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Your brand is your identity. It’s the name, logo, or design people think of when they remember your business. Now imagine if another company started using something almost identical — your customers could get confused, and worse, you could lose sales or your reputation.
The good news? You can prevent that by registering your trademark with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
In simple terms, a trademark is any sign — like a word, logo, design, or even packaging — that helps people tell your product or service apart from others. Once registered, you’re the only one allowed to use it in business, and you can legally stop others from copying it.
IPOPHL’s Bureau of Trademarks handles all applications. The whole process usually takes 18 to 24 months, which may feel long, but the protection lasts a decade and can be renewed forever. Here’s what happens step by step:
You start by submitting your application in English or Filipino. IPOPHL will need:
Once everything is in order, IPOPHL gives you an application number.
Next, IPOPHL examiners check if your mark is clear to register. They’ll see if it’s too similar to an existing one, too generic (like “Fresh Milk” for dairy), or just not distinctive enough.
👉 Example: In E.Y. Industrial Sales, Inc. v. Shen Dar Electricity (2010), the Supreme Court said “SHIN DAIKYU” was too close to “DAIKY.” The mark was rejected — proof that even small similarities can matter.
If your application passes, IPOPHL publishes your mark in its eGazette. This is like a public announcement, giving others the chance to object if they think your mark is too close to theirs.
For 30 days (sometimes longer, if extended), anyone can file an opposition. This usually happens when a bigger or well-known brand feels your mark could confuse customers.
👉 Example: In Kellogg Co. v. Prigeon Trading (2008), Kellogg opposed “MOMS” cereal packaging because it looked too much like theirs. That’s how opposition works in real life — it protects existing brands from being copied.
If nobody opposes your mark, or if the opposition doesn’t succeed, IPOPHL will issue you a Certificate of Registration. This gets published again in the Gazette and entered into IPOPHL’s official records.
Your trademark is now valid for 10 years — and you can renew it again and again.
Your logo might also be protected by copyright since it’s a creative work. But copyright only stops people from copying the artwork itself. It won’t stop someone from using a similar logo on their own product. Trademark registration is what truly protects your brand in the market.
Yes, trademark registration takes time, but the payoff is worth it. For 10 years at a time, you’ll have the exclusive right to your brand, and you can keep renewing it. Think of it as long-term insurance for your business identity.
If the process feels overwhelming, you can always get help from professional IP firms like Brealant, Hechanova, or Federis — they know the process inside out and can save you time (and stress).