Trademark Registration Service
We, at FilePino, provide expert trademark registration assistance in the Philippines to ensure that your business not only stands out but also remains legally protected in today’s competitive market. Let us help you protect your intellectual property and strengthen your brand’s position with our streamlined and effective trademark registration process.
Trademark Registration
Trademark Registration is a legal process that grants exclusive rights to the owner of a trademark, such as a logo, word, name, symbol, or design that identifies a product or service.
By registering with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), you gain protection against unauthorized use, counterfeiting, and infringement, preventing others from using a similar mark that could cause consumer confusion.
What Can Be Registered as Trademarks?
In the Philippines, various types of marks can be registered with IPOPHL as trademarks. These include word marks, figurative marks, 3D marks, and marked containers of goods.
Word Marks
Word marks exclusively include textual elements (e.g., words, letters, numbers, or any other characters) which normally form part of business names, slogans, or acronyms.
Figurative Marks
Figurative marks consist solely of visual elements—such as pictures, graphics, or images—that make up business logos, icons, or symbols, without any accompanying words or text.
Figurative with Word Marks
These marks combine visual elements and text (e.g., stylized logos with business names), with trademark protection applying to the overall design, rather than to its individual components.
3D Marks
3D marks cover three-dimensional shapes or forms of products, their packaging, or other distinctive configurations that serve to distinguish goods or services in the marketplace.
Stamped or Marked Container of Goods
These marks are permanently imprinted, stamped, or molded onto the container or packaging of a product and preserve the brand directly on the packaging even without external labels.
Trademark Registration Requirements
If you have finally decided to register your trademark with IPOPHL, you need to prepare the necessary requirements, which typically include:
Your Sample Mark
You’ll need a clear digital reproduction of your trademark in the required format and size. You should also do research on the correct Nice classification on websites, such as TM Class, WIPO Madrid, or USPTO, for the applicable goods or services.
Trademark Information
During your trademark registration process, you’ll be asked to specify key information, such as but not limited to the title of the mark, color claims, translation (if applicable), disclaimers, and type of mark.
Personal or Business Information
You’ll also have to provide your complete personal or business details, i.e., whether you’re applying as an individual person or a company owner. Typically, these include your full name, address, contact number, email, and nationality.
Resident Agent and Authorization Documents
If you’re a foreign applicant, you must appoint a resident agent in the Philippines to handle notices and proceedings on your behalf. If someone else will be filing the trademark registration for you, you’ll need authorization documents.
How to Register a Trademark in the Philippines
Trademark applications may already be filed online with IPOPHL through its official website (eTMfile). Forms and documentary requirements may also be accomplished online and uploaded. If you choose to avail of our assistance, here’s how we handle the process:
File the Application with IPOPHL.
As a trusted trademark registration provider, we conduct an initial consultation (virtual or onsite), provide a complete list of requirements, prepare necessary documents, and file them with the IPOPHL.
Wait for the Trademark Search and Examination.
Within a minimum of three (3) months after filing, the IPOPHL conducts a trademark search to check for identical or similar existing marks and examines the application for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Monitor the Publication on IPOPHL eGazette.
Once approved, it is published on the IPOPHL e-Gazette for potential opposition. This stage takes a minimum of three (3) months but may extend up to a year, depending on the assessment and circumstances of the application.
Receive the IPOPHL Certificate of Registration.
If no opposition is filed during the publication period, the mark is deemed registered the following day. A Certificate of Registration (COR) will then be issued, granting you exclusive rights to the trademark for ten (10) years.
Trademark Registration Fees
Trademark registration fees in the Philippines vary based on factors like business size, number of classes, and specific requests such as priority examinations or appeals. For small entities, general fees published by IPOPHL include: PHP 1,200 per class for filing, PHP 860 for convention priority claims, PHP 280 for color or distinctiveness claims, PHP 2,990 for priority examination, and PHP 570 for the issuance of the Certificate of Registration. Additional fees apply for publication, corrections, cancellations, disclaimers, and registration division.
IPOPHL Certificate of Registration
After your successful trademark registration, you will receive a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the IPOPHL, an official receipt as proof of payment, and a publication notice confirming the mark’s inclusion in the IPOPHL e-Gazette.
Trademark Maintenance Services
To keep your trademark valid and protected, you must consistently fulfill your legal obligations as the owner. These include actively using the mark, filing Declarations of Actual Use (DAUs), regularly renewing your registration, monitoring for infringement, and keeping your details up to date.
If you’re managing multiple trademarks or operating internationally, staying on top of these requirements can be complex. With that, our professional trademark maintenance services can help you streamline filings, meet deadlines, and stay compliant across different jurisdictions.
Expert, Fast, and Compliant
We provide full assistance in registering your company logo and trademarks with the IPOPHL, and in keeping them valid, enforceable, and well-protected.
Why Choose FilePino’s Trademark Registration and Maintenance Services?
Ready to safeguard your intellectual property with a smooth, hassle-free process? We’ll take care of all the necessary filings to ensure your trademark is duly registered and fully protected.
