University of Makati Joins Innovation Technology Support Office: A Step towards Intellectual Property Empowerment

On March 18, 2024, Intellectual Property of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Presidents’ Summit witnessed a historic moment as President Elyxzur C. Ramos, representing the University of Makati, formalized a significant partnership. This occasion marked the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the University of Makati (UMak) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), symbolizing a significant milestone in the realm of intellectual property (IP) and innovation.

Accompanied by the presence of ITSO Manager Pio S. Jagurin, who served as a witness to the MOA signing, the collaboration cements the University of Makati’s position as a member of the Innovation Technology Support Office (ITSO). This affiliation not only underscores the university’s dedication to fostering innovation but also enhances its role and influences within the IP landscape.

The ITSO initiative traces its roots back to 2010, when the IPOPHL, in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pioneered the concept. The formal inauguration occurred on March 22, 2012, at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City. The primary objective was to establish patent libraries, or ITSOs, within educational institutions, enhancing their capacity to access patent information for research, education, and business development.

In progressive economies, the patent system serves as a catalyst for innovation and economic development. Scientists, researchers, and practitioners leverage patent databases to generate novel ideas and products, securing patent protection for their innovations. However, in many developing nations, including the Philippines, there is a gap in utilizing patent information for indigenous innovation.
The University of Makati’s integration into the ITSO network is a pivotal step towards addressing this gap. As one of the few Local University Colleges (LUC) members of ITSO, the university gains access to a wealth of resources, enabling its researchers and students to leverage patent databases for informed innovation.

Currently, there are 77 ITSOs across the Philippines, encompassing academic, research, and support institutions. The University of Makati’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within its academic community.

The importance of intellectual property to the university cannot be overstated. Intellectual property rights not only protect the university’s innovations but also incentivize further research and development. Moreover, IP serves as a valuable asset for commercialization and technology transfer, fostering collaborations with industries and driving economic growth.

The University of Makati’s collaboration with IPOPHL via its membership in ITSO represents a significant stride toward leveraging intellectual property to drive innovation and economic growth. By embracing and actively engaging with intellectual property, the university lays the groundwork for a future characterized by robust knowledge creation, to the benefit of academia and society as a whole.

Written by Nico Lauren/CDPRM