18 February 2015 – The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), led by then Director General Ricardo Blancaflor, signed a Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC) on December 03, 2014 aimed at strengthening Intellectual Property (IP) promotion for both economies.

It is an agreement for the advertisement and protection of Philippine patents. The MOU allows patent information exchange. Access to such information from other economies within and beyond Asia that are members of the HKTDC network will provide Philippine local scientists and researchers with updates on improvements and developments in specific technologies.

Director General Blancaflor called on Philippine Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla in Hong Kong to discuss the role of the IPOPHL and the importance and benefits of the signing of the MOU to the Philippine government. A total of 70 patents in the field of pharmaceuticals and energy were initially offered by IPOPHL to HKTDC. He was joined by IPOPHL Directors Carmen G. Peralta, and Eric T. Lanado.

The visit of IPO officials also coincided with the Business of IP Forum 2014 from December 04 to 05, 2014 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.  END