How to File a Patent Application

Updated: May 2026Na-update: Mayo 202623 min read23 minutong basahin

A patent is an exclusive right granted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for an invention, whether a product or a process, that provides a new technical solution to a problem. Under Republic Act No. 8293 (the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), a patent gives the inventor the legal right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing the patented invention for a period of 20 years from the filing date. Filing a patent application with IPOPHL is a critical step in protecting your invention and ensuring that your innovative work is recognized and safeguarded under Philippine law.

To be patentable, an invention must meet three key requirements: novelty (the invention must be new and not part of the prior art), inventive step (the invention must not be obvious to a person skilled in the art), and industrial applicability (the invention must be capable of being made or used in any industry). This tutorial will guide you through the entire patent application process, from conducting a prior art search to receiving your Letters Patent.

Key Facts About Patents in the Philippines

  • A patent protects inventions — new products, processes, machines, compositions of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof
  • Patent protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date and is non-renewable
  • Patent rights are territorial — a Philippine patent only protects your invention within the Philippines
  • The Philippines follows the first-to-file system — the first person to file a patent application has priority over others, even if someone else invented it first
  • The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route is available for applicants who wish to seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single international application
  • Inventions must satisfy three patentability requirements: novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability
  • Patent applications are published 18 months after the filing date or priority date, making the invention publicly available
  • Annual maintenance fees (annuities) must be paid to keep the patent in force throughout its 20-year term

What CANNOT Be Patented

Under Section 22 of RA 8293, the following are not patentable in the Philippines:

  • Discoveries — mere discoveries of something already existing in nature
  • Scientific theories and mathematical methods — abstract theoretical concepts without practical application
  • Aesthetic creations — works of purely artistic or decorative nature (these are protected by copyright or industrial design)
  • Schemes, rules, and methods of performing mental acts — including methods of playing games or doing business
  • Computer programs per se — software code on its own without a technical effect (software that produces a technical effect may be patentable as part of a larger invention)
  • Methods for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy — including diagnostic methods practiced on the body
  • Plant varieties or animal breeds — or essentially biological processes for the production of plants or animals (excluding microbiological processes)
  • Inventions contrary to public order, morality, or public health — including nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction
  • Anything which is not an "invention" — as defined under the IP Code

Important: If your creation falls under any of the above categories, consider alternative forms of IP protection such as copyright, utility model, industrial design, or trade secret protection.

Types of Patent Protection

The Philippines offers different types of patent-related protection depending on the nature and complexity of your invention:

Invention Patent

The standard patent for new and inventive technical solutions. Provides the strongest and longest form of patent protection available.

  • Duration: 20 years from filing date
  • Requires novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability
  • Subject to substantive examination
  • Published 18 months after filing/priority date
  • Annual maintenance fees required

Utility Model

A "petty patent" for simpler inventions or technical improvements. Easier and faster to obtain than a full invention patent.

  • Duration: 7 years from filing date
  • Requires novelty and industrial applicability only
  • No substantive examination required
  • Faster registration process
  • Covered in separate page: Utility Model Registration

PCT (International Route)

The Patent Cooperation Treaty allows you to file one international application and seek patent protection in over 150 countries.

  • Single application for multiple countries
  • IPOPHL serves as a receiving office
  • 30/31 months to enter national phase
  • International search and preliminary examination
  • Ideal for inventions with global market potential

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Patent Application

Filing a patent application with IPOPHL involves several stages, from preparation to grant. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application process:

1

Conduct a Prior Art Search

Before filing a patent application, it is essential to conduct a thorough prior art search to determine whether your invention is truly new and not already known in the public domain. Prior art includes any information that has been made available to the public before your filing date, including existing patents, published patent applications, scientific papers, product manuals, and any other publicly accessible documents.

  • Search the IPOPHL Patent Database for existing Philippine patents and published applications
  • Search WIPO PATENTSCOPE for international patents and PCT applications worldwide
  • Search Google Patents, Espacenet (European Patent Office), and USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) databases
  • Review scientific and technical literature related to your field of invention
  • Consider hiring a patent search professional or patent agent for a comprehensive search

Tip: A thorough prior art search saves you time and money. If your invention already exists in the prior art, your patent application will be refused during substantive examination. It is better to find out early.

