You are on page 1of 29

San Beda College of Law

2010 Centralized Bar Operations

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE 5. Geographic indications;


REPUBLIC ACT 8293
6. Industrial designs;
Purpose: To strengthen the intellectual and
industrial property system in the Philippines as 7. Layout designs (topographies) of
mandated by the country’s accession to the integrated circuits;
Agreement Establishing the World Trade
Organization (WTO) (Mirpuri vs. CA, GR No. 8. Protection of Undisclosed information
114508, November 19, 1999).
(Sec. 4).
LAWS SPECIFICALLY REPEALED BY THE
IPC

2. Patent Law (RA 165); Copyright


Confined to literary or artistic works which are
3. Trademark Law (RA 166); original creations in the literary or artistic
domain protected from the moment of their
4. Copyright Law (PD 49); and creation.

5. Articles 188 & 189 of the RPC Patent Inventions


Any technical solution of a problem in any field
of human activity which is new, involves an
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY inventive step and is industrially applicable
(Section 21, IPC).
Intellectual Property - Those property rights
which result from the physical manifestation of Trademark
original thought (Ballantine's Law Dictionary). Any visible sign capable of distinguishing the
goods or services of an enterprise and shall
Note: There are NO property rights protected include a stamped or marked container of
by law in mere ideas or mental conceptions. goods (Section 121.1, IPC, and Elidad Kho v.
When creations of mind are put in tangible Court of Appeals, GR No. 115758, March 11,
form, there is appropriate subject of property 2002).
that is protected by law (63A Am Jur 3d,
Property, Section 5). Geographic Indication
One which identifies a good as originating in
Intellectual Property Rights the territory of a TRIPS member, or a region or
(CoRe-PIMP-LG) locality in that territory, where a given quality,
1. Copyright; reputation or other characteristic of the good is
essentially attributable to its geographical
2. Related rights or neighboring rights of origin (Art. 22, Trade-Related Aspects of
copyright; Intellectual Property Rights [TRIPS
Agreement]).
3. Patents;
Layout Design (Topography) of an
4. Mark; Integrated Circuit

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
MANOLO ADEL SANTOS overall chair, KRISTINE ANNABELLEE HIPOS chair academic operations, MINISTER MOISES DU chair hotel operations,
EZEKIEL JOSHUA VILLENA vice chair for operations, RYAN DARYL PINEDA vice chair for secretariat, DJOANIVIE JOMARE JUNASA vice chair for
finance, MARIE MICAELA STA. ANA, vice chair for edp, DIOXENOS SULIT vice chair for logistics

SUBJECT COMMITTEE:
ANDREW ALCANTARA subject chair, JENNETTE ROBINO assistant subject chair, ACE ARVIN GANDO edp, SHERRY JANE GASPAY laws on intellectual
property, NOEL BURTON special laws, SARAH JEANE CARDONA banking laws, JOYFUL KIAMZON code of commerce, JONATHAN BAJETA negotiable
instruments laws, ALAN GUERRERO insurance laws, ANNA ROSE NAVA transportation laws, GUIA MARIE TOMANENG corporation laws

MEMBERS:
Stephanie Narvaez, Faith de Torres, Jerico Galvez, Thomas Santos, Christian Ocampo, Walter Fernandez, Aaron Marc Saludo, Anthony Villamor, Gian
Carlo Layson, Michael Ali, Jose Angelito Ilano, Dominic Paul Oso, Ronald Cubero, Maan Vanessa Doctor, Jaime del Rosario, Richelle Mari Marders,
Charles Cambaliza, Pia Urbano, Raymund Jonas Flores, Carissa Eñano, Gian Marlo Urbano, Donna Castronuevo, April Rose Javier, Mary Mae
Serafico, Clarence Octaviano, Adrienne Mae Aquino, Marilen Ang, Camhella Sandoval, Diane Dauz and Mapeps Andal
Integrated Circuit Any person who is a national or who is
A product, in its final form or an immediate domiciled or has a real and effective industrial
form, in which the elements, at least one of establishment in a country which:
which is an element, and some or all of the 1. is a party to any convention, treaty, or
interconnections are integrally formed in and/ agreement relating to intellectual property
or on a piece of material and which is intended rights or the repression of unfair
to perform an electric function (Art. 35, TRIPS competition to which the Philippines is also
Agreement). a party; or
2. Extends Reciprocal rights to nationals
Layout Design (Topography) of the Philippines by law, shall be entitled
The three-dimensional disposition, however to benefits to the extent necessary to give
expressed, of the elements, at least one of effect to any provision of such convention,
which is an active element, and of some or all treaty, or reciprocal law, in addition to the
the three-dimensional disposition prepared for rights to which any owner of an intellectual
an integrated circuit intended for manufacture property right is otherwise entitled by the
(Sec. 112 [3], R.A. No. 8293, as amended). IPC (Sec. 3).

Note: For a layout-design to be entitled to Note: If the foreign corporation not doing
protection it must be original in the sense that business in the Philippines is suing as a party
they are the result of their creators’ own of a treaty to which the Philippines is a
intellectual effort and are not commonplace signatory, the fact that it is suing under Sec 3,
among creators of layout-designs RA 8293 need not be alleged anymore and the
(topographies) and manufacturers of court may take judicial notice of such fact as it
integrated circuits at the time of their creation. is embodied in and supplied by the Paris
Convention which forms part of the law of the
Technology Transfer Arrangements land, provided that the party suing
Contracts or agreements involving the transfer substantially complied with the requirements of
of systematic knowledge for the manufacture the law (Puma Sportschufabriken Rudolf
of a product, the application of a process, or Dassler,K.G. vs. IAC, GR 75067, Feb. 26,
rendering of a service including management 1988).
contracts; and the transfer, assignment or
licensing of all forms of intellectual property  In another case, Leviton Industries, Inc.
rights, including licensing of computer software vs. Salvador, (GR No. 40163, June 19,
except computer software developed for mass 1982), the Court held that failure to allege
market (Sec. 4.2, IPC). reciprocity is fatal to foreign corporation’s
cause it being shown that it failed to
Undisclosed Information comply with the requirements of the law.
Information which:
1. is a secret in the sense that it is not, as a Principle of Reverse Reciprocity
body or in the precise configuration and Any condition, restriction, limitation,
assembly of components, generally diminution, requirement, penalty or any similar
known among or readily accessible to burden imposed by the law of a foreign
persons within the circles that normally country on a Philippine national seeking
deal with the kind of information in protection of intellectual property rights in that
question; country, shall reciprocally be enforceable upon
2. has commercial value because it is nationals of said country within Philippine
secret; and jurisdiction (Sec. 231, IPC).
3. has been subject to reasonable steps
under the circumstances, by the person National Treatment Principle
lawfully in control of the information, to The Philippines, upon becoming a member of
keep it secret (Art. 39, TRIPS the WTO, has adhered to the Trade-Related
Agreement). Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS), which provides that protection
INTERNATIONAL LAW RELATED afforded to the member-state (with respect to
PROVISIONS intellectual property) must be extended to the
nationals of other member-states.
Persons Entitled to the Benefits of the IPC
(Principle of Reciprocity) Most-favored Nation Principle
Whatever favor, allowance, consideration,
privilege or immunity a member-state grants
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
the nationals of another country is 3. Secretary of Trade and
“immediately and unconditionally” accorded to Industry
the nationals of other member-states (Art. 4, a. Over decisions of
TRIPS). the Director General in the
exercise of his appellate
JURISDICTION OVER DISPUTES jurisdiction over the decisions of
the Director of the Documentation,
A. Original Jurisdiction Information and Technology
1. Director General Transfer (Sec. 7.1[b]).
Over disputes relating to the terms of b. Over decisions of
a license involving the author’s right to the Director General in the
public performance or other exercise of his original jurisdiction
communication of his work (Sec. relating to terms of license
7.1[c], IPC). involving the author’s right to
2. Bureau of Legal Affairs public performance or other
a. Opposition to communication of his work (Sec.
applications for registration of 7.1[c]).
marks;
b. Cancellation of Inter Parties
Civil Proceedings
trademarks; Proceedings
c. Cancellation of Kinds
patent, utility models, and 1. Patent 1. Copyright, Patent,
a. Petition to Trademark
industrial designs;
cancel an Action for
d. Petitions for invention, patent, infringement
compulsory licensing; utility model
e. Administrative registration,
complaints for violation of laws industrial design
involving intellectual property registration, or any
rights where the total damages claim or parts of a
claimed are not less than claim.
P200,000. The Director of Legal b. Petition for
compulsory
Affairs has the power to punish
licensing or a
contempt (Sec. 10, Ibid.) license to exploit a
3. Documentation, Information patented
and Technology Transfer Bureau invention.
Over disputes involving technology 2. Trademark 2. Trademark
transfer payments (Sec. 11.8). a. Opposition Action for unfair
4. Regular Courts (Sec. 225) against the competition
registration of a
B. Appellate Jurisdiction mark published for
opposition.
1. Director General
b. Petition to
Over all decision rendered by the: cancel the
a. Director of Legal registration of a
Affairs; mark.
b. Director of Patents; Nature of Proceedings
c. Director of Administrative Judicial
Trademarks; and Jurisdiction
d. Director of the IPO (Bureau of Legal Regular courts
Documentation, Information and Affairs)
Technology Transfer (Sec. 7.1[b]). Quantum of Evidence
2. Court of Appeals Substantial evidence Preponderance of
Over decisions of the Director General evidence
in the exercise of his appellate
jurisdiction over the decisions of the: COPYRIGHT
a. Director of Legal
Affairs, Principles
b. Director of Patents, 1. Copyright is that system of legal
c. Director of protection an author enjoys of the form of
Trademarks (Sec. 7.1[b]). expression of ideas (Intellectual Property

