Services Provided

Trademark Registration

Lawyer-submitted trademark registration services

Trademark Transfer

Providing trademark transfer services

Overview of Philippine Trademark Registration

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is responsible for trademark registration management. Registered trademarks are valid for 10 years from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely. Once registered, trademarks are fully protected under the Philippine Intellectual Property Code (Republic Act No. 8293).

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Legal Protection

After successful registration, exclusive rights are obtained throughout the Philippines, allowing legal stopping of infringement, including trademark infringement on e-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Zalora Philippines).

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Registration cycle

If successful, the entire registration process takes about 10-14 months, including key stages such as formal examination, substantive examination, announcement, and approval, balancing rigor and efficiency.

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International alignment

The Philippines is a member of the Madrid System and can apply for international trademark protection through the Madrid Protocol, covering the Philippine market without submitting a separate application to IPOPHL.

Trademark registration process

Trademark registration in the Philippines follows the Philippine Intellectual Property Code and IPOPHL examination rules. The following are the standardized application procedures

1. Trademark search

By searching the IPOPHL database to assess trademark registrability, avoid conflicts with prior trademarks, and reduce the risk of rejection, the Philippines adopted the 11th edition of the Nice Classification.

2. Submit the application

Prepare the complete application materials, submit the registration application to IPOPHL, pay the official fee, and receive the application receipt and application number within 2-3 working days.

3. Formal review

IPOPHL reviews the completeness and standardization of application documents. If they do not meet the requirements, they must be corrected within a specified period, which is generally one month.

4. Substantive Examination

The examination period for examining the distinctiveness, legality, and similarity of the trademark to the prior trademark takes about 5-7 months.

5. Announcement of objections

Trademarks are published in the official Philippine trademark gazette for 30 days. Any interested party may raise an opposition during this period, and if there are no objections, registration will be approved.

6. Issuance of certificates

After completing all examination procedures, IPOPHL issues the trademark registration certificate, officially taking effect with a validity period of 10 years.

Required documents for registration

Preparing the following materials can speed up the trademark registration process and ensure a smooth application

🧑 💼 Applicant information

✅ Individual application: Copy of passport (notarized)
✅ Company application: Copy of business license / company registration certificate (notarized)
✅ Applicant's address and contact information (a local address in the Philippines is preferred)

📋 Trademark-related materials

✅ Trademark design (clear electronic version, JPG/PNG format, resolution ≥300dpi)
✅ List of goods/services items (accurately filled according to Nice Classification 11th edition)
✅ Trademark usage statement (if already used in the Philippines, proof of use required)

📄 Other documents

✅ Power of attorney (must be certified by a Philippine lawyer, mandatory for non-Filipino applicants)
✅ Proof of priority (if priority is requested, submission must be made within 3 months from the application date)
✅ Filipino/English translations of foreign documents (notarized)
✅ Trademark Intent to Use Statement (unused trademarks must be submitted)

Frequently Asked Questions

Answering your common questions about trademark registration in the Philippines

Yes, Philippine law stipulates that non-residents or businesses not registered in the Philippines must entrust a local intellectual property agent to apply for trademark registration. Local agents are familiar with IPOPHL's examination rules and Filipino/English communication requirements, which can effectively improve the success rate of registration.

Yes, you can. If the trademark application is rejected by IPOPHL, the applicant may request a review within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice, along with relevant evidence and reasons. If the review is still rejected, an appeal can also be filed with the Philippine Intellectual Property Appeals Board (IPAB).

Yes. Philippine trademark law stipulates that if a registered trademark has not been actually used in the Philippines for four consecutive years after registration, any interested party may apply to cancel the trademark (revoke non-use). Therefore, after registration, it is necessary to ensure the trademark is actually used in the Philippines and to retain complete evidence of use (such as sales vouchers, advertising materials, etc.).

The validity period for a Philippine trademark is 10 years. Renewal applications must be submitted within 6 months before the expiration date, with a grace period of 6 months after expiration (additional late fees apply). No proof of use is required for renewal; only the renewal application and official fees are required. After renewal, the validity period is extended by 10 years, allowing unlimited renewal.

Yes, it is possible. The Philippines allows the registration of Chinese trademarks, but a Filipino/English translation of the trademark must be provided to clarify the meaning and pronunciation. Pure graphic trademarks do not require translation, but must ensure that the graphics are distinctive and do not violate Philippine public order, good customs, and cultural norms.

Clearly calculate the compliance path for trademark registration in the Philippines

Materials, timelines, and costs are clearly explained at once; if not, you can guarantee a safety net by agreeing to the agreement.

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Philippine Trademark Registration