2

Prepare the Patent Specification

The patent specification is the most critical part of your application. It must describe your invention in sufficient detail so that a person skilled in the art can reproduce it. The specification consists of several required components:

  • Title of the Invention: A clear and concise title that indicates the technical subject matter of the invention
  • Technical Field: The specific area of technology to which the invention relates
  • Background of the Invention: A description of the prior art and the technical problem your invention solves
  • Summary of the Invention: A brief overview of the invention and its advantages over existing solutions
  • Detailed Description: A thorough and complete description of how the invention works, including the best mode of carrying out the invention
  • Claims: The legal definition of the scope of protection sought — claims define exactly what is protected by the patent and are the most important part of the application
  • Abstract: A brief summary (150 words max) of the technical disclosure for search and reference purposes
  • Drawings: Technical illustrations, diagrams, flowcharts, or figures that help explain the invention (required if necessary for understanding)

Tip: The claims are the heart of your patent. Poorly drafted claims can result in narrow protection or rejection. Consider hiring a registered patent agent or IP attorney to draft your claims.

3

Complete the Patent Application Form

Fill out the official IPOPHL patent application form (BOP Form). The form requires detailed information about the applicant, the inventor, and the invention. Key information to provide includes:

  • Full name, address, and nationality of the applicant(s)
  • Full name, address, and nationality of the inventor(s)
  • Title of the invention
  • Priority claim details (if claiming priority from an earlier application filed in another country)
  • Declaration of inventorship — the inventor must be a natural person (not a corporation or AI)
  • Power of attorney (if filed through a patent agent or representative)
  • Entity size declaration (individual/small entity or large entity — this affects fees)
4

File the Application via IPOPHL eServices or at the Bureau of Patents

Submit your complete patent application through one of the following methods:

Online Filing (Recommended)

  • Go to eservices.ipophil.gov.ph
  • Create an account and log in
  • Select "Patent Application" from the filing options
  • Upload your specification, claims, abstract, and drawings
  • Fill out the online application form
  • Pay filing fees online
  • Receive your filing date and application number electronically

In-Person Filing

  • Visit the Bureau of Patents at IPOPHL, 28th Floor, Upper McKinley Building, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
  • Submit printed copies of all documents
  • Pay fees at the IPOPHL cashier
  • Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Regional offices are available in Cebu, Davao, and other cities

Important: Your filing date is the date IPOPHL receives your complete application with all required documents and fees. The filing date is critical because your 20-year patent term starts from this date.

5

Pay Filing Fees

Pay the required filing fees upon submission of your patent application. The filing fee for an invention patent is approximately ₱3,456 for individual or small entity applicants. Large entity applicants pay higher fees. Additional fees may apply depending on the number of claims, pages, and drawings submitted.

  • Filing fees can be paid online through the IPOPHL eServices portal (GCash, credit/debit card, bank transfer)
  • In-person payments can be made at the IPOPHL cashier or through authorized banks
  • Keep your official receipt — you will need it for tracking and correspondence
  • Individual/small entity applicants pay reduced fees compared to large entity applicants
6

Formality Examination

After filing, IPOPHL's Bureau of Patents will conduct a formality examination to check whether your application complies with all formal requirements. This typically takes 1-2 months. The examiner will verify:

  • Completeness of the application form and supporting documents
  • Proper format of the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings
  • Correct payment of filing fees
  • Compliance with formal requirements under the IP Code and implementing rules

If there are deficiencies, IPOPHL will issue a formality report and give you a deadline to correct them. Failure to respond within the given period may result in the application being considered withdrawn.

7

Publication of Application

Your patent application will be published in the IPOPHL IP Gazette 18 months after the filing date or the earliest priority date, whichever is earlier. Publication makes the contents of your application available to the public. Key points about publication:

  • Publication is mandatory — all patent applications are published regardless of whether they are eventually granted
  • After publication, the applicant has provisional protection — the right to claim reasonable royalties from anyone who uses the invention without authorization
  • Third parties may file observations or oppositions after publication
  • You may request early publication if you want your application published sooner
  • A publication fee is required
8

Request for Substantive Examination

After publication, you must file a request for substantive examination within 6 months from the date of publication. The substantive examination is not automatic — you must actively request it and pay the examination fee.

