IPOPHL launches its new Trademark Electronic Filing System

On 25 April 2016, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has launched its new electronic filing system for trademark applications, known as the IPOPHL eTMFile, on the occasion of the World IP Day Celebrations.

IPOPHL eTMfile is a system developed in collaboration with ECAP III Project, and allows online filling of new trademarks (24/7) including three different payment channels. IPOPHL eTMfile also makes possible the submission of documents, such as the special power of attorney, request for priority examination, and declaration of actual use.

Following the launch of the IPOPHL eTMfile, a prototype of the IPOPHL eDOCfile was also presented to stakeholders. IPOPHL eDOCfile is an advanced electronic filing system for practically all types of subsequent requests affecting existing trademarks (responses, powers of attorney, various types of declarations, assignments) that enables both the IPOPHL and the applicant to digitally sign documents submitted to the Office.

As lead for both information technology and trademarks under the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC), the IPOPHL has been collaborating closely with the ECAP III Project for the adaptation of IT tools that could be used by the ASEAN IP Offices.

IPOPHL is the first ASEAN IP Office to deploy the ASEAN eTMfile. ASEAN eTMfile is linked to two other regional tools developed with the support of the project, ASEAN TMview and ASEAN TMclass. The first would provide applicants with preliminary trademark search reports to check the availability of their idea for a trademark name and the second would make the classification of goods and services easier.