3
Law, Comments and Annotations, Aquino, 2. Expression
2003).  There must be "fixation". To be "fixed",
2. Relates to artistic creations, such as a work must be embodied in a
books, music, paintings, and sculptures, medium sufficiently permanent or
films and technology-based works as well stable to permit it to be perceived,
as to the main act which, in respect of reproduced, or otherwise
literary and artistic creations, may be communicated for a period of more
made only by the author or his than transitory duration.
authorization (Understanding Copyright  Strictly speaking, there is no work for
and Related Rights, World Intellectual copyright purpose, unless there is
Property Organization). something tangible.
3. Works are protected by the sole fact of  It is fixation that defines the time from
their creation, irrespective of their mode or when copyright subsists. Before the
form of expression, as well as their time of fixation there can be no
content, quality or purpose (Sec. 172.2). infringement.
4. Copyright is not a right to do anything
but to stop others from doing something; it Creator To Whom it Belongs
is therefore a negative right (Copyright Author of the work, his
Single Creator
Under the Intellectual Property Code, heirs or assigns.
Amador, V., 1998ed). If work consists of
5. Protection extends only to the UNIDENTIFIABLE
expression of the idea, not to the idea parts: co-authors
itself or to any procedure, system, method jointly as co-owners,
unless there is
or operation, concept or principle,
agreement to the
discovery, or mere data (Sec. 175). Joint Creator
contrary.
6. The copyright is distinct from the If work consists of
property in the material object subject to it IDENTIFIABLE parts:
(Sec. 181). author of each part
7. Copyright, in the strict sense of the term, owns the part that he
is purely a statutory right. Being a mere has created.
statutory grant, the rights are limited to If the creation is PART
what the statute confers. It may be of his regular duties:
obtained and enjoyed only with respect to employer, unless there
Employee’s Creation
is agreement to the
the subjects and by the persons, and on contrary
terms and conditions specified in the If it is NOT: employee
statute. Accordingly, it can cover only the Work itself: person
works falling within the statutory commissioning
enumeration or description (Pearl & Dean Copyright: creator,
Commissioned Work
(Phil.) vs. Shoemart, GR No. 148222, unless there is a
August 15, 2003). written stipulation to
the contrary.
Primary Purpose of Copyright For exhibition
Not to reward the labor of authors, but to purposes: producer
promote the progress of science and useful For all other purposes:
Cinematographic
producer, author of the
arts (Copyright Under the Intellectual Property Works
scenario, composer,
Code, Ibid). film director, author of
the work
Requisites for the Creation of a Publishers are deemed
Copyrightable Work representative of the
1. Originality author, unless:
 It does not mean novelty or ingenuity; i. the contrary
neither uniqueness nor creativity. It appears;
Anonymous and
simply means that the work "owes its ii. pseudonyms or
pseudonymous
adopted
origin to the author.” works
name leaves no
 Constituents of originality: doubt as to the
 The work is an independent author’s identity; or
creation of the author; author discloses his
 It must NOT be copied; and identity.
 It must involve some intellectual Collective Works Contributor is deemed
effort. to have waived his
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
right, unless he direction of another
expressly reserves it with the understanding
contributions be
(Sec. 196). that it will be disclosed
merged into
Writer. by the latter under his
inseparable or
However, the court own name and that
interdependent parts of
may authorize their contributions of natural
the unitary whole.
publication or persons will NOT be
Letters dissemination if the identified
public good or the Each author shall Joint authors shall be
interest of justice so enjoy copyright to his co-owners. Co-
requires (Art.723, New own contribution ownership shall apply
Civil Code). Unless the contributor
Joint authors shall be
expressly reserves his
entitled both to be
Duration of Copyright (Sec. 213) right, it is the putative
acknowledged as
author to whom the
authors of the work
Type of Work Duration work will be attributed
Lifetime of the creator
Single Creation and for 50 years after Works Protected:
his death A. Original Works (BO2P3-CL2AIM-D2W)
Lifetime of the last 1. Book
surviving co-creator s, pamphlets, articles and other
Joint Creation
and for 50 years after writings
his death 2. Perio
50 years after the date
dicals and newspapers
of their first publication;
except where, before Note: A pure news report no longer
the expiration of said finds protection under the new law,
period, the author’s BUT a column or published comment
Anonymous or a
identity is revealed or will. When newspapers and
pseudonymous work
is no longer in doubt, periodicals include works enjoying
the 1st two mentioned independent copyrights, the works so
rules shall apply; or if included continue enjoying the rights
unpublished, 50 years for duration proper to them.
from their making
3. Lectu
Work of applied art,
an artistic creation res, sermons, addresses, dissertations
with utilitarian prepared for oral delivery, whether or
functions or not reduced in writing or other material
incorporated in a 25 years from the date form
useful article, of making 4. Letter
whether made by s
hand or produced on 5. Dram
an industrial scale atic or dramatico-musical
(Sec. 171.10).
compositions, choreographic works or
Photographic work,
50 years from the entertainment in dumb shows
audiovisual work
publication of the work, 6. Music
produced by
or if unpublished, from al compositions, with or without words;
photography or
making the same 7. Work
analogous processes
Lifetime of the author s of drawing, painting, architecture,
Newspaper article and 50 years sculpture, engraving, lithography or
thereafter other works of art; models or designs
for works of art;
Note: The term of protection shall be counted 8. Origin
from the 1st day of January of the year al ornamental designs or models for
following the death or of last publication (Sec. articles of manufacture, whether or not
214). registrable as an industrial design, and
other works of applied art;
Collective Work Joint Work 9. Illustr
Elements remain Separate elements ations, maps, plans, sketches, charts
unintegrated and merge into a unified and three dimensional works relative
disparate whole to geography, topography,
Work created by 2 or Work prepared by 2 or
architecture or science;
more persons at the more authors with the
initiative and under intention that their

5
10. Drawi 2. News of the day and other miscellaneous
ngs or plastic works of a scientific or facts having the character of mere items of
technical character; press information (Sec. 175);
11. Photo
graphic works including works 3. Any official text of a legislative,
produced by a process analogous to administrative or legal nature, as well as
photography; lantern slides; any official translation thereof (Sec. 175);
12. Audio
visual works and cinematographic 4. Any work of the Government of the
works and works produced by a Philippines;
process analogous to cinematography
or any process for making audiovisual General Rule: Condition Imposed prior
recordings; approval of then government agency or
13. Pictor office wherein the work is created shall be
ial illustrations and advertisements; necessary for exploitation of such work for
14. Comp profit. Such agency or office may, among
uter programs; and other things, impose as a condition the
15. Other payment of royalties.
literary, scholarly, scientific and artistic
works (Sec. 172). Exception: No prior approval or
conditions shall be required for the use of
B. Derivative Works any purpose of statutes, rules and
1. Dramatizations, translations, regulations, and speeches, lectures,
adaptations, abridgments, sermons, addresses, and dissertations,
arrangements, and other alterations of pronounced, read or rendered in courts of
literary or artistic works; and justice, before administrative agencies, in
2. Collections of literary, scholarly or deliberative assemblies and in meetings of
artistic works, and compilations of public character (Sec. 176).
data and other materials which are
original by reason of the selection or 5. Pleadings;
coordination or arrangement of their
contents (Sec. 173t). 6. Decisions of courts and tribunals. They
may therefore be freely used or quoted.
Note: Derivative works shall be protected
as new works. Provided however, that Note: This pertains to the "original
such new works shall not: decisions" not the SCRA published
a. affect the force of any subsisting volumes since these are protected under
copyright upon the original works derivative works under Sec. 173.1 (b).
employed or any part thereof
b. be construed to imply any right to such Rights Conferred by Copyright (CMD)
use of the original works, or to secure 1. Copyright or Economic rights (Sec. 177);
or extend copyright in such original 2. Moral rights (Sec. 193); and
work (Sec. 173.2) 3. Right to participate in the gross proceeds
of the sale or lease of the original work or
Works Not Protected: (PIN-DOG) droit de suite (Sec. 200).
1. Idea, procedure, system, method or
operation, concept, principle, discovery or
mere data as such, even if they are
expressed, explained, illustrated or
embodied in a work (Sec. 175);

Note: Format or mechanics of a television


show are not copyrightable. The law in
enumerating what are subject to copyright
refers to finished works and not to
concepts (Joaquin Jr. v. Drilon, GR
108946, January 28, 1999).
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
A. Copyright or Economic Rights Term/ Duration
Exclusive right to (a) carry out, (b) Lifetime of the author and 50 years after
authorize or (c) prevent the following acts his death. And is NOT assignable or
(CAP): subject to license (Sec. 198).
1. Reproduction of the work or
substantial portion of the work; These rights may be waived by:
2. Dramatization, translation, adaptation, 1. by a written instrument (Sec. 195); or
abridgment, arrangement or other 2. by contribution to a collective work
transformation of the work; unless expressly reserved (Sec. 196).
3. First public distribution of the original
and each copy of the work; C. Droit de Suit
4. Rental of the original or a copy of an Inalienable right to receive to the extent of
audiovisual or cinematographic work; 5% of the gross proceeds of the sale or
5. Public display of the original or a copy lease of a work (Sec. 200).
of the work;
6. Public performance of the work; and Requisites:
7. Other communication to the public of 1. Sale or lease of the work;
the work (Sec. 177); 2. Original work;
8. Assignment of the copyright and/ or 3. Painting or sculpture, or manuscript;
the material object in whole or in part and
4. Subsequent to the first disposition by
Note: Economic rights allows the owner to the author
derive financial reward from the use of his
works by others (WIPO, Understanding Term/ Duration:
Copyright and Related Rights, p.9). Lifetime of the author and for 50 years
after his death.
B. Moral Rights
1. Right of Paternity – To require that Works NOT covered:
the authorship of the works be 1. Prints;
attributed to him, in a prominent way 2. Etchings;
on the copies, and with the public use 3. Engravings;
of the work; 4. Works of applied art; and
2. To make any alterations of his work 5. Similar works wherein the author
prior to, or to withhold it from primarily derives gain from the
publication; proceeds of reproductions (Sec. 201).
3. Right of Integrity – To object to any
distortion, mutilation or other Transfer or Assignment of Copyright
modification of, or other derogatory The transfer or assignment of the copyright
action in relation to, his work which shall not itself constitute a transfer of the
would be prejudicial to his honor or material object. A transfer or assignment of the
reputation; and copyright of the sole copy or of one or several
4. To restrain the use of his name with copies of the work shall not imply transfer or
respect to any work not of his own assignment of copyright (Sec 181).
creation or in a distorted version of his
work (Sec. 193). First Sale Doctrine
a. These rights are distinct from After the first sale of the lawfully made copy of
economic rights and remain with the copyrighted work, anyone who is the
the author even after he has owner of that copy can sell or dispose of that
transferred or assigned to another copy in any way without any liability for
“other rights of copyright” (WIPO, copyright infringement. The first sale of an
215). authorized copy of the work exhausts the
b. Moral rights allow the author author’s right to control distribution of copies.
to take certain actions to preserve
the personal link between himself Limitations to the Rights of Copyright
and the work (WIPO, (GF-PARRI)
Understanding Copyright and 1. General limitations (Sec. 184);
Related Rights, p.9). 2. Fair use (Sec. 185);
3. In the case of a work of architecture, the
right to control the reconstruction or