  • File the request using the prescribed IPOPHL form or through eServices
  • Pay the substantive examination fee
  • If you fail to request substantive examination within the 6-month period, your application will be deemed withdrawn
  • Third parties may also request substantive examination of your application

Warning: Do NOT miss the 6-month deadline for requesting substantive examination. If you fail to request it on time, your application will be considered withdrawn and you will lose your filing date.

9

Substantive Examination

During substantive examination, a patent examiner from the Bureau of Patents will review your application to determine whether your invention meets all three patentability requirements: novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The examiner will:

  • Search prior art databases to determine if the invention is novel
  • Assess whether the invention involves an inventive step (non-obviousness)
  • Verify that the invention is industrially applicable
  • Check that the claims are clear, concise, and supported by the description
  • Ensure the invention does not fall under non-patentable subject matter

The examiner may issue one or more Office Actions (official communications) raising objections or rejections. You will have the opportunity to respond by amending your claims, providing arguments, or submitting additional evidence. This back-and-forth process may take several months to years depending on the complexity of the invention and the number of Office Actions.

10

Grant of Patent and Issuance of Letters Patent

If the examiner determines that your invention meets all patentability requirements after substantive examination, IPOPHL will issue a Notice of Allowance. You must then pay the grant fee and other applicable fees. Upon payment, IPOPHL will:

  • Issue the Letters Patent — the official document granting you patent rights
  • Publish the granted patent in the IP Gazette
  • Record the patent in the IPOPHL patent register
  • Your patent rights officially begin from the filing date and last for 20 years

Congratulations! Once your Letters Patent is issued, you have the exclusive right to make, use, sell, offer for sale, and import your patented invention in the Philippines for the remainder of the 20-year term.

11

Pay Annual Maintenance Fees (Annuities)

After your patent is granted, you must pay annual maintenance fees (also called annuities) to keep your patent in force. Annuities are due every year starting from the 5th year after the filing date and increase progressively each year.

  • Annuities must be paid on or before the anniversary of the filing date
  • A 6-month grace period is allowed for late payment (with a surcharge)
  • Failure to pay annuities will result in the patent lapsing (becoming invalid)
  • Annuity amounts increase each year — early years cost less, later years cost more
  • You can set up reminders or hire a patent maintenance service to ensure timely payment

Reminder: Many patent holders lose their patents by forgetting to pay annuities. Set up calendar reminders or engage a professional service to manage your annuity payments.

Patent Application Requirements

The following documents and information are required when filing a patent application with IPOPHL:

RequirementDescriptionNotes
Application FormOfficial IPOPHL patent application form (BOP Form) with applicant and inventor detailsAvailable online or at IPOPHL office
Specification (Description)Detailed description of the invention including technical field, background, summary, and detailed description with best modeMust enable a person skilled in the art to reproduce the invention
ClaimsLegal definition of the scope of protection — must be clear, concise, and fully supported by the descriptionInclude independent and dependent claims; additional fees for claims beyond 5
AbstractBrief summary of the technical disclosure (maximum 150 words) for search and reference purposesShould include the title, technical problem, solution, and principal use
DrawingsTechnical illustrations, diagrams, flowcharts, or figures that help explain the inventionRequired if necessary for understanding; must be in black and white line drawings
Applicant/Inventor DetailsFull name, address, nationality of applicant(s) and inventor(s); declaration of inventorshipInventor must be a natural person; applicant can be individual or company
Priority DocumentsCertified copy of the earlier application if claiming priority under the Paris ConventionMust be filed within 12 months of the earliest priority date; optional if not claiming priority
Power of AttorneyAuthorization document if the application is filed through a patent agent or representativeRequired only if filing through an agent; can be submitted after filing
Filing FeePayment of the prescribed filing fee as per IPOPHL schedule of fees₱3,456 for individual/small entity; higher for large entities

Complete Example: Patent Application

Below is a simplified example of a patent application for a "Solar-Powered Water Purification Device" invented by a Filipino inventor. This example illustrates the key components of a patent specification:

=====================================================
     PATENT APPLICATION - IPOPHL
=====================================================

APPLICANT INFORMATION:
  Name:        Juan Dela Cruz
  Address:     123 Mabini Street, Quezon City,
               Metro Manila, Philippines 1100
  Nationality: Filipino
  Entity Size: Individual / Small Entity

INVENTOR INFORMATION:
  Name:        Juan Dela Cruz
  Address:     123 Mabini Street, Quezon City,
               Metro Manila, Philippines 1100
  Nationality: Filipino

=====================================================
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
  Solar-Powered Water Purification Device

=====================================================
TECHNICAL FIELD:
  The present invention relates to water
  purification technology, specifically to a
  portable device that uses solar energy to
  purify contaminated water for safe drinking.

