Copyright registrations at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) increased 76 percent to 6,522 in 2023 from 3,706 in 2022.
IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba said the record-high registrations for copyright reflected results of IPOPHL’s efforts to increase awareness and help people understand the importance of safeguarding their IP.
“Although copyright protection is provided automatically upon creation, registration certificates provide an added layer of protection to copyrighted works,” he said.
Books, pamphlets, articles, e-books, audio books, comics, novels and other writings category accounted for over half or 52.6 percent of the copyright registrations. This was followed by audiovisual works and cinematographic works at 18.1 percent and computer programs, software, games and applications, 8.8 percent.
Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) director Emerson Cuyo said the agency would further intensify its efforts to bridge copyright learning in the Philippines through various roadshows and furthering the reach of its Copyright Plus Program, which supports projects that empower underrepresented artists.
Cuyo also encouraged creatives to utilize the IP system, especially as copyright registration can be easily done online.
“In just a few clicks and just a few days, you can safeguard your works and navigate the future with greater confidence over the ownership of your works. Make the wise decision of registering today rather than regretting not having given your works enough protection,” he said.