7
rehabilitation in the same style as the its work or facilities, (iii) for use in its own
original of the building (Sec. 186); broadcast;
4. Private reproduction of published work in a 8. Use made of a work by or under the
single copy by a natural person for direction or control of the government for
research and private study (Sec. 187); public interest compatible with fair use;
5. Reprographic reproduction in a single 9. Public performance or the communication
copy by non-profit libraries, under certain to the public of a work in a place where no
circumstances (Sec. 188); admission fee is charged by a club on
6. Reproduction, under certain institution for charitable or educational
circumstances, of a computer program in purpose only and the aim is not profit-
one back-up copy by the lawful owner of making;
the program (Sec. 189); 10. Public display of the original or a copy of
7. Importation for personal purposes under the work not made by means of a film,
certain conditions (Sec. 190). slide, television, image or otherwise on
screen or by means of any other device or
General Limitations (R4QP2I-MU2) process either the work has been
Acts that do not infringe copyright: published, sold, given away, or transferred
1. Recitation or performance of a work: (i) to another person by the author or his
made accessible to the public, (ii) privately successor in title; and
done, (iii) free of charge, (iv) strictly for a 11. Use made of a work for the purpose of any
charitable or religious institution; judicial proceedings or for the giving of
2. Making of quotations from a published professional advice by a legal practitioner
work: (i) compatible with fair use, (ii) extent (Sec. 184).
is justified by the purpose, (iii) source and
name of the author, appearing on work, Fair Use
must be mentioned; A privilege, of persons other than the owner of
3. Reproduction or communication to the the copyright, to use the copyrighted material
public by mass media of articles on current in a reasonable manner without his consent,
political, social, economic, scientific or notwithstanding the monopoly granted to the
religious topic, lectures, addresses and owner by the copyright.
other works, delivered in public: (i) for
information purposes, (ii) not expressly It does not constitute infringement.
reserved, and (iii) source is already
indicated; Examples:
4. Reproduction and communication to the 1. Criticizing, commenting, and news
public of literary, scientific or artistic works reporting;
as part of reports of current events by 2. Using for instructional purposes, including
means of photography, cinematography or producing multiple copies for classroom
broadcasting to the extent necessary for use, for scholarship, research and similar
the purpose; purposes
5. Inclusion of a work in a publication, 3. Decompilation – the reproduction of the
broadcast or other communication to the code and translation of the forms of the
public, sound recording or film if made by computer program to achieve the inter-
way of illustration for teaching purposes operability of an independently created
compatible with fair use and the source computer program with other computer
and the name of the author appearing on programs (Sec. 185).
work, must be mentioned;
6. Recording made in schools, universities, Criteria to determine whether use is fair or
or educational institutions of a work not:
included in a broadcast for the use of 1. Purpose and the character of the use;
schools, universities or educational 2. Nature of the copyrighted work;
institutions. Such recording must be 3. Amount and substantiality of the portions
deleted with in a reasonable period; such used;
recording may not be made from audio- 4. Effect of the use upon the potential market
visual works which are part of the general of the copyrighted work (Sec. 185).
cinema, repertoire of feature films except
of brief excerpts of the work; Note: Concept of fair use only applies to
7. Making of ephemeral recordings; (i) by a copyrighted work and NOT to non-
broadcasting organization, (ii) by means of copyrightable material.
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
 Quotations from a published work if The incorporation in one’s own work that of
they are compatible with fair use and only another without the proper acknowledgement
to the extent justified by the purpose, thereof (Pandect of Commercial Law and
including quotations from newspaper Jurisprudence, Vitug, 2006ed).
articles, and periodicals in the form of
press summaries are allowed provided Remedies for Infringement
that the source and the name of the A. Judicial (Secs. 216-217)
author, if appearing on the work, are 1. Action for damages;
mentioned (Habana v. Robles, GR No. 2. Criminal action;
131522, July 19, 1999). Any person who at the time when
copyright subsists in a work has in his
Infringement or Piracy possession an article which he knows,
Any violation of the owner’s exclusive rights or ought to know, to be an infringing
conferred by law (Pandect of Commercial Law copy of his work for the purpose of:
and Jurisprudence, Justice Jose Vitug, 2006 a. Selling, letting for hire, or by way
ed). of trade offering or exposing for
sale, or hire, the article;
 An appropriation of a copyrighted work b. Distributing the article for purpose
by another who is not authorized (Black’s of trade, or for any other purpose
Law Dictionary). to an extent that will prejudice the
 The doing by any person, without the rights of the copyright owner in the
consent of the owner of the copyright, of work; or
anything the sole right to do which is c. Trade exhibit of the article in
conferred by statute to the owner of the public, shall be guilty of an offense
copyright (Habana v. Robles, Ibid; and shall be liable on conviction to
Columbia Pictures v. CA, GR No. 131522, imprisonment and fine (Section
July 19, 1999). 217.3).
 Copying alone is not what is 3. Injunction;
prohibited. The copying must produce an 4. Court order for impounding or
injurious effect. (Habana v. Robles, Ibid). destruction of infringing materials;
 It is not necessary that the whole or 5. Payment of moral and
even a large portion of the work shall have exemplary damages even in case of
been copied. If so much is taken that the acquittal by the accused;
value of the original is sensibly diminished, 6. Seizure and impounding of
or the labors of the original author are infringing materials for the purpose of
substantially and to an injurious extent evidence
appropriated by another, that is sufficient
in point of law to constitute a piracy (Ibid.). B. Administrative
 It is the overall appearance or 1. Administrative action;
impression that establishes infringement. 2. Cease and desist order;
Trivial or minor changes do not 3. Forfeiture of paraphernalia
necessarily negate infringement (Boorstyn, used in committing the offense;
Copyright Law, 1981 Ed., 293, cited in 4. Administrative fines
Intellectual Property Law, Comments and
Annotations, Aquino, R., 1998ed). Affidavit Evidence
An affidavit made before a notary public in
 A copy of a piracy is an infringement
actions for infringement, reciting the facts
of the original and it is no defense that the
required to be stated under the IP Code (Sec.
pirate in such cases did not know whether
218.1).
or not he was infringing any copyright; he
at least knew that what he was copying
Note: As prima facie proof, the affidavit shifts
was not his and he copied at his peril
the burden of proof to the defendant, to prove
(Habana v. Robles, Ibid.).
the ownership of the copyrighted work.
Plagiarism
Presumption of Authorship
The act of appropriating the literary
The natural person whose name is indicated
composition of another, or parts or passages
on a work in the usual manner as the author
of his writings, or the ideas or language of the
shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary,
same and passing them off as the product of
be presumed to be the author of the work.
one’s mind.
This is applicable even if the name is a

9
pseudonym, where the pseudonym leaves no protection under the Code (Secs.
doubt as to the identity of the author (Sec. 203-207).
219.1). 2. Producers of sound recordings (Secs.
208-210), which includes:
The person or body corporate whose name a. Sound recordings the
appears on an audio-visual work in the usual producers of which are nationals of
manner shall, in the absence of proof to the the Philippines (Section 223.1);
contrary, be presumed to be the maker of said b. Sound recordings that were
work (Sec. 219.2). first published in the Philippines
(Section 223.2);
Related Parties c. Sound recordings which are to
1. Parties be protected by virtue of and in
a. Plaintiff accordance with any international
i. Legal owner; or convention or other international
ii. Beneficial owner; since they are agreement to which the Philippines is
"parties in interest." a party (Section 224.2).
b. Defendant
i. Direct infringer; or  If the general public has
ii. Contributory infringer (Sec. 217). made use of the object sought to be
copyrighted for thirty (30) days prior to
Note: A corner bookstore and magazine the copyright application the law
store that vends pirated copies of a work is deems the object to have been
in fact violating the copyright owner's right donated to the public domain and the
to exclusively distribute his work. Such same can no longer be copyrighted
store would therefore be infringing. The (Filipino Society of Composers,
printer who, though acting under Authors and Publishers, Inc. vs.
instructions from another, sets into motion Benjamin Tan, G. R. no. L-36402,
the illegal reproduction of protected March 16, 1987)
material would, in fact, be infringing
copyright. 3. Broadcasting organizations (Sec. 211)
Scope of Right: exclusive right to carry
2. Prescriptive out, authorize or prevent any of the
Period following acts:
4 years from the time a. The rebroadcasting of their
Action for damages the cause of action broadcasts;
arose (Sec. 226) b. The recording in any manner
subject to the general including the making of films or the
Criminal action rules of prescription of use of video tape, of their broadcasts
crimes for the purpose of communication to
Petition for injunctive none the public of television broadcasts of
relief the same; and
Petition for the none
c. The use of such records for
impounding and
destruction of infringing fresh transmissions or for fresh
material recording.

