Building intellectual property expertise: Ateneo Intellectual Property Office member attends Japan Patent Office training

Last October 19th to November 30th 2022, Ms Mariela Alcaparas, Program Development Officer of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), attended a training course on intellectual property rights (IPR) hosted by the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The course was conducted in a hybrid format, with a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, and was organized by the Japan Institute for Promoting Invention (JIPII) and the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS). The course provided an excellent opportunity for Ms Alcaparas to gain valuable knowledge and insights into IPR to further develop her skills in this area. 

Photo: Ms Alcaparas receiving her certificate of completion from the Japan Patent Office

Filipino applicants for this training underwent a rigorous selection process conducted by the Human Resource Management and Development Division (HRMDD) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) - Foreign Training Assessment Committee (FTAC). After careful evaluation, 3 Filipino participants were selected to participate in the training. In total, 18 participants from 8 different countries participated in the program, all IP professionals representing diverse disciplines and industries. 

The course, designed for IP practitioners, covered a wide range of topics aimed at helping participants better understand the patent system and how to effectively navigate it. Key topics include the preparation of specifications, drawings, and drafts, handling office actions, judging patentability, considering patents for innovative technologies, and the roles of universities in technology transfers of innovative technologies. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that IP practitioners may effectively help innovators and inventors to protect their ideas and creations. 

AIPO continues aiming to provide the best IP services and support to innovators in the country. Through participating in various capacity-building activities, AIPO is constantly working to improve its offerings and ensure that it is providing the best possible support to those who need it. 

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For more information about AIPO’s IP services, click here: https://aipo.ateneo.edu/services