San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) and Gold Label Resources Inc. (GLRI) resolved 12 trademark disputes and concerns through a compromise agreement facilitated by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
IPOPHL said this is a significant milestone, being the first successful settlement under the mediation outside litigation (MOL) services offered by IPOPHL.
The parties signed the agreement on Sept. 30, 2024 at the IPOPHL Multipurpose Hall. The 12 cases involved two appeals, four inter-parties cases and six lodged under MOL.
The dispute arose from SMFB’s concerns over GLRI’s use of the registered trademark “GOLD LABEL,” alleging potential confusion over their respective products.
Under Section 123 of the Intellectual Property Code of 1997, a trademark is not registrable if it closely resembles an existing registered mark and could deceive or cause confusion.
Instead of escalating the dispute through adjudication, the parties opted for MOL and mediation to expedite the resolution of their six pending cases.
IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba commended the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) and the parties for finding an amicable solution through mediation, emphasizing the benefits beyond dispute resolution.
“It paves the way for healthier relationships, encourages open communication, and ultimately contributes to a culture of collaboration. In a time when division seems all too prevalent, this achievement reminds us of our capacity to bridge divides and work together for a better future,” Barba said.
BLA OIC Christine Pangilinan-Canlapan encouraged others to prioritize mediation as a first step in conflict resolution.
“By honoring the voices of all parties and creating solutions, we can advocate for trust and harmony in our society,” she said.
The MOL, a service provided by the BLA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Services Division. Agreements settled under MOL, is enforceable and legally binding.
