Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSOs) in the Philippines have achieved a significant milestone, with earnings from commercialized intellectual property assets surging by 19 percent in 2025. This growth underscores the intensified efforts by universities and research institutions to bring innovations to the market, as announced by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines on February 18.
Substantial Income Growth from IP Assets
Member schools and research centers generated a total of P24.3 million from intellectual property assets in 2025, a notable increase from P20.4 million in the previous year. This revenue was primarily driven through licensing agreements, spin-off ventures, and direct sales of IP assets. Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo emphasized that these figures reflect the expanding impact of technology transfer and IP commercialization across the ITSO network.
"These results highlight how research and innovation not only contribute to knowledge and societal benefits but also generate tangible economic value for the institutions and stakeholders involved," Arevalo stated.
Record-High IP Filings and Applications
The income growth was accompanied by a remarkable increase in IP filings. Total applications reached 3,242 in 2025, marking a 43.7 percent jump from 2,257 in 2024. Among resident patent filings, ITSOs accounted for 506 out of 999 applications, representing 50.7 percent of the total after a 15.3 percent rise. Additionally, ITSOs contributed to 47.7 percent of utility model filings and 28.8 percent of industrial design applications, both categories experiencing growth exceeding 31 percent.
Copyright filings nearly doubled to 1,197, making up 17.8 percent of resident submissions, while trademark applications increased by 51.3 percent. IPOPHL officials attributed these steady gains to deeper engagement between researchers, innovators, and industry partners, fostering a more robust innovation ecosystem.
Regional Collaboration and International Support
Documentation, Information, and Technology Transfer Bureau Director Ralph Jarvis H. Alindogan presented these results at a regional meeting hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The event provided a platform for ASEAN members to share best practices and explore strategies to strengthen collaboration among technology and innovation support centers.
WIPO official Alex Riechel praised Southeast Asia's progress, noting that the region has established "a world-first, formally established mechanism for coordinating the development of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs)." He urged stakeholders to maintain momentum to unlock innovation and maximize value from intellectual property.
Meanwhile, Motohiro Nishio of the Japan Patent Office highlighted the importance of robust systems, stating that Japan views strong IP frameworks, practical technology transfer, and reliable information access as essential components for innovation-driven economic growth.
Expansion of the ITSO Program
IPOPHL reported that its ITSO Program now includes 103 members and continues to serve as a cornerstone for transforming research into market-ready solutions. The program assists innovators by providing access to technology data, facilitating the development of IP assets, and supporting commercialization efforts. This initiative is pivotal in bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, driving both economic and societal benefits.
