The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines said it plans to revive its arbitration capability to serve IP owners, rights holders and users with legal claims and issues.
IPOPHL director-general Josephine Santiago said the alternative arbitration service could contribute to the easing of the workload at the courts.
“In business, time and cost are of the essence. Arbitration is emerging as a viable alternative for business players to resolve disputes as decisions, in some cases, can be made in less than a year. And the lesser time on a case means more productive time can be spent on focusing on the business,” she said.
Arbitration is one of the out-of-court dispute resolution methods widely tapped by both the public and private sectors. Decisions drawn out from arbitral proceedings are legally binding and recognized by the courts.
“With this additional alternative option to settle disputes, IPOPHL will also help in the declogging of its own dockets and that of the trial courts. This track can only be successful if our stakeholders are ensured that trained and competent IP professionals are available to provide the service provided, and if there is sufficient and sustained campaign from courts and the IPOPHL itself,” Santiago said.