Related Rights or Neighboring Rights of Application of rights:


Copyright (Secs. 202-211) a. Broadcasts of broadcasting
Rights akin to but different from copyright, organizations the headquarters of
granted by the law to – which are situated in the Philippines;
1. Performers, who are: b. Broadcasts transmitted from
a. Nationals of the Philippines; transmitters situated in the Philippines;
b. Not nationals of the c. Broadcasts by organizations which are
Philippines but whose performances: to be protected by virtue of and in
i. Take place in the Philippines; accordance with any international
ii. Are incorporated in sound convention or other international
recordings protected under the agreement to which the Philippines is
Intellectual Property Code; and a party (Section 224).
iii. Which has not been fixed in
sound recording but are carried PATENT
by broadcast qualifying for
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
The right granted to an inventor by the State, already patented, he is
or by the regional office acting for several restrained by the arm patented work,
States, which allows the inventor to exclude of the law from provided that the
anyone else from commercially exploiting his exploiting such an former is truly original,
invention by reason of i.e., it owes its
invention for a limited period (World
the patent granted the existence to its creator.
Intellectual Property Organization, earlier discoverer.
Understanding Industrial Property, p.5). Non-patentable
inventions may be
A patent is a statutory monopoly which subject of a copyright.
protects against unlicensed use of the
patented device or process even by one who Classes of
Non-patentable
discovers it properly through independent Patentable
Inventions
research (60 Am Jur 2d, Patents, Section 6). Inventions
1. Useful machine 1. Discoveries,
Purposes 2. A product scientific theories
1. The patent law seeks to foster and reward 3. A process and mathematical
4. Improvement of (1), method;
invention; (2), (3) 2. Schemes, rules and
2. it promotes disclosures of inventions to 5. Micro- organism methods of
stimulate further innovation and to permit 6. Non-biological and performing mental
the public to practice the invention once microbiological acts, playing games
the patent expires; process (Rule 201, or doing business,
3. The stringent requirements for patent Rules and and programs for
protection seeks to ensure that ideas in Regulations of computers;
the public domain remain there for the free Inventions) 3. Methods for
use of the public (Pearl & Dean (Phil.)., treatment of the
human or animal
Inc. v. Shoemart, Inc., GR No. 148222, body;
August 15, 2003). 4. Plant varieties or
animal breeds of
Principles essentially biological
1. Test of Non-Obviousness – If any process for the
person possessing ordinary skill in the art production of plants
was able to draw the inferences and the or animals;
constructs that the supposed inventor 5. Aesthetic creations;
drew from prior art, then the latter did not 6. Anything which is
contrary to public
really invent. order or morality
2. Unity of Invention – The application shall (Sec. 22).
relate to one invention only or to a group
of inventions forming a single general Note: In case of drugs and medicines, non-
inventive step (Sec. 38.1). patentable products include the mere
3. An applicant may not file 2 applications for discovery of a new form or new property of a
the same subject, one for utility model known substance which does not result in the
registration and the other for the grant of a enhancement of the known efficacy of that
patent whether simultaneously or substance, or the mere discovery of a new
successively (Parallel Application, Sec. property or new use for known substance or
111). the mere use of the known process unless
4. Whatever right one has to the invention such known process results in a new product
covered by the patent arises alone from that employs at least one new reactant (Sec 5
the grant of patent (Creser Precision RA 9502).
Systems vs. CA, GR No. 118708,
February 2, 1998). Utility Model Industrial Design
5. Patents or application for patents and Any new model of Any composition of
invention to which they relate, shall be implements or tools of lines or colors or any
protected in the same way as the rights of any industrial product three-dimensional form
other property under the Civil Code (Sec. even if not possessed whether or not
103.1). of the quality of associated with lines
invention but which is or colors provided that
Patent Copyright of “practical utility” (Del such composition or
When a person, by It may be vested in a Rosario v. CA, GR No. form gives a special
independent research work closely similar or 115106, March 15, appearance to and can
arrives at the same even identical to an 1996) serve as pattern for an
product or that is earlier, or already industrial product or

11
handicraft (Sec. and certain
and provisions
112.1). provisions on
on patents
patents
applying
applying
mutatis
mutatis
mutandis
mutandis

Industrial
Patent Utility Model
Design
Requisites
1. New 1. New New
(Novel) – 2. Industrially
That which Applicable
does not
form part of
a prior art
(Sec. 23);
2. Inventive –
An
invention
involves an
inventive
step if,
having
regard to
prior act, it
is not
obvious to a
person
skilled in
the art at
the time of
the filing
date or
priority date
of the
application
claiming the
invention
(Sec. 26).
3. Industrially
patentable
– An
invention
that can be
produced
and used in
any industry
(Sec. 27).
No inventive
Has all of the No inventive
step and not
4 essential step
industrially
requisites
applicable
Term
5 years from
the filing date
7 years from of the
20 years from the filing date application,
the filing date of the which is
of the application; renewable for
application non- not more than
renewable 2 consecutive
periods of 5
years each
Applicable Rules
Secs. 20-107 Secs. 108-111 Secs. 112-120
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
Requisites of Patentability (Sec. 21) Persons Who May File an Application for a
A. Technical Solution of a problem in any Patent in the Philippines
field of human activity. As to the Legal
B. New (Novelty) – an invention shall not be As to Nationality Personality of the
considered new if it forms part of a prior Applicant
art (Sec. 23). 1. Filipino Nationals; 1. Inventor or his
2. Foreign Nationals or attorney-in-fact;
 Prior Art (Sec. 24)
those domiciled or 2. Assignee of the
That which has been made available have a real and inventor
to the public anywhere in the world effective commercial
BEFORE the filing date or the priority establishment in a
date of the application; country which is
bound by treaty
General Rule: That which forms part of an (such as the Paris
application whether for patent, utility model Convention and the
or industrial design, effective in the TRIPS Agreement)
to grant Filipinos the
Philippines, provided that: same rights it grants
1. the inventors or applicants are not the to its own nationals;
same 3. Foreign Nationals
2. the contents of the application are whose country also
published in accordance with the accepts the patent
requirements of patent application application of
rules; Filipinos.
3. the filing date of the prior art is earlier
Note: To be able to effectively and legally
Exception: Non-prejudicial disclosure preclude others from copying and profiting
1. Disclosure of information contained in from the invention, a patent is a primordial
the application; requirement.
2. Made by:
a. The inventor; No Patent, No Protection
b. Patent office and the information The ultimate goal of a patent system is to bring
was contained: a) in another new designs and technologies into the public
application filed by the inventor domain through disclosure. Ideas, once
and should not have been disclosed to the public without the protection of
disclosed by the office; or b) in an a valid patent, are subject to appropriation
application filed without the without significant restraint (Pearl & Dean
knowledge or consent of the (Phil.) v. Shoemart, GR No. 148222, August
inventor by a third party which 15, 2003).
obtained the information directly
or indirectly from the inventor; or “First-to-File” Rule/ System
c. A third party which obtained the This is the system of patent registration
information directly or indirectly adopted under the IPC in lieu of the first-to-
from the inventor (Sec. 25). invent system.
3. Made during the 12 months preceding
the filing date or the priority date of Right to Priority of an Earlier-filed Foreign
the application. Application (Sec. 31)
Requisites:
C. Involves an Inventive Step 1. The local application expressly claims
(Inventiveness) – an invention involves priority;
inventive step of, having regard to prior 2. It is filed within 12 months from the date of
art, it is not obvious to a person skilled in the earliest foreign application;
the art at the time of the filing date or 3. Filing within 6 months from the certified
priority date of the application claiming the copy of the foreign application, with an
invention (Section 27). English translation, from the date of the
D. Industrially Applicable – an invention local application.
that can be produced and used in any
industry (Section 28).

13
Requirements for Filing Applications (Secs.
32-39) Employer – if the
1. The application shall relate to one invention is the result
inventive step only or to a group of of the performance of
his regularly assigned
inventions forming a single general
duties unless agreed
inventive step. otherwise (Sec. 30).
2. The patent application shall be in Filipino
or English and shall consist of the Requirements to Get a Filing Date (Sec. 40)
following: On receipt of the application, an examiner
 A request containing the following: checks if the application includes the following
a. a petition for the grant of patent; requirements:
b. name and other data of the 1. Request for a Philippine patent;
applicant, inventor (if he is not the 2. Name and address of the applicant; and
applicant) and the agent; and 3. Description and claims of the invention in
c. title of invention. English or Filipino (the extent of protection
 Disclosure of the invention in a conferred by a patent is determined by the
manner sufficiently clear and complete claims).
for it to be carried out by a person
skilled in the art;  Payment of the filling fee is not included.
 Description of the invention;  The date of filling is very important
 Drawings; because it serves to determine who has
 One or more claims in clear and the right to the patent in case of a dispute
concise language defining the matter with another applicant for the same
for which protection is sought; invention.
 An abstract of technical information
consisting of a concise summary of Annual Fees
the disclosure, claims and drawings in To maintain the patent application or patent,
preferably not more than 150 words; an annual fee shall be paid upon the expiration
 Appointment of an agent or of 4 years from the date the application was
representative in the Philippines by a published, and of its subsequent anniversary
non-resident applicant upon whom of such date. Payment maybe made within 3
notices or process for judicial or months before the due date.
administrative procedure relating to
the patent may be served; and If the annual fee is not paid, the patent
 At the request of the Director, the application shall be deemed withdrawn or the
applicant shall furnish him with the patent considered as lapsed from the day
date and number of any application for following the expiration of the period within
a patent filed by him abroad relating to which the annual fees were due.
the same or essentially the same
invention as that claimed in the A grace period of 6 months shall be granted
application filed with the IPO and other for the payment of annual fee (Sec. 55).
documents relating to such.
Concept of Divisional Applications
Situation
Persons Entitled to When two or more inventions are claimed in a
Patent single application but are of such a nature that
2 or more persons a single patent may not be issued for them.
invent separately and He who first files. The applicant is thus required “to divide” or
independently limit the claims to whichever the invention he
2 or more applications Applicant who has the
may elect, whereas those inventions not
filed for the same earliest filing date or
invention earliest priority date elected may be made the subject of separate
Inventions created Person who applications which are called “divisional
pursuant to a commissioned the applications” (Smith Kline Beckman Corp. v.
commission work, unless agreed Court of Appeals, GR No. 126627, August 14,
otherwise. 2003, cited in Reviewer on Commercial Law,
In case an employee Employee – if Sundiang and Aquino, 2006ed).
made the invention in invention NOT part of
the course of his his regular duties even
employment if he uses the time,
facilities and materials
of the employer;
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
data related thereto, solely for
Rights Conferred to an Applicant purposes reasonably related to the
All the rights of a patentee in relation to the development and submission of
invention claimed in the published patent information and issuances of
application if he had: approvals by government regulatory
1. actual knowledge that the invention was agencies required under any
the subject matter of a published Philippine or foreign law (Sec. 7 RA
application; or 9502)
2. received written notice that the invention
was the subject matter of a published 2. Use by Prior User (Sec. 73)
application; and A person other than the applicant, who
3. had not filed the action until after the grant have started using in good faith the
of a patent and within 4 years from the invention in the Philippines, or undertaken
commission of the acts complained of serious preparations to use the same,
(Sec. 46). before the filing date or priority date of the
application shall have the right to continue
Rights Conferred by Patent (Sec. 71) the use thereof but his right may only be
1. To restrain/ prohibit/ prevent; transferred or assigned further with his
a. Subject matter is PRODUCT enterprise or business.
To restrain, prohibit, and prevent any
unauthorized person or entity from 3. Use by Government (Sec. 74)
making, using, offering for sale, selling The government or a third person
or importing that product; authorized by it may use the patent
b. Subject matter is PROCESS without authority of the patent owner if:
To restrain, prevent or prohibit any a. Public interest so requires;
unauthorized person or entity from b. The manner of exploitation by the
using the process, and from owner of the patent is anti-competitive
manufacturing, dealing in, using, c. In case of drugs and medicines, there
selling or offering for sale, or importing is a national emergency or other
any product obtained directly or circumstance of extreme urgency
indirectly from such process. requiring the use of the invention.
2. To assign or transfer; and d. In case of drugs and medicines, there
3. To conclude licensing contracts is a public non- commercial use of the
patent by the patentee, without
Limitations of Rights Conferred by Patent satisfactory reason
1. General Limitations (Sec. 72) e. In case of drugs and medicines, the
The owner of a patent has no right to demand for the patented article in the
prevent third parties from performing, Philippines is not being met to an
without his authorization, the following adequate extent and under
acts: reasonable terms (Sec. 8 RA 9502).
a. Using of a patented product which has
been put on the market in the Cancellation of Patent Formalities
Philippines by the owner of the Upon petition, with notice and hearing.
product, or with his express consent;
b. Exploitation of the patent if done Effect
privately and on a non-commercial Termination of rights conferred by the patent
scale or purpose; (Sec. 66).
c. Act of making or using the patent if for
the sole purpose of scientific research Grounds:
and experiment; 1. What is claimed as the invention is not
d. Preparation for individual cases, in a new or patentable;
pharmacy or by a medical 2. Patent does not disclose the invention
professional, a medicine in in a manner sufficiently clear and complete
accordance with a medical for it to be carried out by any person
prescription; and skilled in the art; and
e. Use of the patented product if it occurs 3. Patent is contrary to public order or
in vehicles in transit in the country. morality (Sec. 61).
f. In case of drugs and medicines, where
the act includes testing, using, making
or selling the invention including any

