PFA welcomes Philippines’ membership in Madrid Protocol
The Philippine franchise sector, through the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), lauded the signing by President Aquino of the Philippines’ membership to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks popularly known as the Madrid Protocol. This development is seen to be a big boost to the overseas expansion efforts of Philippine franchises.
PFA was one of the pioneer business organizations which supported IPOPHL’s campaign for the country’s entry into the Madrid Protocol. As early as the presidency of Robert Trota, the current PFA chairman, PFA saw the said agreement as an enabling measure that will help Philippine franchises establish commercial presence in foreign shores. “The good thing about our membership in the Madrid Protocol,” Trota explained, “is that a business in the Philippines can get protection for his trademark in 86 countries by registering with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and spend about only P50,000.” Trota, who is also president of Max’s Restaurant, said that he used to spend $5,000 per jurisdiction when he registered in Max’s Restaurant in other countries.
In a related development, PFA, with the support of IPOPHL, conducted a seminar on the Madrid Protocol for its members. The seminar was conducted by Director Corazon Marcial, Atty. Lope Manuel and Jelly Jalasco of IPOPHL. During her welcome remarks, PFA president Yvette Pardo- Orbeta said that the seminar was part of PFA’s efforts to support the overseas expansion programs of its members. She also cited IPOPHL for its campaign to make the Philippines a member of the Madrid Protocol, which will facilitate the entry of Philippine brands to the overseas market - including Philippine franchise brands.
“There are about 20 Philippine franchises with overseas operations,” Orbeta said, “and a good number - even MSMEs - are considering expanding abroad to broaden their market reach.” PFA members with overseas operations include Bench, Chowking, Goldilocks, Jollibee, Kamiseta, Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Potato Corner, Red Ribbon, Waffle Time and many more.
The PFA, together with IPOPHL, will hold a more indepth training session on the Madrid Protocol on July 2 at the PFA Franchise Training Center.