Philippines' Innovation Offices See 19% Income Jump in 2025
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has reported a significant 19 percent year-on-year increase in income generated by Innovation and Technology Support Offices (Itsos) in 2025. This growth highlights a stronger push toward commercializing research outputs across member institutions, including universities, colleges, and research centers.
Revenue Growth and Sources
In 2025, Itsos under the Itso Program generated P24.3 million in revenues from intellectual property assets, up from P20.4 million in 2024. The income streams primarily came from licensing agreements, spin-offs, and direct IP sales, indicating a more active effort to bring innovations to market. Acting director general Nathaniel Arevalo emphasized that these results underscore the expanding economic impact of technology transfer and IP commercialization. He stated, "Research and innovation not only contribute to knowledge and societal benefits, but also generate tangible economic value for institutions and stakeholders."
Record-High IP Filings
The income surge coincided with a notable increase in IP filings. Total IP applications reached a record 3,242 in 2025, marking a 43.7 percent rise from 2,257 in 2024. Key contributions from Itsos included:
- Patent Filings: Itsos accounted for 506 out of 999 resident patent filings, representing 50.7 percent, with a 15.3 percent annual increase.
- Utility Model Filings: They contributed 858 out of 1,800 filings, or 47.7 percent, growing by 31.8 percent.
- Industrial Design Applications: Itsos made up 454 out of 1,578 applications, or 28.8 percent, with a 31.2 percent increase.
Additionally, copyright filings nearly doubled to 1,197, accounting for 17.8 percent of 6,732 resident filings, while trademark applications rose by 51.3 percent, though they comprised only 0.9 percent of total resident filings.
International Recognition and Collaboration
IPOPHL presented these 2025 performance metrics during a regional meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with ASEAN members held in Manila. The meeting aimed to share best practices and strengthen the ASEAN Regional Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) Network. The Itso Program, now composed of 103 members, serves as IPOPHL's flagship initiative to enhance innovation capacity and is part of WIPO's global TISC network, which supports innovators in accessing technology information and commercializing research.
WIPO officials and international partners praised the Philippines' progress. Alex Riechel, head of the TISC Development Section at WIPO, noted that ASEAN's establishment of a formal coordination mechanism for TISCs is a global first, urging continued efforts to unlock innovation value. Motohiro Nishio, IP Attaché of the Japan Patent Office for Southeast Asia, also highlighted the importance of robust IP systems and effective technology transfer in driving innovation-led growth.
