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Food trucks have long been popular in the United States, and now they are gaining traction in the Philippines. While the country has always embraced small food stalls (karinderya, turo-turo, and sari-sari stores) offering local dishes, the rising cost of commercial rent—especially in key urban centers like Metro Manila—is pushing entrepreneurs to explore mobile food ventures. In areas across NCR, food trucks are becoming a common sight, often stationed in business hubs, night markets, or community events.
Their portability and low overhead make food trucks an ideal way to launch new food and beverage concepts without the burden of a permanent location. Globally, the food truck sector is booming, with the U.S. alone home to over 20,000 food truck businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, as consumers sought safer, outdoor, socially distanced dining experiences. As the number of food trucks grows and competition increases—both abroad and here in the Philippines—branding has become just as important as the food itself. For mobile food operators, a strong, recognizable brand can make the difference between a one-time purchase and a loyal customer following. While owners of mobile food service businesses work hard to get LTO licenses and refine their menus, they frequently overlook the need for trademark protection. This intellectual property is a significant asset that should be protected, whether it is the company name, logo, or motto that appears on every product or the side of your vehicle. Besides getting a trademark, you also need to consider the regulations in the Philippines.
Key regulations and permits
- Business Registration: Depending on the business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), registration is required with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Local Government Permits: Obtaining a Barangay Clearance from the local village (barangay) and a Mayor's Permit (Business Permit) from the city or municipality where the food truck will operate is essential. These permits ensure compliance with local zoning and business regulations.
- Sanitary Permit and Health Certificates: Food businesses must acquire a Sanitary Permit from the local health office to confirm compliance with hygiene and food safety standards. Additionally, all food handlers need to obtain health certificates, often involving medical checkups, to demonstrate their fitness to work with food.
- Fire Safety Inspection Certificate: If the food truck has a physical presence, a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate is necessary, issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection after an inspection to ensure fire safety compliance.
- FDA License to Operate (LTO) and Product Registration (CPR): Food manufacturers, processors, and distributors require an LTO from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Selling packaged goods or supplements also necessitates a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) for each product.
Food trucks cater to Manila’s fast-paced urban crowd and are constantly on the move. This makes it easy for customers to forget where they bought their meals, leading to confusion with competing trucks. A trademark links your food and service to your name, helping build a strong, lasting brand. You’ll often spot food trucks in Makati or BGC, especially on weekends or during events. A trademark also supports growth—into restaurants, pop-ups, or more trucks—and builds trust with investors. Once registered, you can even license your brand to others. Furthermore, registered trademarks give national protection, allowing you to extend your firm to any location in the islands. With such crazy competition in the food truck and mobile service industries, it’s crucial to protect your brand with a trademark to prevent unauthorized uses of your mark and to defend yourself against trademark infringement charges.
There are a few simple actions you can take to protect your brand if you own or manage a food truck. To begin, decide if you want to invest in your businss. We are guessing if you are reading this, then you already do. But yet, trademarks cost money. Then, speak with an attorney to establish which intellectual property assets should be prioritized for protection and what types of trademarks are appropriate for your firm. Food trucks operate in a unique market since they offer both items, such as food and beverages, as well as services. This implies that in order to completely protect your firm, you may need to register for trademarks for the commodities you sell as well as a trademark for the service your mobile food service company provides.
Once you and your IP firm have chosen the best trademarks for your company, you should register your protectable assets with the IPOPHL. Finally, you and your attorney should create a strategic growth strategy for your intellectual property as well as a plan for defending your intellectual property if necessary.