15
Infringement (Sec. 76.1) components of such equivalency test are
The making, using, offering for sale, selling, or met (Ibid).
importing a patented product or a product
obtained directly or indirectly from a patented The doctrine of equivalents cannot be
process, or the use of a patented process applied when the infringing invention is
without the authorization of the patentee. clearly beyond what is written in the claim
(Reviewer on Commercial Law, Sundiang
Contributory Infringer and Aquino, 2006ed).
One who actively induces the infringement of a
patent or provides the infringer with a Doctrine of File Wrapper Estoppel
component of a patented product or of a Balances the doctrine of equivalents. Patentee
product produced because of a patented is precluded from claiming as part of patented
process knowing it to be especially adopted for product that which he had to excise or modify
infringing and not suitable for substantial non- in order to avoid patent office rejection, and he
infringing. He is jointly and severally liable with may omit any additions he was compelled to
the infringer. add by patent office regulations.

Doctrine of Patent Exhaustion Defenses in Action for Infringement


It espouses that the patentee who has already (Sec. 81)
sold his invention and has received all the 1. Invalidity of patent or claim; and
royalty and consideration for the same will be 2. Existence of ground for cancellation
deemed to have released the invention from
his monopoly. The invention thus becomes Remedies for Infringement
open to the use of the purchaser without 1. Action for damages
further restriction (Adams v. Burke, cited in
Notes on Selected Commercial Laws: A Guide Limitations:
for Bar Reviewees, Catindig, 2003ed). a. Recoverable damages are limited to
acts of infringement committed within
Tests of Patent Infringement 4 years before institution of action
Economic Interest Test (Sec. 79);
When the process-discoverer’s economic b. Damages cannot be recovered if the
interests are compromised, i.e., when others infringer did not know, or had no
can import the products that result from the reasonable grounds to know, of the
process, an act is said to be prohibited. patent (Sec. 80).
2. Injunction (Sec. 76)
1. Literal Infringement Test 3. Disposal or destruction by court’s order
Resort, in the first instance, must be had of the infringing goods, materials and
to the “words” of the claim. If the accused implements, without compensation (Sec.
matter clearly falls within the claim, 76)
infringement is made out and that is the 4. Criminal action for repetition of
end of it. infringement (Sec. 84).

The claims of patent and the accused Note: The institution of an Inter Partes case
product must be juxtaposed within the for cancellation of a mark with the Bureau of
overall context of claims and specification Legal Affairs, IPO does not bar the adverse
(Godines v. CA, GR 97343, September party from filing a subsequent action for
13, 1993). infringement with the regular courts of justice
in connection with the same registered mark.
2. Doctrine of Equivalents Test This is because the certificate of registration
If two devices do the same work in upon which the infringement case is based,
substantially the same way, the same remains valid and subsisting for as long as it
result, and produce substantially the same has not been cancelled by the Bureau
result, they are the same even though they (Shangri-La International Hotel Mgt., Inc., v.
differ in name, form or shape (Godines v. Court of Appeals, GR No. 111580. June 21,
CA, Ibid.). 2001).

Note: The doctrine of equivalents thus


requires satisfaction of the function-
means-and-result test, the patentee Remedies of Persons not Having the Right
having the burden to show that all three to a Patent (Sec. 67)
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
If a person other than the applicant is declared be obtained through the use of the
by final court order or decision as having the licensed technology;
right to the patent, he may within 3 months 7. Those that require payment of
after such decision has become final (a) royalties to the owners of patents for
prosecute the application as his own; (b) file a patents which are not used;
new patent application; (c) request that the
8. Those that prohibit the licensee to
application be refused; or (d) seek cancellation
export the licensed product unless
of the patent.
justified for the protection of the
legitimate interest of the licensor such
Note: Applies to pending application and even
as exports to countries where
when patent is already granted.
exclusive licenses to manufacture
and/or distribute the licensed
Time to file: 1 year from date of publication of
product(s) have already been granted;
the application (Sec. 70).
9. Those which restrict the use of the
Assignment and Transfer technology supplied after the
Inventions and any right, title, or interest in and expiration of the technology transfer
to patents and inventions covered thereby, arrangement, except in cases of early
may be assigned or transmitted by inheritance termination of the technology transfer
or bequest or may be the subject of a license arrangement due to reason(s)
contract (Section 103.2). attributable to the licensee;
10. Those which require payments for
Licensing patents and other industrial property
May be Voluntary (Secs. 85-92, IPC) or rights after their expiration or
Compulsory (93-102, IPC). termination of the technology transfer
arrangement;
A. Voluntary (Secs. 11. Those which require that the
85-92) technology recipient shall not contest
The grant by the patent owner to a third the validity of any of the patents of the
person of the right to exploit a patented technology supplier;
invention.
12. Those which restrict the research
and development activities of the
Prohibited Clauses (Sec. 87)  
licensee designed to absorb and
1. Those which impose upon the adapt the transferred technology to
licensee the obligation to acquire from local conditions or to initiate research
a specific source capital goods, and development programs in
intermediate products, raw materials, connection with new products,
and other technologies, or of processes or equipment;
permanently employing personnel
13. Those which prevent the licensee
indicated by the licensor;
from adapting the imported technology
2. Those pursuant to which the to local conditions, or introducing
licensee reserves the right to fix the innovation to it, as long as it does not
sale or resale prices of the products impair the standards prescribed by the
manufactured on the basis of the licensor;
license;
14. Those which exempt the licensor
3. Those that contain restrictions from liability for non-fulfillment of his
regarding the volume and structure of responsibilities under the technology
production; transfer arrangement and/or liability
4. Those that prohibit the use of arising from third party suits brought
competitive technologies in a non- about by the use of the licensed
exclusive technology transfer product or the licensed technology;
arrangement; and
5. Those that establish full or partial 15. Other cases with equivalent
purchase option in favor of the effects.
licensor;
6. Those that obligate the licensee to Mandatory Provisions (Sec. 88)
transfer for free to the licensor the 1. That the laws of the Philippines shall
inventions or improvements that may govern the interpretation of the

17
agreement and in the event of 4. Public non-commercial use of the
litigation, the venue shall be the patent;
proper court in the place where the 5. Patented invention is not being
licensee has its principal office; worked in the Philippines on a
2. Continued access to improvements in commercial scale although capable of
techniques and processes related to being worked; and
the technology shall be made 6. Where the demand for the patented
available during the period of the drugs and medicines is not being met
technology transfer arrangement; to an adequate extent and on
3. In the event the technology transfer reasonable terms (Sec. 10 RA 9502)
arrangement shall provide for
arbitration, the Procedure of Procedure for Application of Patent
Arbitration of the Arbitration Law of the 1. Application
Philippines or the Arbitration Law of Filed with the Bureau of Patents (BOP) of
the United Nations Commission on the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) (Sec.
International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) 32).
or the Rules of Conciliation and
Arbitration of the International 2. Formality Examination
Chamber of Commerce shall apply
and the venue of arbitration shall be 3. To determine whether the application form
the Philippines or any neutral country; has complied with the IP Code and
and Regulations, after the filing date has been
4. The Philippine taxes on all payments accorded and the required fees have been
relating to the technology transfer paid (Sec. 42).
arrangement shall be borne by the
licensor. Note: The date of filing is very important
under the present “first-to-file” system
B. Compulsory (Secs. because it serves to determine, in case of
93-102) a dispute with another applicant for the
The grant by the Director of Legal Affairs same invention, who has the right to the
of a license to exploit a patented invention patent.
even without the agreement of the patent
owner in favor of any person who has 4. Classification and Search
shown his capability to exploit the An application which has complied with
invention under certain circumstances. the formal requirements shall be
classified and a search conducted to
Terms and Conditions for Compulsory determine prior art (Sec. 43).
License:
1. The scope and duration of such 5. Publication in the OG
license shall be limited to the purpose The search and the classification of the
for which it was authorized; field of technology to which the invention is
2. Non exclusive license; assigned will be published in the IPO
3. Non assignable license; Gazette after the expiration of 18 months
4. Use of the subject matter of the from the filing date or priority date (Sec.
license shall be devoted 44).
predominantly to the supply of the
Philippine market; Note: After the publication of the
5. May be terminated if the application, any person may present
circumstances which led to its grant observations in writing concerning the
have ceased; and patentability of the invention. Such
6. The patentee shall be paid observation shall be communicated to the
adequate remuneration. applicant who may comment on them.

