30/10/2026
IN PHOTOS: World Intellectual Property Organization and held the Regional Seminar on Geographical Indications: Systems of Protection and Salient Issues on 28 to 29 October 2026 in Makati City.
The two-day seminar brought together intellectual property offices and experts from 15 countries for an extensive discussion on how geographical indications (GIs) are protected. Speakers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, the United States and the Philippines shared their GI journeys. They covered systems that protect GIs through dedicated laws and through collective and certification marks, from examination and opposition to cancellation and renewal. The Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network (oriGIn), the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) also gave their views on how GIs, trademarks and generic names affect producers and businesses.
IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua welcomed the participants, while WIPO Senior Director Marcus Höpperger highlighted the role of GIs in connecting communities and territories through collective brands.
On the second day, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Allan B. Gepty discussed international GI protection with Mr. Höpperger. IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire Credo-Cabochan delivered the closing remarks, noting that the discussions would help inform the Office’s review of its GI rules and practices.
The Philippines currently has four registered GIs: Guimaras Mangoes, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok, Aklan Piña, and T’nalak Tau Sebu. The seminar will help strengthen IPOPHL’s policies and practices on GI protection, ultimately supporting Filipino producers and communities in safeguarding the identity, reputation, and value of their locally made products.
