Strategic AI adoption drives the Philippines’ IP Office to global recognition

In January, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) clinched third place globally in the IP Office Innovation Ranking by the World Trademark Review (WTR), climbing from 13th in 2024 and ninth in 2022. 

IPOPHL’s rapid climb in the innovation ladder has been due to its online systems, digital filing platforms, and internal tools that enhance examination quality and turnaround times. 

The recognition also acknowledges the office's significant advancements in digital innovation and its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into both its public facing and internal systems. 

At the Stakeholders Forum last December, the IPOPHL emphasised that developing an institutional AI strategy is a key priority aligned with the Philippine National AI Strategy. 

IPOPHL’s patent and trademark bureaus are exploring the integration of AI tools into their examination processes, while the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights is studying the legal and practical implications of AI for copyright protection and enforcement.  

AI integration and capacity building as priorities  

Speaking to GovInsider, IPOPHL’s Acting Director General, Nathaniel S Arevalo, shares that the adoption of AI tools is complemented by continuous capacity building efforts for examiners and staff. 

This ensures that IPOPHL keeps up with the pace of emerging tech adoption, evolving business models and the increasingly digital nature of IP transactions. 

The IPOPHL is currently integrating AI tools into its system to assist with search, examination, classification, and appeals, he says.  

AI-powered systems help detect similarities among trademarks, facilitate prior-art searches, and improve the accuracy of patent examinations, he explains.  

The AI adoption efforts build on IPOPHL’s digital platforms for trademark filing and patents, which allow applicants to submit documents online, track their application status, and make payments digitally.  

Digitisation has reduced backlogs, minimised errors, and improved overall efficiency in case management, he explains.  

Beyond filing, the office has invested in AI-assisted analytical tools to improve examination quality. AI algorithms assist examiners in detecting similar trademarks and identifying potential conflicts, which accelerates decision-making.  

“These investments position IPOPHL as a forward-looking institution, ensuring that stakeholders receive faster, more reliable IP services,” Arevalo says. 

Each bureau within IPOPHL is exploring AI integration based on its specific needs.  

For example, the Patent Bureau uses AI for prior-art searches and patent analytics, which accelerates examination and reduces human error.  

The Trademark Bureau relies on AI for similarity assessments and automated notifications, helping protect brand integrity while improving processing efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights has been studying AI’s role in evaluating AI-generated works and assisting copyright enforcement.  

By tailoring AI tools to each bureau’s workflow, IPOPHL ensures that technology adoption enhances both operational efficiency and the quality of public service, while remaining legally compliant and transparent. 

Strategic AI alignment to national strategy 

The digital transformation has led to reduced processing times, simplified application submissions and improved transparency for applicants, IP creators and other stakeholders, says Arevalo. 

IP creators can file patents or trademarks online, check application progress, and access prior-art search tools, creating a more inclusive and efficient IP ecosystem.  

This encourages creativity and strengthens IP protection nationwide. 

Additionally, AI-assisted analytics provide actionable insights that help applicants make better strategic decisions.  

Entrepreneurs, researchers, and rights holders benefit from more accurate examinations, faster processing, and improved dispute resolution. 

For IPOPHL, developing an institutional AI strategy ensures that the adoption of AI is systematic, ethical, and aligned with broader national priorities.  

By coordinating with the Philippine National AI Strategy, IPOPHL integrates AI technologies responsibly across all bureaus, ensuring consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency.  

The strategy outlines guidelines for deployment, risk management, and capacity building, which are critical in safeguarding the quality of IP examinations. 

Aligning with the national AI framework also ensures interoperability and compliance with global standards.  

IPOPHL’s AI strategy helps anticipate challenges such as algorithm bias, data privacy, and regulatory compliance, while fostering innovation.  

This alignment underscores the office’s vision of leveraging AI not only for internal efficiency but also for public benefit and stakeholder trust. 

According to Arevalo, the IPOPHL’s digital and AI initiatives position the Philippines as a more competitive and technologically advanced country in the global IP landscape.  

By streamlining IP processes, the office facilitates faster commercialisation of new innovations, which encourages entrepreneurship and attracts investments in local technologies and creative industries. 

Stakeholders also gain confidence in the system, knowing their IP is efficiently and securely managed. 

This way, the IPOPHL’s modernisation contributes to broader national goals of innovation, digital transformation, and national economic growth. 

“Looking ahead, IPOPHL is both shaping the framework for AI-generated works and harnessing AI within its own operations, positioning the Philippine IP system to be more efficient, adaptive and future-ready,” Arevalo says.