The Philippines has managed to steer clear of the US Trade Representative’s watch list for seven straight years now.
The Special 301 Report identifies trading partners that do not adequately or effectively protect and enforce intellectual property rights and otherwise deny market access to US innovators and creators that rely on protection of their IP rights.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines celebrated the report as a continuing milestone for the Philippines.
“This really complements IPOPHL and NCIPR [National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights] continuing and heightening efforts vs piracy and counterfeiting. The European UNION observation release early this year had placed RP out of their watch list, another testament to the efforts of government and the private sector to respect IPRs.Kudos to us,” said IPOPHL deputy director-general Teodoro Pascua.