Grounds: 6. Request for Substantive Examination


1. National emergency or other Substantive examination is conducted
circumstances of extreme emergency; upon request. The request for substantive
2. When public interest requires; examination of the application must be
3. Manner of exploitation of patent is filed within six (6) months from the date of
anti-competitive; the publication. The application is
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
considered withdrawn if no request is Any visible sign capable of distinguishing the
made within that period (Sec. 48). goods (trademark) or services (service mark)
of an enterprise and shall include a stamped
7. Decision to Grant Patent Registration or marked container of goods. In relation
or Decision of Refusal thereto, a trade name means the name or
If the examiner finds no reason for refusal designation identifying or distinguishing an
of the application, or if the notice of reason enterprise (Elidad Kho v. Court of Appeals, GR
for refusal is satisfactorily complied with by No. 115758, March 11, 2002).
amendment or correction, the examiner
issues a decision to grant the patent Basic Requirements:
registration. Otherwise, the examiner 1. There must be a visible sign; and
refuses the application. 2. It must be capable of distinguishing
the goods of an enterprise.
8. Inspection of Records
It shall be published in the IPO Gazette Functions:
within six (6) months. Any interested party 1. To point out distinctly the origin or
may inspect the complete description, ownership of the goods and to which it is
claims, and drawings of the patent on file affixed;
with the Office. 2. To secure him, who has been
instrumental in bringing into the market a
Appeal superior article of merchandise, the fruit of
Every applicant may appeal to the Director of his industry and skill;
Patents the final refusal of the examiner to 3. To assure the public that they are
grant the patent within two (2) months from the producing the genuine article;
mailing date of the final refusal. The decision 4. To prevent fraud and imposition; and
or order of the Director shall become final and 5. To protect the manufacturer against
executory fifteen (15) days after receipt of a substitution and sale of an inferior and
copy by the appellant unless within the same different article as its product (Mirpuri v.
period, a motion for reconsideration is filed CA, GR 114508, November 19, 1998).
with the Director or an appeal to the Director
General is filed together with the payment of Acquisition
the required fee. Acquired through registration. Registration
is necessary before one can file an action
The decision of the Director General may be for infringement (Reviewer on Commercial
appealed to the Court of Appeals. If the Law, Sundiang and Aquino, 2006ed).
applicant is still not satisfied with the decision
of the Court of Appeals, he may still appeal to Prior use in the Philippines is not required
the Supreme Court. before registration. However, there must
be an actual use after registration because
TRADEMARK, SERVICE MARKS AND Sections 142.2 and 151[c] of the
TRADE NAMES Intellectual Property Code requires that
the registrant shall file a declaration of
The IPC does NOT anymore provide for prior actual use of the mark with evidence
use as a condition for ownership of a mark within 3 years from the filing date of
(Sec. 122). REGISTRATION IS THE SOLE application, otherwise, it would be
BASIS. However, a trade name or business cancelled.
name may be acquired by prior use and need
not be registered. For the requirement of "actual use in
commerce in the Philippines" before one
Principles may register a trademark, trade-name and
1. The right to the mark is separate and service mark under the law pertains to the
distinct from the business using such mark territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines and
(Sec. 149.1). is not only confined to a certain region,
2. The right of registration belongs to the province, city or barangay (McDonald’s
owner of the mark (Unno Commercial Corporation v. McJoy Fastfood
Enterprises, Inc. v. General Milling Corp., Corporation, GR No. 166115, February 2,
GR 28554, February 28, 1983). 2007).

Trademark Registration is not necessary to file a case


for unfair competition (Sec. 168.1 & 2).

19
competitor. goods or
What may NOT be registered (Sec. 133): services of
a. Immoral and deceptive matter; different
b. National flag or insignia; enterprises
which use the
c. Name, portrait or signature of living
sign under the
person or deceased President; control of the
d. Mark or trade name infringing another; registered
e. Mark constituting reproduction of owner of the
internationally well-known mark, collective
whether or not registered here; mark.
f. Mark identical with well-known mark,
on non-competing goods, registered Trademark Trade Name
here; Separate Existence
g. Mark likely to mislead the public; Has an existence
h. Mark consisting exclusively of signs distinct from the
generic for the goods or services; existence of the Attached to the natural
proprietor or juridical or juridical person who
i. Mark consisting exclusively of signs or person doing business does business and
of indications which are customary or and producing the produces the goods or
usual to designate goods or services goods or the services services
in everyday language or bona fide and offered by such person
established trade practices; or enterprise
j. Mark consisting of signs or of Purpose
indications used in trade; Designates the goods Identifies and
k. Mark consisting of shapes; or services offered by distinguishes an
l. Mark consisting of color alone, unless person or enterprise enterprise
defined by form; Registration
Must be registered in No need to register in
m. Contrary to public order or morality.
order to secure order to secure
protection for them protection for them
Note: Mere geographical names are Transferability
ordinarily regarded as common property, Change of ownership
and it is a general rule that the same May be transferred
of trade name must be
cannot be appropriated as the subject of with or without transfer
made with transfer of
of the business (Sec.
an exclusive trademark or trade name enterprise or part
149.1)
(Ang Si Heng v. Wellington Department thereof (Sec. 165.4)
Store, GR No. L-4531, January 10, 1953).
Trademark Goodwill
Trade Name Reputation and public
Right which protects
Any individual name or surname, firm name, confidence that a
the interests of
device or word used by manufacturers, business venture has
producers in their
earned through a
industrialists, merchants, and others to identify marks and in the
period of creditable
their businesses, vocations or occupations goodwill earned.
dealings.
(Converse Rubber Corp., v. Universal Rubber Trademark Label
Products, Inc., GR No. L-27425, L-30505, April Merely names what is
28, 1980). Designed to identify within the container or
the user or origin. package; may or may
Collective not be trademark.
Trademark Service Mark
Mark
Any visible Any visible Any visible Note: In practice, a word, a name or a phrase,
sign which is sign capable sign coupled with indicators of business
adopted and of designated as organization, such as “Inc.”, “Corp.” or “Co.”
used to distinguishing such in the
will NOT be registered as trademarks or
identify the the services of application for
source of an enterprise registration service marks.
origin of from the and capable
goods, and service of of Requirements to Get a Filing Date
which is other distinguishing On receipt of the application, an examiner
capable of enterprises. the origin or checks if the application includes the following
distinguishing any other requirements:
them from common  Request for a Philippine registration of
goods characteristic,
mark;
emanating including the
from a quality of  Identity of applicant;
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
 Indications sufficient to contact the
applicant; Exception: Expansion of Business Rule –
 Reproduction of the mark; and also to those goods or services that are
 List of goods or services related thereto specified in the certificate (Sec.
138).
Note: No filing date until the required fee is
paid.  All cases in which the use by the
Priority Right junior appropriator is likely to lead to a
An application for registration of mark filed in confusion of source as where prospective
the Philippines by a person who qualifies buyers would be misled into thinking that
under the reciprocity rule and who previously the complaining party has extended his
filed an application for registration of the same business into another field (Sta. Ana v.
mark in one of those countries shall be Maliwat, GR 23023, August 31, 1968).
considered as filed as of the day the
application was first filed in the foreign Declaration of Actual Use or Non-use
country(Sec. 131). Under Sec. 124.2 Under Sec. 145
When to File
Significance of Priority Right Within 3 years from the Within 1 year from the
A Philippine application filed by another filing date 5th anniversary of the
date of the registration
applicant after the priority date but earlier than of the mark
the foreign applicant’s actual filing may be Effect of Failure to File
refused registration if it is identical to the mark Application shall be Mark shall be removed
with a priority date (The Law on Trademark, refused of the mark from the Register by
Infringement and Unfair Competition, Agpalo, shall be removed from the office
2000ed). the register by the
Director
Conditions: What to File
1. The application must be filed within 6 Declaration of actual 1. declaration of actual
months from the date of earliest foreign use with evidence to use with evidence
that effect to that effect, or
application. Its certified copy passed within
2. show valid reasons
3 mos. from the date of filing in the based on the
Philippines. existence of
2. The following should concur: (a) the obstacles to such
foreign country / country of origin has use (declaration of
allowed the mark and (b) the country of non- use)
origin is the applicant’s domicile or has a
bona fide commercial establishment. Rights Conferred by a Trademark
3. The owner of the Philippine Registration 1. In case of
may not sue prior to the granting of the registered marks, in general:
registration, unless the mark is considered Exclusive right to restrain/ prohibit/ prevent
well-known as provided for the IP Code. third persons from using identical or
4. The priority right may not be based upon a similar signs for identical or similar goods
foreign application that has been or services (Sec. 147.1).
withdrawn, abandoned, or otherwise
disposed of in the country of origin (Rule 2. In case of a
202, Trademark Laws). registered well-known mark:
Exclusive right to restrain/ prohibit/ prevent
Certificate of Registration third persons from using identical or
It shall be a prima facie evidence of: similar signs even for dissimilar or
1. Validity of registration; unrelated goods or services, provided that
2. Registrant’s ownership of the mark; the use will indicate a connection between
and the goods and the owner of the mark and
3. The registrant’s exclusive right to use that the interest of the owner would likely
the same in connection with the goods or be damaged (Sec. 147.2).
services and those that are related thereto
(Sec. 138). Doctrine/ Principle of Related Goods or
Services
General Rule: The trademark protection There is infringement when there is use of
extends only to goods or services related to similar marks on goods that are so related that
those specified in the certificate. the public may be, or is actually deceived, and

21
misled that the goods come from the same
maker or manufacturer (Esso Standard Rights:
Eastern Inc. v. CA, 116 GRN 29971, August 1. Right to be protected whether or not it is
31, 1982). registered in the Philippines;
2. If registered, extension of protection to
An EXCEPTION to this doctrine is the goods and services which are not similar
additional right granted to a registered well- to those in respect of which the mark is
known mark. registered, provided that:
a. The use of the mark in relation to
unrelated or dissimilar goods or
services would indicate a connection
between those goods or services and
Well-Known Mark the owner of the mark; and
A mark which a competent authority of the b. The interests of the owner of the
Philippines has designated to be well-known registered mark are likely to be
internationally and in the Philippines. damaged by such use. (Exception to
the doctrine of related goods)
In determining whether a mark is well-known,
the knowledge of the relevant sector of the Nice Classification
public, rather than the public at large, including This is the system by which trademark
knowledge in the Philippines which has been applications are classified. There are 34
obtained as a result of the promotion of the classes of goods and 8 classes of businesses
mark, shall be pertinent. or services.

