Press Release
April 26, 2011

ANGARA: PHL'S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE NEEDS UPDATING

Senator Edgardo J. Angara renewed his call to update the Intellectual Property Code in the Philippines, saying that it is no longer able to keep up with the rapid developments in technology and does not provide an incentive to Filipino inventors and scientists.

This call was prompted by the commemoration of the World Intellectual Property Day, observed every 26th of April to raise awareness about the importance of securing the rights of our artists and scientists.

The Intellectual Property Code or IPC seeks to give recognition to the rights of performers, phonogram producers and broadcasters as are accorded authors of artistic and literally works, by acknowledging their right to control or be compensated for the various ways in which their works are used or enjoyed by others.

According to Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, our current IPC has fallen behind the times.

"While our IPC was shaped with a consummate vision at the time of its enactment, its provisions have not kept pace with the advances in digital technologies, especially in the area of dissemination of protected material over the internet," he explained.

Angara authored Senate Bill No. 2431, "An Act Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 8293, Otherwise Known as the 'Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines', and for Other Purposes".

Filed shortly after the 15th Congress began last year, the bill proposed amendments to the existing Intellectual Property Code which was passed in 1998. It seeks the integration of comprehensive and efficient strategies to respond to the upsurge of internet piracy.

"The main goal of these amendments is to ensure that rights-holders can effectively use technology to secure and license their own works online, because in an increasingly global arena, we must provide effective protection and development of intellectual property," he asserted.

News Latest News Feed