IPOPHL-Documentation, Information, and Technology Transfer Bureau

When we watch our athletes like Alex Eala play tennis on the world stage, we see grit, talent, and discipline. We bond over our mutual admiration and share our collective emotion in every game.

When we play a trendy sport like Pickleball, we engage in friendly rivalries. We build relationships and create communities through competition and sportsmanship.

In the wonderful world of sports, we connect by watching and playing together.

But sports do not only bring people together. Sports also bring ideas and creativity into play. Behind every modern sport, is a world of innovation to enhance the game and experience.

Whether you are in your tennis-fan era or pickleball era, you would be surprised to know that over the last decade there are more than 12,800 inventions relating to racket sports alone! 🎾🏸🏓😮From carbon fiber and composite rackets to string technology, to player performance monitoring, to officiating and court-side analytics systems. Racket sports, which include tennis, badminton, table tennis, padel, pickleball and squash, among others, often learn from each other when it comes to new technology. When one discipline comes up with a new breakthrough, it can be quickly adapted for others.

💡🤔Curious about your favorite sport and how it is being shaped by cutting-edge technology? Check out WIPO's Technology SPARK report on Sports Innovations this 2026 World IP Day themed "IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!". Link below ⬇

https://www.wipo.int/en/web/patent-analytics/sports-innovations

(Images: WIPO)

𝐈𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐌‑𝐌𝐓𝐈𝐓 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲

Minister Farserina A. Mohammad of the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) paid a visit to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to discuss the strengthening of collaboration on intellectual property (IP) development in the Bangsamoro region.

During the meeting, Minister Mohammad met with newly appointed IPOPHL Director General Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, along with Deputy Directors General Atty. Ann Claire Credo‑Cabochan and Atty. Nathaniel S. Arevalo, including other IPOPHL officials. The discussions centered on shared priorities in promoting IP awareness and protection as key drivers of innovation, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic growth in BARMM.

Minister Mohammad underscored the critical role of intellectual property in empowering local entrepreneurs, creative industries, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those grounded in indigenous knowledge, traditional crafts, and cultural expressions unique to the Bangsamoro.

The proposed establishment of an IP Nexus/IP Help Desk in BARMM was also discussed. Once established, the IP Nexus/IP Help Desk is expected to provide easier access to IP services in the region, including the conduct of capacity building activities, assistance in the filing of IP applications, and support through the registration process.

The meeting marked a major step toward advancing a strategic partnership between IPOPHL and BARMM‑MTIT. To institutionalize this collaboration, a Memorandum of Agreement is currently being prepared to formally solidify the partnership and ensure sustained cooperation in promoting and protecting intellectual property in the Bangsamoro region.

READY, SET, INNOVATE!

This year’s National Intellectual Property Month theme, “IP in Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate,” highlights the powerful connection between intellectual property and the world of sports.

From the games we love to the athletes we admire, IP plays a vital role in driving performance, enhancing fan experiences, and creating economic value across the sports industry. It also celebrates the creativity and innovation behind every achievement, on and off the field.

Through this theme, we shine a spotlight on the never-say-die spirit of Filipino athletes, innovators, and creators, whose stories inspire and elevate the Philippines on the global stage.

Join us in celebrating NIPM, visit https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/ip-month-2026/