TI Chief Proposes Amendments to IP Law for Enhanced Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeit Measures

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plans to amend RA 8293, the Intellectual Property (IP) Code, to bolster protection against piracy and counterfeiting, according to Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Speaking at the 2024 post-State of the Nation Address discussion, Pascual emphasized the need to support startup businesses facing rampant copyright infringement. “To support the startups, we need a strong Intellectual Property Law. We have an existing one, and I’m going to present to the President, hopefully soon, the proposed amendments to this law so we can strengthen the enforcement of the law and the further protection of intellectual property owners against piracy and counterfeiting,” Pascual stated.

Legislative Efforts to Combat Digital Theft

Several measures have been proposed in Congress to revise the IP Code, aiming to combat digital theft and address internet scams. Notably, House Bill 7600 has passed its third and final reading, granting the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) enhanced powers to prevent counterfeit or pirated goods and content.

The bill enables IPOPHL to gather intelligence, investigate IP Code violations, and develop countermeasures against counterfeit or pirated goods and content.