It’s Intellectual Property Rights week. Every last week of October has been named Intellectual Property Rights week by Presidential Proclamation No. 79.

Contrary to what most people think, intellectual property is more than just about battling pirated software and fake designer bags. It covers any creation of the mind—copyrights, trademarks or brands, patents, industrial designs, and undisclosed information. So that includes written works, audio visual creations, music, inventions, and distinctive marks, among others.

Have you protected your trademark already? How about copyrighting that catchy jingle or that unique product design? Think of them as your assets–and they are, intangible and valuable–that need protection. As we can see, they’re fairly easy to copy. Safeguarding IP assets is thus vital to ensure that artists, inventors, and innovators benefit from their creations.

According to Atty. Ferdinand Negre, partner of Bengzon Negre Untalan Intellectual Property Attorneys, “Intellectual property is steadily gaining recognition, not only on a global scale, but locally as well. Addressing IP concerns in the Philippines becomes all the more pressing because it is one of the keys for the nation’s advancement.”

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) is the country’s mandated agency in charge of implementing IP policies. Its strategic goals for 2007-2009 are focused on delivering quality patents and trademarks, facilitating technology transfer, supporting small and medium enterprises and creative industries, and developing a vibrant IP culture. Atty. Adrian Cristobal, Jr. is the current director general of IP Philippines.

To know more about protecting and registering your IP assets, as well as the various activities of Intellectual Property Rights Week: Innovation in Motion, visit IP Philippines’ official website here.