Philippines Trademark Registration
To obtain trademark protection in the Philippines, the trademark must be registered with the Philippine Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL).
Trademark Registration Process
Trademark Search
Before applying for a trademark, you might want to conduct a search to find out if there are any identical or similar marks on the Trademark Register. However, it is an optional procedure for filing the trademark application.
Time frame: 5 – 7 working days
Trademark Application
Once the trademark application is filed, the IPOPHL will examine the application for compliance with formal requirements and for conflicts with existing trademarks. If the application is accepted, it will be published in the Official Journal. Any interested party may oppose the registration of your trademark within 30 days of the publication date. If there is no opposition from any 3rd party, the mark will be registered and the registration certificate will be issued. However, if there is an objection, the applicant must respond to the objection within a stipulated time, or else the application will be deemed abandoned.
Time Frame
The processing time from the filing date to the final registration of the mark may take about 6 – 9 months. However, if there is an objection from the trademark office or opposition from anyone else, it may take longer.
Terms and Renewal
A registered trademark is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of registration, and is renewable for 10 years. However, to maintain your trademark registration, it is mandatory to file a declaration and evidence of actual use. Otherwise, the protection granted to your trademark will lapse. The Declaration of Actual Use and proof of use must be filed within the following periods:
- three years from the date of filing your application; and
- one year from the 5th anniversary of the date of registration of your mark.
Requirements For Trademark Application in Philippines:
- Applicant’s full name, address and nationality;
- Representation of trademark;
- Description of goods or services;
- Classification of goods and services;
- A Certified translation and transliteration if your mark consist of non-Roman letters;
- If the applicant claims convention priority, a certified copy of foreign application is required (with English translation).
