The University of the Philippines Los Baños-School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM), in collaboration with the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO), recently conducted a hybrid seminar on intellectual property (IP) management and awareness. The event gathered students, faculty, researchers, and staff both online and on-site, aiming to deepen understanding of intellectual property rights and their commercialization opportunities.

The seminar featured comprehensive discussions on various aspects of IP, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and geographical indications. The speakers emphasized the significance of protecting intellectual property and explored avenues for university-generated innovations to reach commercial markets. Additionally, the seminar highlighted UPLB’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy and the crucial role of TTBDO in facilitating technology transfer and business incubation.

Dr. Yusof A. Sucol, University Researcher II, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Rico C. Ancog, Dean of SESAM. “Intellectual property management is a strategy for systematically handling intellectual property assets within an organization. We are all here today to understand the protection, exploration, and utilization of these assets for sustainable development,” Dr. Sucol stated.

The event formally started with an introduction by host Ms. Regine L. Maligalig of TTBDO-UPLB, preparing the audience for a series of informative discussions. Ms. Maria Elaidia C. Barria-Briones, University Extension Specialist II, provided an overview of trademarks and geographical indications, explaining their legal protections and their significance in differentiating products based on origin and quality.

Following this, Ms. Cathrene P. Amante, University Research Associate I, discussed copyrights and related rights, covering key topics such as copyright law, ownership, fair use, and the legal implications of AI-generated content. Meanwhile, Ms. Krixlyn M. Escosura, Project technical Assistant III,  then delivered a presentation on different types of intellectual property protection, including patents, utility models, industrial designs, trade secrets, and plant variety protection. She also outlined the criteria for patentability, emphasizing novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.

The session concluded with Ms. Theresa Marie V. Disonglo, Senior Research Associate providing an overview of technology transfer and commercialization. She elaborated on the UP IPR policy and the process of protecting and licensing university-generated intellectual property.

The participants engaged with speakers through Q&A sessions during the seminar to clarify concerns about intellectual property, fees, and ownership rights in various contexts.The UPLB TTBDO continues to strengthen its efforts in fostering innovation, ensuring that university-developed technologies contribute to economic and societal growth. (Robert Patrick M. Cabangbang)