=====================================================
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
  Access to clean drinking water remains a
  significant challenge in many rural areas
  of the Philippines and other developing
  countries. Existing purification systems
  require electricity, expensive filters, or
  chemical treatments that are not readily
  available in remote communities. There is
  a need for a low-cost, portable, and
  energy-independent water purification device.

=====================================================
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
  The present invention provides a portable
  water purification device powered entirely
  by solar energy. The device uses a
  combination of UV-C LED sterilization and
  multi-stage filtration (activated carbon
  and ceramic membrane) to remove bacteria,
  viruses, parasites, and chemical
  contaminants from water. The device is
  lightweight, requires no external power
  source, and can purify up to 10 liters
  of water per hour under direct sunlight.

=====================================================
CLAIMS:

  1. A solar-powered water purification
     device comprising:
     (a) a solar panel array for converting
         sunlight into electrical energy;
     (b) a rechargeable battery for storing
         said electrical energy;
     (c) a multi-stage filtration system
         including activated carbon and
         ceramic membrane filters;
     (d) a UV-C LED sterilization chamber
         powered by said stored energy;
     (e) a control unit for managing the
         purification process; and
     (f) an inlet and outlet for water flow.

  2. The device of claim 1, wherein the
     solar panel array has a capacity of
     at least 20 watts.

  3. The device of claim 1, wherein the
     UV-C LED sterilization chamber operates
     at a wavelength of 260-280 nm.

  4. The device of claim 1, further
     comprising a water quality sensor for
     real-time monitoring of purified water.

  5. The device of claim 1, wherein the
     device is portable and weighs less
     than 5 kilograms.

=====================================================
ABSTRACT:
  A portable solar-powered water purification
  device for producing safe drinking water in
  areas without access to electricity or clean
  water supply. The device combines solar
  energy harvesting, multi-stage filtration
  (activated carbon and ceramic membrane), and
  UV-C LED sterilization to effectively remove
  bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical
  contaminants. The device is lightweight,
  energy-independent, and capable of purifying
  up to 10 liters of water per hour.

=====================================================
FILING FEE: PHP 3,456.00 (Small Entity)
=====================================================

Note: This is a simplified example for educational purposes only. Actual patent applications require much more detailed descriptions, precise claim language, and formal drawings. It is strongly recommended to engage a registered patent agent or IP attorney for preparing and filing your patent application.

Patent Application Fees

Below is a summary of the fees involved in filing and maintaining a patent with IPOPHL. Fees are subject to change — always verify current fees at the IPOPHL website or office.

Fee TypeIndividual / Small EntityLarge EntityWhen Due
Filing Fee₱3,456.00₱6,912.00Upon filing
Search Fee₱2,592.00₱5,184.00Upon filing or within prescribed period
Examination Fee₱3,456.00₱6,912.00Upon request for substantive examination
Publication Fee₱1,728.00₱3,456.00Prior to publication (18 months from filing)
Grant/Issuance Fee₱2,160.00₱4,320.00Upon notice of allowance
Annual Fee (5th year)₱2,160.00₱4,320.00On or before 5th anniversary of filing date
Annual Fee (6th-10th year)₱3,240.00 - ₱5,400.00₱6,480.00 - ₱10,800.00Annually, increasing each year
Annual Fee (11th-15th year)₱6,480.00 - ₱8,640.00₱12,960.00 - ₱17,280.00Annually, increasing each year
Annual Fee (16th-20th year)₱9,720.00 - ₱12,960.00₱19,440.00 - ₱25,920.00Annually, increasing each year

Note: Fees shown are approximate and based on the IPOPHL schedule of fees. Additional fees may apply for excess claims (beyond 5), excess pages (beyond 30), excess drawings, priority claims, and other special requests. Online filing through IPOPHL eServices may offer discounted rates. Always verify current fees at www.ipophil.gov.ph before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to get a patent in the Philippines?

