The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) agreed to enforce intellectual property (IP) laws
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and the Commission on Elections agreed to enforce intellectual property laws in election campaigns through a memorandum of agreement signed on Jan.
24, 2025. The partnership builds on the memorandum of understanding signed during the Philippine International Copyright Summit in October 2024, noting both agencies’ commitment to ensuring candidates respect IP rights when creating campaign materials.It aims to further define the specific actions and collaboration between the two agencies to ensure compliance with IP laws during election periods. IPOPHL deputy director-general for policy, legal affairs and external relations Nathaniel Arevalo cited the importance of stronger enforcement mechanisms. “This agreement will allow us to work more effectively in educating candidates and their teams about the significance of respecting intellectual property. It will also streamline reporting and enforcement mechanisms, ensuring violations are promptly addressed in a fair manner,” Arevalo said. Under the MOA, the two agencies committed to setting up a joint technical working group to oversee violation reports, monitoring and enforcement. The group will include representatives from IPOPHL’s Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights , Bureau of Legal Affairs and the IP Rights Enforcement Office , as well as Comelec personnel. Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia highlighted the negative impact of IP infringement during campaigns, comparing it to stealing a song created for a loved one. “If someone can steal the work of Filipino talent, what more could they do with the public funds once they’re elected? This is why our partnership with IPOPHL is so important. We want to protect Filipino creativity,” Garcia said. Comelec committed to incorporating IP protection guidelines into election rules and disseminating educational materials about IP rights to candidates, political parties and voters. Both agencies will also conduct joint initiatives to raise awareness on IP laws and the importance of respecting intellectual property in campaign materials. IPOPHL deputy director general for operations Ann Claire Cabochan said the partnership seeks to empower voters and encourage candidates to be more mindful of their use of copyrighted materials during campaigns. “This collaboration should help voters make informed choices and prompt candidates to think twice before using someone else’s work. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that justice for our artists and the creative economy prevails,” she said.
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