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Philippines

PH

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Philippines.

Authority

IPOPHL

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Member

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Philippines

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Philippines

Philippine invention patents are administered by IPOPHL, using a first-to-file system under the Intellectual Property Code (Republic Act No. 8293, as amended). Philippines is a PCT member state, with the national phase entry deadline typically at 30 months from the priority date. Philippines joined the Madrid Protocol in 2012. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date. The Philippines also has a utility model (7-year term) system.

Patent Filing Routes ▾
1. **Direct national filing with IPOPHL** — Filed in English or Filipino directly with IPOPHL; 2. **PCT national phase entry** — Enter within approximately 30 months from the priority date; complete national phase formalities with IPOPHL.

Source: IPOPHL official website; WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (PH)

Utility Model Patent ▾
The Philippines has a utility model patent system with a term of 7 years from filing (non-extendable). It is suitable for protecting simpler technical innovations and involves a faster, simpler registration process than invention patents.

Source: IPOPHL official website; IP Code of the Philippines

Patent Term ▾
Philippine invention patents are valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: IPOPHL; IP Code of the Philippines

Substantive Examination ▾
Philippine invention patents require substantive examination by IPOPHL. Applicants must file a Request for Substantive Examination after filing, and respond to office actions within prescribed timeframes.

Source: IPOPHL official website; Revised Rules on Patents

Novelty Grace Period ▾
Philippine patent law provides a 12-month grace period for disclosures made by the inventor/applicant before the filing date. However, grace period rules are complex — filing before public disclosure is strongly recommended.

Source: IP Code of the Philippines; IPOPHL guidance

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Philippines

Philippine trademarks are administered by IPOPHL using a first-to-file system. The Philippines joined the Madrid Protocol in 2012, enabling Madrid international applications with Philippines as a designated state. Filing languages are English or Filipino.

Trademark Filing Routes ▾
1. **Direct national application with IPOPHL** — Filed in English or Filipino; 2. **Madrid System designating Philippines** — Philippines joined the Madrid Protocol on July 25, 2012 and can be designated.

Source: IPOPHL official website; WIPO Madrid member information

Registration Term and Renewal ▾
Philippine trademark registrations are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely. Renewal must be filed before expiry to avoid lapse.

Source: IPOPHL official website

Declaration of Actual Use (DAU) ▾
Philippine trademark law requires trademark owners to file a Declaration of Actual Use (DAU) at renewal intervals, demonstrating genuine commercial use of the mark in the Philippines. Failure to comply may result in cancellation.

Source: IPOPHL; IP Code of the Philippines

Multi-Class Applications ▾
The Philippines uses the Nice Classification and supports multi-class applications, with fees per class designation.

Source: IPOPHL official website

Patent Annuity

Philippines Patent Annuities

Philippine patent annual fees must be paid to IPOPHL within prescribed deadlines to keep patents in force. Utility model patents also require maintenance fees. Set up an annuity calendar to avoid lapse.

Source: IPOPHL official fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Philippines Trademark Renewals

Philippine trademarks are valid for 10 years. Renewal must be filed with IPOPHL before expiry along with a Declaration of Actual Use.

Source: IPOPHL official website

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Philippines IP

How long does a Philippine invention patent last? ▾
20 years from the filing date, subject to annual fees.
Does the Philippines have utility model protection? ▾
Yes. The Philippines has utility model patents with a 7-year term from filing (non-extendable) and a simpler examination process.
What is the PCT national phase entry deadline for the Philippines? ▾
Typically 30 months from the priority date.
Does the Philippines support Madrid System trademark applications? ▾
Yes. The Philippines joined the Madrid Protocol on July 25, 2012 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.
How long is a Philippine trademark valid? ▾
10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.
What is required at trademark renewal in the Philippines? ▾
At renewal, you must file the renewal application and a Declaration of Actual Use (DAU) with IPOPHL demonstrating genuine use of the mark in the Philippines.
What language is required for Philippine trademark filings? ▾
Philippine trademark applications can be filed in English or Filipino.
Is a local agent required in the Philippines? ▾
Non-residents typically must engage a locally registered patent or trademark agent to file and prosecute applications in the Philippines.
Does the Philippines have a patent novelty grace period? ▾
Yes. Philippine law provides a 12-month grace period for disclosures by the applicant before filing, but filing before disclosure is strongly recommended.
Does the Philippines support WIPO DAS? ▾
IPOPHL participates in WIPO DAS for digital access to priority documents. Confirm current participation status on the WIPO DAS website.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

IPOPHL Official Website www.ipophil.gov.ph WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Philippines (PH) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid Member Info — Philippines www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/ WIPO — Philippines Country Profile www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/profile?code=PH

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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