Philippines

The Philippines offers a solid foundation for IP protection, backed by legal frameworks and increasing engagement in regional innovation and trade.
Table of Content
Patent Protection in Philippines
Why File in Philippines
Filipino Patent System Overview
Types of Patents
Significant Prosecution Deadlines
Filing Formalities
Subject Matter Eligibility

Patent Protection in Philippines

The Philippines has a developing yet internationally harmonized patent system administered by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).The system supports both national filings and international applications through the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Applicants benefit from English-language filings, streamlined e-filing options, and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening patent examination quality and enforcement mechanisms.

Why File in Philippines?

The Philippines (≈114 M people as of 2023) is one of the largest markets in Southeast Asia, strategically located between major Asia-Pacific trade routes.
Cost of obtaining and maintaining patents is relatively modest compared to other Asian jurisdictions.
Expanding manufacturing base and rising demand in healthcare, fintech, and digital sectors.
A youthful workforce with strong digital adoption driving innovation and growth.
English as an official language makes the Philippines a convenient jurisdiction for international applicants.
Supported by a legal system consistent with global IP standards.

Philippines Patent System Overview

If you want to learn more about Voyage IP’s Philippines service offering, please contact us here.
Government Agency Responsible for
Patent Registration
Patent registration is administered by the
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
Visit IPOPHL
Patent Examination
Official Language
English

Philippines Patent Filing Statistics

Source: WIPO Statistics Database
Major international treaties
ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC)
Budapest Treaty
Paris Convention
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPS)

Types of Patents

A Standard Patent in Philippines lasts 20 years from filing, offering inventors strong protection for their innovations.
Patent Type
Term
REMARKS
Invention Patent
20 years from filing
Requires substantive examination
Utility Model
7 years from filing
Faster grant, no inventive step required

Significant Prosecution Deadlines

Philippines is a leading intellectual property hub in Asia, offering a transparent, efficient, and internationally harmonised patent system.
EVENT
DEADLINE
Paris Convention
12 months from earliest priority date
PCT National Phase Entry
30 months from earliest priority date
Substantive Examination
Within 6 months from national phase entry date
Divisional Application
Deadline to file voluntary divisional application is 4 months from the date of grant

Accelerated Examination Programs

ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Patent Prosecution Highway

Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

Availability of Prefiling Grace Period

The Philippines provides a 12-month grace period for disclosures made by the inventor or derived from the inventor (e.g., academic publications, exhibitions, or disclosures in breach of confidence).

Filing Formalities

National Phase Patent Application
Paris Convention Patent Application

National Phase Patent Application

Document/action
Required?
deadline to submit
certification/legalization required?
extension of time available?
Power of Attorney
Yes
At national phase entry
No
1-month as-of right extension available to enter national phase
Assignment
No
-
-
-
Translation of Application to English
Yes, if not in English
At time of filing
If required by the patent office
No
Translation of Non-English Priority Application
If required by Patent Office
-
-
-
Certified Priority Document Required
No
-
-
-

Paris Convention Patent Application

Document/action
Required?
deadline to submit
certification/legalization required?
extension of time available?
Power of Attorney
Yes
At filing
No
No
Assignment
No
-
-
-
Translation of Application to English
Yes, if not in English
At time of filing
-
-
Translation of Non-English Priority Application
Yes
6 months from date of filing
Yes
No
Certified Priority Document Required
Yes
6 months from date of filing
Yes
Yes, up to six months at the Registrar’s discretion

Subject Matter Eligibility

Excluded subject matter includes:
Discoveries, scientific theories, 
and mathematical methods.
Schemes, rules, and methods of performing mental acts, playing games, or doing business.
Computer programs as such.
Methods for treatment of humans and animals.
Plant varieties and animal breeds.
Inventions contrary to public order or morality.
Additional Things to Consider:
Applicants should carefully consider claim drafting to avoid exclusions, especially in sectors like software, biotechnology, and medical methods.
Local counsel confirmation may be required for recent procedural updates.

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