The entire patent application process typically takes 3 to 5 years from filing to grant, depending on the complexity of the invention, the workload of the Bureau of Patents, and whether there are any objections or rejections during substantive examination. The formality examination takes about 1-2 months, publication occurs at 18 months from filing, and substantive examination can take 1-3 years or more. You can speed up the process by responding promptly to Office Actions and ensuring your application is complete and well-drafted from the start.

Can I file a patent application internationally through IPOPHL (PCT)?

Yes. The Philippines is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which allows you to file a single international patent application through IPOPHL as the receiving office. A PCT application does not grant an "international patent" — instead, it gives you the right to seek patent protection in over 150 PCT member countries within 30 or 31 months from the priority date. You must enter the national phase in each country where you want patent protection and comply with that country's national patent laws and fees. The PCT route simplifies the process of filing in multiple countries and gives you more time to decide where to pursue protection.

What is prior art and why is it important?

Prior art refers to any information that has been made available to the public anywhere in the world before the filing date (or priority date) of your patent application. This includes existing patents, published patent applications, scientific papers, technical journals, product catalogs, websites, conference presentations, and even public demonstrations or sales of a product. Prior art is important because your invention must be novel (new) and involve an inventive step (not obvious) when compared to the prior art. If an examiner finds prior art that anticipates or renders your invention obvious, your patent application may be rejected. This is why conducting a thorough prior art search before filing is strongly recommended.

Do I need a patent agent to file a patent application?

While it is not legally required to hire a patent agent or IP attorney to file a patent application in the Philippines, it is strongly recommended, especially for complex inventions. A registered patent agent can help you conduct a prior art search, draft strong and defensible claims, prepare the specification, respond to Office Actions from the examiner, and navigate the entire patent prosecution process. Poorly drafted applications — especially weak claims — can result in narrow protection, rejection, or loss of patent rights. Foreign applicants are required to be represented by a registered Philippine patent agent or attorney.

What are annuities and why do I need to pay them?

Annuities (also called annual maintenance fees) are yearly fees that must be paid to IPOPHL to keep your patent in force throughout its 20-year term. Annuities are due starting from the 5th year after the filing date and increase progressively each year. If you fail to pay an annuity on time, there is a 6-month grace period during which you can still pay with a surcharge. If the annuity remains unpaid after the grace period, your patent will lapse and become invalid, meaning you lose your exclusive rights. Annuities serve as a mechanism to ensure that only commercially valuable patents remain in force, while patents that are no longer needed by their owners enter the public domain.

Can I patent software in the Philippines?

Computer programs per se (software code on its own) are not patentable under Philippine law. However, if your software produces a technical effect beyond the normal interaction between software and hardware — for example, if it controls a physical process, improves the functioning of a computer system, or solves a technical problem — it may be patentable as part of a larger invention. The key is that the invention as a whole must have a technical character and not be merely abstract software logic. Software can also be protected by copyright (which protects the source code as a literary work) and by trade secret protection. Consult a patent agent or IP attorney to determine the best protection strategy for your software innovation.

What happens after the 20-year patent term expires?

When a patent expires after 20 years from the filing date, the invention enters the public domain. This means that anyone can freely make, use, sell, or import the previously patented invention without needing permission or paying royalties to the former patent holder. Patent terms are non-renewable — unlike trademarks, you cannot extend a patent beyond its 20-year term. This is by design: the patent system grants inventors a temporary monopoly in exchange for disclosing their invention to the public, and once the term expires, the public benefits from free access to the technology.

What is a provisional patent application?

The Philippines does not have a formal provisional patent application system like the United States. However, you can effectively establish an early filing date by filing a complete patent application as soon as possible, even if you plan to refine it later. Alternatively, you can file a patent application in a country that offers provisional applications (such as the US or Australia) and then claim priority when filing in the Philippines within 12 months under the Paris Convention. Another option is to file a PCT application, which gives you up to 30/31 months to enter the Philippine national phase. The key takeaway is: under the first-to-file system, file as early as possible to secure your filing date and priority.

Patent Application Process Timeline

The following timeline provides an approximate overview of the patent application process in the Philippines from filing to grant:

1

Filing Date

Day 0

Application is filed with all required documents and fees. Your 20-year patent term starts from this date. You receive a filing date and application number.

2

Formality Examination

1-2 Months

IPOPHL checks whether your application complies with all formal requirements. Deficiencies must be corrected within the prescribed period.