FilePino is a leading and trusted trademark registration and maintenance service provider in the Philippines. Based in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Metro Manila—one of the country’s most dynamic and thriving business hubs—we are strategically positioned to serve your business needs.
Expertise in Local
Trademark Laws
We have in-house trademark specialists and lawyers who have deep expertise in local trademark laws. We provide accurate information and full support throughout the registration and maintenance processes.
Simplified Trademark
Registration Process
With hundreds of successful registrations, we’ve developed proven strategies to overcome common challenges. Our practical, streamlined approach ensures a smooth process and gives you peace of mind.
Comprehensive Range
of Services
We provide comprehensive trademark registration and maintenance services, handling everything from consultation and filing to securing your registration certificate, and managing renewals and Declarations of Use (DAUs).
Absolute Confidentiality
of Information
Our legal experts are well-versed in the Data Privacy Act (DPA). We apply robust data protection measures throughout every stage of our trademark registration and maintenance services to safeguard your trust and security.
Trademark Registration and Maintenance FAQs
What is a Trademark?
As legally defined, a “mark” is any visible sign capable of distinguishing the goods (trademark) or services (service mark) of an enterprise and includes a stamped or marked container of goods. The marks that may be registered as trademarks include word marks, figurative marks, figurative marks with words, 3D marks, and stamped or marked containers of goods. The law provides businesses with the legal framework to secure and enforce their rights over their trademarks and intellectual property.
What laws govern Trademarks in the Philippines?
The laws governing trademarks in the Philippines are anchored primarily on Republic Act 8293 of 1997, also known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines,” as amended. It repealed other pre-existing laws on patents, trademarks, and copyrights (i.e., R.A. 165, R.A. 166, P.D. 49, and P.D. 285, among others) and in compliance with other international conventions and treaties in which the country is party to. Protecting your trademark through registration guarantees that your intellectual property is safeguarded from competitors trying to exploit your brand.
Why should you protect your Trademark?
Your trademark is a vital part of your brand identity, distinguishing your products or services in the marketplace. Securing exclusive rights over your trademark and other intellectual property ensures that your business maintains a competitive edge and remains protected from infringement. Protecting your trademark through registration guarantees that your intellectual property is safeguarded from competitors trying to exploit your brand.
How can you protect your Trademark?
According to the IP Code and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), trademark registration is a legal move to protect trademarks. It gives the legal owner exclusive rights and protection against those who intend to unlawfully benefit from the good name and goodwill of a trademark, including but not limited to damages and destruction of infringing materials (Sections 156 and 157 of Republic Act No. 8298, as amended). Trademark registration is a crucial step in protecting your intellectual property rights.
Should you register your Trademark immediately?
Yes! In the Philippines, the “first-to-file” rule applies, meaning that whoever registers a trademark first gains exclusive rights. Filing your trademark registration early ensures your intellectual property is protected from potential infringement, allowing you to capitalize on your brand’s value without delay.
What is the process in Trademark Registration?
The trademark registration is processed with the Intellectual Property of the Philippines (IPOPHL). There are three (3) major steps in the process:
[1] Filing. As a trademark registration service provider, we usually conduct an initial consultation with our clients, i.e., either virtual or onsite, provide a complete list of requirements, draft additional documents, as may be necessary, and file them with the IPoPHL.
[2] Trademark Search and Examination. Within a minimum of three (3) months after filing, the IPOPHL conducts a trademark search to determine if the submitted mark is identical or similar with those already registered and an examination to ensure its compliance with the laws and regulations.
[3] Publication. Once the mark is approved, it is then published in the IPOPHL e-Gazette for possible opposition from the public. This may take a minimum of three (3) months but may extend up to a year or two (2) depending on the assessments and circumstances. After the publication period, you’ll receive your trademark registration certificate, officially securing your intellectual property.
Why do you need professional help in Trademark Registration?
While the trademark registration process might seem simple, it is full of legal complexities. Engaging an experienced intellectual property lawyer ensures that your application is handled correctly, maximizing protection for your trademark and intellectual property. A lawyer helps you avoid potential pitfalls, ensuring that your brand receives the protection it deserves.
What is the validity of Trademark Registration?
A registered trademark in the Philippines is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10-year period. At FilePino, we assist with trademark renewals to ensure your intellectual property remains protected over the long term.
How much does Trademark Registration cost?
Fees vary depending on certain factors or as determined by the following:
[a] Number of Marks – If you have more than one trademark to register, these must be filed on separate applications with separate filing fees.
[b] Filing Fees – These will be paid directly to the IPO. These may vary depending on the number of claims, classes, and embodiments applied.
[c] Responsive Action Appeals – These generally occur after the company has filed its registration statement and received feedback or comments from the IPOPHL. When these happen, our legal team usually drafts appeals to request for reconsideration.
At FilePino, we provide comprehensive trademark registration services to ensure your brand and intellectual property are fully protected. Start safeguarding your business with expert trademark assistance in the Philippines!
