The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) solidified their commitment to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights for cooperatives with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 16 June 2023 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Intellectual Property Center in Taguig City.
The objective of this Agreement is to establish a framework of cooperation between the CDA and IPOPHL with the primary focus of strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights for cooperatives in the Philippines through capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, it aims to facilitate prompt and cost-effective resolution of disputes falling within the jurisdictions of the two agencies. Through their collaborative efforts, they will create a stronger ecosystem that fosters innovation, creativity, and protection for the collective benefit of cooperatives and their members.
Chairperson Usec. Joseph B. Encabo and Director General Atty. Rowel S. Barba signed the MOA on behalf of the CDA and IPOPHIL, respectively. The ceremony was witnessed by CDA Legal Affairs Service Deputy Administrator Atty. Leah B. Banagui-Han and IPOPHIL Bureau of Legal Affairs Director Nathaniel S. Arevalo and Assistant Director Christine Pangilinan-Canlapan. Also in attendance were CDA Institutional Development Service Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo, CDA Legal Division Acting Chief Atty. August Owen P. Magdato, and other officials from the IPOPHL.