3

Publication

18 Months from Filing

Your application is published in the IPOPHL IP Gazette. After publication, you have provisional protection and third parties may file observations.

4

Request for Substantive Examination

Within 6 Months of Publication

You must actively request substantive examination and pay the examination fee within 6 months of publication. Missing this deadline means your application is deemed withdrawn.

5

Substantive Examination

1-3+ Years

The patent examiner reviews patentability (novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability). Office Actions may be issued, and you must respond within prescribed deadlines. This phase may involve multiple rounds of communication.

6

Grant of Patent

3-5 Years Total

Upon successful examination, IPOPHL issues a Notice of Allowance. Pay the grant fee to receive your Letters Patent. Your patent is published in the IP Gazette and recorded in the patent register.

7

Maintenance (Annuities)

Years 5-20

Pay annual maintenance fees starting from the 5th year after filing to keep your patent in force. Fees increase progressively. The patent expires automatically after 20 years from the filing date.

Patent Rights and Enforcement

Once your patent is granted, you have the exclusive right to control how your invention is used. Understanding your rights and how to enforce them is essential for maximizing the value of your patent.

Your Patent Rights

  • Exclusive right to make the patented invention in the Philippines
  • Exclusive right to use the patented invention in the Philippines
  • Exclusive right to sell or offer for sale the patented product in the Philippines
  • Exclusive right to import the patented product into the Philippines
  • Right to license others to use your invention in exchange for royalties
  • Right to assign (transfer ownership of) your patent to another person or entity
  • Right to sue infringers and seek damages, injunctions, and other remedies

Enforcing Your Patent

  • Monitor the market — IPOPHL does not actively police infringement; you must monitor for unauthorized use yourself
  • Send cease and desist letters to suspected infringers before resorting to legal action
  • File a complaint with IPOPHL's Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) for administrative proceedings
  • File a civil case in the regular courts for damages and injunctions
  • File a criminal complaint for willful patent infringement under RA 8293
  • Use IPOPHL mediation services for alternative dispute resolution
  • Engage an IP attorney to handle enforcement actions and litigation

Note: Patent infringement occurs when someone makes, uses, sells, offers for sale, or imports a product or process that falls within the scope of your patent claims without your authorization. The burden of proving infringement lies with the patent holder. For process patents, the burden may shift to the alleged infringer to prove they used a different process.

Important Reminders

  • File early — the Philippines follows the first-to-file system, meaning the first person to file a patent application has priority over others, even if someone else invented it first
  • Maintain secrecy before filing — any public disclosure of your invention before the filing date may constitute prior art and destroy the novelty of your invention, potentially making it unpatentable
  • Pay annuities on time — failure to pay annual maintenance fees will result in your patent lapsing and your invention entering the public domain prematurely
  • Consider the PCT route for international protection — if your invention has market potential in other countries, filing a PCT application allows you to seek protection in over 150 countries through a single application
  • Hire a patent agent for complex inventions — a registered patent agent or IP attorney can help you draft strong claims, navigate the examination process, and maximize the scope of your patent protection
  • Respond promptly to Office Actions — during substantive examination, the examiner may issue objections or rejections; respond within the prescribed deadlines to avoid abandonment of your application
  • Request substantive examination within 6 months of publication — failure to request examination on time will result in your application being deemed withdrawn
  • Keep detailed records — maintain laboratory notebooks, prototypes, correspondence, and filing receipts as evidence of your invention and filing dates
  • Monitor for infringement — IPOPHL does not actively police patent infringement; it is the patent holder's responsibility to monitor the market and enforce their rights
  • Explore IPOPHL assistance programs — the IP Academy, JIPAC, and regional IP Hubs offer free consultations, training, and support for inventors and MSMEs

Need Help?

IPOPHL Bureau of Patents (BOP)

Address: 28th Floor, Upper McKinley Building, 28th Street corner 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1634

Telephone: (02) 8246-1572 / (02) 8889-6343

Email: bop@ipophil.gov.ph

Website: www.ipophil.gov.ph

eServices: eservices.ipophil.gov.ph

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (except holidays)

Tip: For patent-related inquiries, you can also contact the IPOPHL Patent Search and Examination Division. For PCT applications, contact the IPOPHL PCT Receiving Office. Walk-in consultations are available during office hours, but it is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the IPOPHL office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest IPOPHL office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.