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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the IP Seal?
    The IP Seal is essentially a public awareness undertaking of the IP Coalition. Its objective is to promote awareness and understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (“IPR”).
  2. How does the IP Seal promote awareness and understanding of IPR?
    The IP Coalition identifies Business Establishments that comply with IP standards and best practices and/or deal only with IPR-compliant products and services and recognizes them by awarding them the IP Seal.
  3. What advantages will a Business Establishment obtain by having the IP Seal?
    • The IP Seal, when displayed by a Business Establishment in its premises and/or branches, provides the enhanced status of one, which exclusively markets, distributes, or commercially deals with legitimate and IPR-compliant products and services.
    • It also provides the Business Establishment with a competitive advantage over those that do not carry the IP Seal by leveling the playing field and marginalizing pirates and counterfeiters.
  4. Is the IP Seal a government-sponsored program?
    No. The IP Seal is a purely private undertaking of the IP Coalition, a private, non-government entity.
  5. Is the IP Seal a mandatory requirement to conduct business?
    No. The IP Seal is purely voluntary. The decision to join and participate in the program rests solely on the concerned Business Establishment.
  6. How does a Business Establishment qualify for the IP Seal?
    Any interested Business Establishment desiring to have the IP Seal will have to undergo a THREE-STEP Process to qualify. Please see “3 Steps to the IP Seal” below, for more information.
  7. Why does a Business Establishment have to undergo the THREE-STEP Process in order to qualify for the IP Seal?
    The award of the IP Seal is based on merit and standards. Not everyone will have the opportunity to carry the IP Seal. The IP Seal will only be given to those Business Establishments that are able to demonstrate compliance with IP laws and are willing to make a continuing commitment to “to sell, distribute, offer to the public such products and services which comply with intellectual property laws”, among other undertakings. The IP Coalition has devised mechanics, which includes monitoring after the issuance and award of the IP Seal, to achieve this.
  8. Is there any cost for getting the IP Seal?
    Yes. The following Fee Schedule, as of May, 2010, shall be collected from Business Establishments which qualify for the IP Seal:
    • Small entity (Assets of P10M and below)-P5,000.00 per year;
    • Medium entity (Assets of over P10M but below P20M)-P10,000.00 per year;
    • Large entity (Assets of P20M and above)-P20,000.00 per year.
    In addition, the IP Coalition charges for the cost of each IP Seal Sticker that the Business Establishment shall display in the premises of its branches.
  9. Why are Fees being collected for the issuance of the IP Seal?
    The implementation and maintenance of the IP Seal Program will entail costs that must be defrayed. Therefore, fees will have to be collected.
  10. What happens if a Business Establishment is qualified for, but cannot afford to pay the fee for the issuance of the IP Seal?
    The IP Coalition reserves the right to waive payment of the Fees, or portions thereof, in meritorious cases. It is noteworthy that the Fee for the IP Seal is based on a progressive scheme depending on the size of the business. The philosophy and objective of the IP Seal Program is to recognize as many Business Establishments as possible that are able to meet the requirements and standards of the IP Seal. Therefore, affordability need not be an obstacle for a qualified Business Establishment to acquire the IP Seal.

    The progressive scheme also ensures that bigger establishments will subsidize the costs of implementing the IP Seal Program for the smaller ones.
  11. Will having the IP Seal provide Immunity from raids conducted by government enforcement agencies?
    No. The IP Seal does not provide immunity from raids by any government enforcement agencies. However, the Business Software Alliance, a member of the IP Coalition, giving full faith and credit to the IP Seal evaluation process, has advised that it will not file any complaints against those Business Establishments that meet the requirements for the issuance of the IP Seal, unless contrary evidence exists. The above decision, which involves the exercise or enforcement of private rights, which IP rights essentially are, is within BSA’s discretion to make.
  12. What steps must a Business Establishment take towards acquiring the IP Seal?

    THREE STEPS TO THE IP SEAL

    First Step: AWARENESS
    • The Business Establishment shall designate a representative (hereafter "IP Office") who must have a working knowledge and basic understanding of Intellectual Property Rights. Part of the best practices of successful businesses is the designation of an IP Officer who is responsible for the formulation of policies that ensure compliance with IP laws and cultivate a mindset of creativity and innovation, among other functions. He/she shall also represent the Business Establishment in all dealings with the IP Coalition.
    • "Working knowledge and basic understanding of Intellectual Property Rights" may be established by attendance by the IP Officer at an IP Coalition –recognized/sponsored IP Seminar, or by presentation of other competent proof.
    Second Step: COMMITMENT
    • IP Officer accomplishes and files the "IP Seal Application Form";
    • IP Officer submits "Software Asset List";
    • IP Officer submits duly executed "Statement of Commitment".
    • Upon compliance with the above, and favorable evaluation, IP Coalition notifies the IP Officer.
    • IP Officer conforms by submitting the Terms & Conditions governing the issuance and grant of the IP Seal.
    • The IP Seal is awarded.
    Third Step: ACTION AND GOVERNANCE
    • IP Seal holder displays the IP Seal in its principal offices and branches;
    • IP Seal holders conduct their business consistent with the Statement of Commitment and the Terms and Conditions Governing the Issuance of the IP Seal, as well as with all pertinent IP laws and regulations.
  13. How should the Forms be accomplished?
    All documents to be submitted in connection with the IP Seal application shall be signed and executed by the IP Officer.
  14. How should the Forms be submitted?
    • Digital copies of the duly-executed Forms may be submitted by email to ipseal@ipcoalition.ph, and/or
    • Hard copies of the Forms, by courier to:

      Intellectual Property Coalition, Inc.
      c/o Perceptions, Inc.
      5F CYA Land, 110 Rada St.
      Legaspi Village, Makati City
  15. After evaluation of the Forms and upon favorable action thereon, what further steps should be taken by the Business Establishment?
    After the Business Establishment shall have been notified of the decision that it qualifies for the IP Seal, it shall:
    • Submit the original hard copies of the Forms;
    • Provide the IP Coalition with the following data/information for inclusion in the IP Seal website:
      • Short write-up on the nature and business of the company;
      • Company logo;
      • Pictures.
    • The Business Establishment shall authorize the IP Coalition to the use the such information and/or other materials submitted in connection with the IP Seal Application in the IP Coalition Website (www.ipcoalition.ph) and other public announcements and press releases of the IP Coalition
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