines, North Luzon Philippine State College, and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College in Ilocos Sur; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union; Pangasinan State University, Urdaneta City University and Unibersidad De Dagupan in Pangasinan; local government unit of San Fernando City in La Union; and the National Tobacco Administration, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region I. 

Dr. Dionisio Bucao, project leader of the RAISE program, said the activity aims to train the participants on identifying potential patentable inventions, performing advanced patent searches using different databases, and drafting effective patent claims. They are also being taught on how to respond to formalities examination reports during the patent application process and to navigate the Intellectual Property of the Philippines (IPOPHL) databases for patent registration. 

Particularly, the training covers seven topics: overview of intellectual property rights; advanced patent search tools and strategies; identification of X, Y and A documents; invention spotting; claim drafting; preparing technology disclosure; and, response to office action. 

After the training, the participants are expected to draft at least 15 IP documents ready for filing. 

With the established IP-TBM offices in the region, more technologies are envisioned to be registered in the IPOPHL with their respective workshop outputs as take-off points.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, chair of ILAARDDEC Regional R&D Coordinating Council, said the program “aims to support the government’s efforts in promoting science and innovation, and to strengthen IP rights protection system in the country.” 

For his part, ICIEERD Chairperson and NWU President Ferdinand Nicolas said the success of technology transfer strategies can lead to the creation of new businesses, jobs, and industries, which can contribute to the country's economic growth and development.

Conducted in celebration of the National Intellectual Property Month, the training program is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 17, which aim to promote innovation and build resilient infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships for sustainable development, respectively. (JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)