Determinants: Divisional Applications


1. The duration, An initial application may be divided by the
extent and geographical area of any use of applicant into two or more applications.
the mark; However, a single class shall not be
2. The market subdivided.
share in the Philippines and other
countries of the goods/services to which The divisional application must be submitted
the mark applies; within 2 months from the mailing date of the 1 st
3. The degree of action of the Bureau of Trademarks. A new
the inherent or acquired distinction of the application number shall be issued, and the
mark; priority right of the initial application shall be
4. The quality- preserved.
image or reputation acquired by the mark;
5. The extent to An existing registration may also be
which the mark has been registered in the subdivided upon request by oath and writing.
world; A new certificate shall be issued but a single
6. The class shall also not be subdivided (Sec. 129).
exclusivity of the registration attained
by the mark in the world; Doctrine of Secondary Meaning
7. The extent of While as a general rule, generic, indicative or
use of the mark in the world; descriptive marks ([j], [k], [l] of Sec. 123.1) are
8. The non-registrable, when such kind of mark has
exclusivity of use in the world; become distinctive, because of its long,
9. The continuous and exclusive use for 5 years, as
commercial value attributed to the mark in used in connection with the applicant's goods
the world; or services in commerce and in the mind of the
10. The record of public indicates a single source to consumers,
successful protection of the rights in the it may be registered (Sec. 123.2).
mark;
11. The outcome Doctrine of Dilution
of litigations dealing with the issue of Copying which, while not sufficiently confusing
whether the mark is well-known; and to divert sales in the short run, will tend to
12. The presence divert them in the long run by weakening the
or absence of identical or similar marks instantaneous favorable associations the
validly registered or used on other similar public makes with highly regarded products.
goods (Rule on Trademarks, Rule 102).
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
Opposition not, of itself, perfect a trademark. It is actual
Any person who believes that he would be use which perfects a trademark.
damaged by the registration of a mark may,
upon payment of the fee file an opposition to Non-use of a Mark When Excused
application. 1. If caused by
circumstances arising independently of the
Form: will of the owner. Lack of funds not
1. In writing excused.
2. Verified 2. A use which does
3. Specified grounds not alter its distinctive character though
4. Statement of facts the use is different from the form in which
it is registered.
Time to file: 30 days after publication of 3. Use of mark in
application; if unverified, the verified opposition connection with one or more of the
must be filed within 2 months from such filing goods/services belonging to the class in
BUT It may be extended for 1 month and which the mark is registered.
maximum period does not exceed 4 months 4. The use of a mark
from publication of application (Sec. 134). by a company related to the
applicant/registrant.
5. The use of a mark
by a person controlled by the registrant
Cancellation (Sec. 151) (Sec. 152).
Formalities: Upon petition, with due notice
and hearing Infringement (Sec. 155)
1. Reproduction or colorable imitation of a
Grounds: registered mark or a dominant feature
With 5 Years from thereof and application of such
At Any Time
Registration reproduction or imitation of labels, etc.,
Belief that the 1. Becoming the intended to be used in commerce, or use
registered mark has generic name for the in commerce of any reproduction or
damage or will goods or services colorable imitation of a registered mark or
damage the petitioner for which it is a dominant feature thereof in connection
registered;
with the sale or advertising of goods or
2. Abandonment;
3. Illegal or fraudulent services;
registration; 2. Likelihood to cause confusion or mistakes
4. Use by, or with the in the mind of the public or deceive
permission of the purchasers.
registrant so as to
misrepresent the Note: This is presumed in case of the use of
source of the goods an identical sign for identical goods or
or services in services.
connection with
which the mark is
used;  There is infringement of trademark when
5. Non-use for an the use of the mark involved would be
uninterrupted period likely to cause confusion or mistake in the
of 3 years without mind of the public or to deceive
legitimate reason purchasers as to the origin of the source
of the commodity (Fruit of the Loom, Inc.,
Note: Actual use may be done by substantial v. Court of Appeals and General
compliance (Sec. 152.2-4). Garments, Corp., GR No. L-32747).

Exempting circumstances: those arising  Action for infringement may be


independently of the will of the trademark maintained without proof of anything
owner (Sec. 152.1), such as prohibition of sale more than the right to the exclusive use of
by government regulation, military coup, or the registered mark or trade name and
political changes that impede commerce. that the defendant has violated it. No
allegation or proof of fraud or intent to
Note: Registration is an administrative act defraud is necessary (Compania General
declaratory of a pre-existing right that does de Tabacos v. Alhambra Cigar, Co., 33
Phil 485 (1916) cited by Agpalo Ruben.

23
The Law on Trademark Infringement and
Unfair Competition 1st ed. Rex Bookstore; 5. Lack of
Manila, 200.p.172). consent on the part of the registered
owner or their assignee (The Law on
Factors to consider: Trademark, Infringement and Unfair
1. Value of the Goods Competition, Agpalo, 2000ed).
(Emerald Garment Manufacturing Corp.
vs. CA, GR 100098, December 29, 1995); 6. There shall be
2. Common Trade Channel no infringement of trademarks or trade
(Ang vs. Teodoro, GR 48226, December names of imported or sold drugs and
14, 1942); medicine as defined in Sec.72.1 of the Act
3. Type of Consumers as well as imported or sold off- patent
(Mead Johnson vs. McCullough, GR No. drugs and medicines (Sec. 14 RA 9502)
6217, December 26, 1911);
4. Necessary Expansion of Confusion of Goods / Confusion of
the Business (Sta. Ana vs. Maliwat, GR Services Business/ Origin
23023, August 31, 1968; Ang vs. Teodoro, Exists when one
GR No. 48226, December 14, 1992). party’s product or
service though
different from that of
Elements of Infringement A person’s goods or
another, is such as
1. Registration services are
might reasonably be
of trademark in IPO; and purchased as those of
assumed to originate
another and the poorer
from the latter and the
quality of the former
2. Trademark is public would then be
reflects adversely on
reproduced, copied, counterfeited or deceived into the belief
the latter’s reputation.
colorably imitated. that there is some
connection between
the parties, which in
Colorable Imitation
fact is absent.
Such similarity in form, content, words,
Confusingly similar
sound, meaning, special arrangement or Confusingly similar
marks are employed in
general appearance of the mark or trade marks are used on the
different or non-
name with that of the other mark or trade same kinds of
competing
goods/services.
name in their overall presentation or in goods/services.
their essential, substantive or distinctive
parts as would likely mislead or confuse
persons in the ordinary course of
purchasing the genuine article. Idem Sonams Rule
Two trademarks used on identical or related
Denotes such a “close ingenious imitation” goods may be confusingly similar if they have
as to be calculated to deceive ordinary similar sound or pronunciation.
persons, or such a resemblance to the
original as to deceive an ordinary Note: Similarity of sound or pronunciation and
purchaser, giving such attention as a spelling may be sufficient to make two marks
purchaser usually gives, and to cause him confusingly similar when applied to
to purchase the one supposing it to be the merchandise of the same descriptive
other (Etepha A.G. v. Director of Patents properties. Example: “Salonpas” and
and Westmont Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GR “Lionpas” both for medical plaster (Marvex
No. L-20635, March 31, 1966). Commercial Co. v. Petra Hawpia and Co., GR
19297, December 22, 1966).
3. It is used in
connection with the sale, or it is offering for Likelihood of confusion or mistake is greater
sale or advertising of goods, services or when identical or closely similar marks are
business or applied to labels, signs, used on non-competing but related and
wrappers, etc intended to be used in common household items because they are
connection with such goods, services or purchased by ordinary purchasers who usually
business. know them by their names or trademarks.

