DTI, IPOPHL offer trademark incentives

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Intellectual Property of the Philippines (IPOPHL) are extending its Juana Make a Mark program that waives trademark application fees to 1,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Through the program, MSMEs can save up to P3,000 from waived basic filing, color claims, and first publication fees.

“Juana Make a Mark is part of our strategy to help the MSMEs be part of the local supply chain and eventually venture out to the global market,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

During the MSME Summit last July 10 in Clark, Pampanga, DTI and IPOPHL signed an extension to their original Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that expired last February 14. The program’s effectivity is extended to February 14, 2019, or until all applications have been availed.

In a press statement, IPOPHL Director Josephine R. Santiago said, “The success of the first round of the program shows MSMEs are realizing the significance of trademarks, and give them an edge in marketing their products.”

To qualify for the program, MSMEs must be: Engaged in business activities considered as priority sectors by DTI and IPOPHL; located in areas prone to natural disaster or facing social and economic challenges; have business names registered by DTI; have at most two unregistered marks used on goods and services; have no more than five employees; and engaged in business for at least one year or with limited financial capability or other similar conditions indicating inadequate financial capacity.

The priority sectors are agri-business (food and resource-based processing), aerospace parts, automotive and auto spare parts, chemicals, electronic manufacturing and semi-conductor manufacturing services, construction, design-oriented furniture and garments, shipbuilding (RORO, small or medium-sized vessels), IT and business process management, tool and die, tourism, and transport and logistics.

To apply, MSMEs must fill out the Trademark Registration Incentive Package for Waiver of Fees and Trademark Application Forms; submit the form and all required attachments at any DTI business office; secure DTI endorsement of application to IPOPHL; and submit application to the Intellectual Property Satellite Officer.