4. There is, in INFRINGEMENT OF NAME AND MARK


the use or application a likelihood of OF OWNERSHIP STAMP ON
confusion. CONTAINERS (R.A. No. 623 as amended
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
by R. A, No. 5700) January 13, 1930)
2. Lim Hoa vs. Dir of
General Rule: It is unlawful for any person, Patents (GR No. L- Hen Brand vs. Marka
without written consent of the manufacturer, 8072, October 31, Manok
bottler or seller who has registered the mark of 1956)
ownership to fill such bottles, boxes, kegs, 3. Sta. Ana vs. Maliwat
barrels or other containers so marked and (GR No. L-23023, Florman vs. Flormen
stamped, for the purpose of sale, dispose of, August 31, 1968)
or wantonly destroy the same, whether filled or 4. Philippine Nut Industry Planters Cocktail
not, to use the same for drinking vessels or vs. Std Brands (GR Peanuts vs. Phil
drain pipes, foundation pipes, for any other No.L-23035, July 31, Planters Cordial
purpose than that registered (Sec. 2, RA 623). 1975). Peanuts
5. Converse Rubber Corp
Universal Converse
The use of the same, without apparent vs. Universal Rubber
Deice vs. Converse
permission from the trademark owners thereof, (GR No. L-27906,
Rubber Corp.
shall be prima facie presumption that such January 8, 1997)
possession or use is unlawful (Sec 3, RA 623). Asia Brewery inc.’s
label of BEER PALE
6. Asia Brewery , Inc., vs.
Exceptions: PILSEN and its use of
Court of Appeals (GR
the steinie bottle vs.
1. Use of the bottles as No. 103543, July 5,
SMB’s PALE PILSEN
containers for sisi, bagoong, patis and 1993)
with Rectangular Malt
similar native products (Sec 6, RA 623); and Hops Design
and
7. Amigo Manufacturing
2. Persons in whose favor the Inc., vs. Cluelett
containers were sold (Distilleria Peabody Co., Inc. (GR Gold Toe vs. Gold Top
Washington, Inc. v. LA Tondeña Distillers, No. 139300, March 14,
GR 120961, October 2, 1997). 2001)
8. Societe Des Produits
The general rule is that in the sale of Master Roast and
Nestle, S.A. vs. Court
beverages, it already includes the containers, Master Blend vs.
of Appeals (GR No.
Flavor Master
unless there is an agreement to the contrary 112012, April 4, 2001)
(Law on Trademarks, Agpalo, R., 2000ed). 9. McDonalds
Corporation and
The exemption under Sec. 6, RA 623 covers McGeorge Food
not only criminal but also civil liability (Twin Industries, Inc. vs. L.C. Big Mac vs. Big Mak
Big Mak Burger, Inc.
Ace Holding Corp. v. CA, GR No. 123248, (GR No. 143993,
October 16, 1997). August 18, 2003)
DOMINANCY TEST VS. HOLISTIC TEST 10. McDonalds
Corporation vs.
Dominancy Test Holistic/ Totality Test MacJoy Fastfood
McDonalds vs. MacJoy
Focuses on the Mandates that the Corporation (GR No.
similarity of the main, entirety of the marks in 166115, February 2,
essential, dominant, or question must be 2007)
prevalent features of a considered in
mark. determining confusing Holistic Test
similarity.
Case Issue
Exact duplication or
imitation is not 1. Emerald Garment
The use of “LEE” in
necessary. Mfg Corp. vs. CA
the manufacture of
(GR No. 100098,
pants
This test is December 29, 1995)
incorporated in the 2. Bristol Myers vs. Dir
Intellectual Property of Patents (GR No. Bioferin vs. Bufferin
Code and is L-21587, May 19, both for medicine
controlling. 1966)
3. American
Examples of Cases Explaining Tests: Cyanamide Co. vs. Sulmetine vs. Sulmet
Case Issue Dir of Patents (GR both for veterinary
1. E. Spinner and Co. vs. The use of “Wigan” for No.L-23954, April medicine
Neuss Hesslein Corp. khaki 29, 1977)
(G.R No. 31380, 4. Mead Johnson vs. Alaska for milk and

25
NVJ Van Dorp (GR 2. Relief against Printer – Injunction
Alacta for powdered
No. L-17501, April against future printing against an innocent
half-skim milk
27, 2963) infringer who is engaged solely in the
business of printing the mark.
Remedies for Infringement 3. Relief against newspaper –
1. Action for damages; Injunction against the presentation of
General Rule: Only those acts of advertising matter in future issues of the
infringement committed from registration newspaper, magazine or in electronic
onwards may be sued upon. communications in case the infringement
Exception: In case of infringement of a complained of is contained in or is part of
well-known mark. paid advertisement in such materials.
2. Injunction;
3. Impounding of sales invoices and Unfair Competition
other documents; The employment by a person of deception or
4. Double damages in case of actual any other means contrary to good faith by
intent to defraud or to misled (Sec. 156); which he passes off the goods manufactured
5. Court order for the disposal or by him or in which he deals, or his business or
destruction of the infringing goods (Sec. services, for those of another person who has
157); established goodwill in the goods such person
6. Criminal action; manufactures or deals in, or his business or
7. Administrative sanctions services, or who shall commit any acts
calculated to produce said result, whether or
 In any suit for infringement, the owner not registered mark is employed (Section
of the registered mark shall not be entitled 168.2).
to recover damages or profits unless the
acts have been committed with knowledge In particular, the following shall be deemed
that such imitation is likely to cause guilty of unfair competition:
confusion, or to cause mistake or to a. Any person who is selling his goods
deceive (Sec. 158). and gives them the general appearance of
goods of another manufacturer or dealer
 The infringement case can and should or who otherwise clothes the goods with
proceed independently from the such appearance as shall deceive the
cancellation case with the Bureau so as to public and defraud another of his
afford the owner of the certificates of legitimate trade, or any subsequent vendor
registration redress and injunctive writs of such good or any agent of any vendor
(Shangri-La International Hotel Mgt., Inc., engaged in selling such goods with a like
v. Court of Appeals, GR No. 111580. June purpose;
21, 2001). b. Any person who by any artifice, or
device or who employs any other means
 Any foreign national, who qualifies calculated to induce the false belief that
under the principle on reciprocity and does such person is offering the services of
not engage in business in the Philippines, another who has identified such services
whether or not it is licensed to do business in the mind of the public or;
in the Philippines, may bring civil or c. Any person who shall make any false
administrative action for: statement in the course of trade or who
a. Opposition shall commit any other act contrary to
b. Cancellation good faith of a nature calculated to
c. Infringement discredit the goods, business or services
d. Unfair competition of another (Section 168.3).
e. False designation of origin or false
description (Sec. 160). Test: Whether certain goods have been
intentionally clothed with an appearance which
Limitations of Action for Infringement is likely to deceive the ordinary purchaser
(Sec.159) exercising ordinary care, and not whether a
1. Right of Prior User – Registered certain limited class of purchasers with special
mark shall be without effect against any knowledge not possessed by the ordinary
person who, in good faith, before the filing purchaser could avoid mistake by the exercise
or priority date, was using the mark for of this special knowledge (U.S. v. Manuel, 7
purposes of his business. Phil 221, GR 1999, December 27, 1906).
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations
Infringement of
Unfair Competition
is so because the crime of unfair competition
Trademark punishable under Article 189 of the Revised
Definition Penal Code is a public crime. It is essentially
The passing off of an act against the State and it is the latter
Unauthorized use of a
one’s goods as those which principally stands as the injured party.
trademark
of another
The complainant’s capacity to sue in such
Fraudulent Intent
case becomes immaterial (Melbarose Sasot,
Fraudulent intent is Fraudulent intent is
unnecessary essential et al., vs. People of the Philippines, GR No.
Registration 143193, June 29, 2005).
Prior registration of the
Registration is not a While foreign corporations may have the
trademark is a
prerequisite to an
prerequisite to the capacity to sue for infringement irrespective of
action.
action lack of business activity in the Philippines but
Scope the question of whether they have an
Limited scope Wider scope exclusive right over the symbol as to justify
Goods Involved issuance of an injunctive writ will depend on
Same class of goods Different classes of actual use of their trademarks in the
or services must be goods or services may
Philippines. To be entitled to an injunctive
involved be involved
writ, a foreign corporation must show that
there exists a right to be protected and that the
Note: An action for infringement of a mark
fact against which injunction is directed are
cannot be brought at the same time with an
violative of such right (Philip Morris, et al., vs.
action for unfair competition because the
Fortune Tobacco Corporation, GR No.
element of fraud and deceit, which is essential
158589, June 27, 2006).
to the latter, is absent in the former (Clarke v.
Manila Candy Co., 36 Phil. 100, GR 10487,
Sale is not an indispensable element in an
January 23, 1917).
action for infringement or unfair competition
(Pro Line Sports v. CA, GR 118192, October
A foreign corporation not engaged in and
23, 1997).
licensed to do business in the Philippines may
maintain an action for unfair competition. This

27
Distinctions on Copyright Patent and Mark
Copyright Patent Mark
Definition
It is that system of legal protection An exclusive right acquired over Any visible sign capable of
an author enjoys in the form of an invention, to sell, use and make distinguishing the goods of an
expression of ideas (World the same whether for commerce or enterprise (trademark) or the
Intellectual Property Organization industry. services of an enterprise (service
[WIPO]). mark), and includes a stamped or
Refers to either the grant of rights, marked container of goods (Sec.
An intangible, incorporeal right OR the instrument (sometimes 121.1).
granted by statute to the author or called letters patent) containing the
originator of certain literary or grant, giving an inventor a
artistic productions, whereby he is monopoly on the inventor’s
invested, for a limited period, with invention for a limited period.
the sole exclusive privilege of
multiplying copies of the same and
publishing and selling them
(Black’s Law Dictionary).
Purposes
1. To stimulate artistic creativity for 1. Not only to reward the individual, 1. To indicate origin or ownership
the general public good; and but the advancement of the arts of articles to which they are
2. To promote the progress of and sciences; attached;
science and useful arts. 2. To add to the sum of useful 2. To guarantee that those articles
knowledge; and come up to a certain kind of
3. To encourage dissemination of quality;
information concerning 3. To advertise articles they
discoveries and inventions. symbolize;
4. To assure the public that they
are producing genuine article;
and
5. To protect the manufacturer
against substitution and sale of
an inferior and different article.
Requirements
1. Originality; and Any technical solution of a problem 1. Upon application:
2. Expression in any field of human activity which Must be registrable (Sec.
is: 123.1):
1. New or novel; a. Absolutely non-registrable –
2. Inventive; and (a-i) & (m) of Sec. 123.1
3. Industrially applicable b. Qualifiedly registrable – (j),
(Sec. 21) (k), (l) of Sec. 123.1; Doctrine
of secondary meaning (Sec.
123.2)
2. Within 3 years from application:
 Declaration and
evidence of actual use (Sec.
124.2)
Term
See Table on Duration of 20 years from the filing date of the 10 years from the filing date of the
Copyright application (Sec. 54). application, provided the registrant
shall file a declaration of actual
use within a year from the 5th
anniversary of registration date
(Sec. 145), and renewable for
another 10 years (Sec. 146).

How Created/ Acquired


From the moment of creation First-to-file system Valid registration
(fixation)
General Limitations
1. Duration/temporal – The owner is limited by the terms of their property rights.
2. Territorial/geographical – The owner is protected by the law of the country where the violation is committed.
3. For violations in another country, resort must be made to the law of the other country, subject to the principle
of reciprocity in Sec. 3.
(Notes on Selected Commercial Laws A Guide for Bar Reviewees, Tristan Catindig, 2003ed)
San Beda College of Law
2010 Centralized Bar Operations

29

You might also like