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Philippines lifted from US Trade Representative IP watch list*

PHL stricken off intellectual-property ‘watch list’ of US Trade Representative

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Category: Top News

29 Apr 2014

Written by Catherine N. Pillas

The Philippines has been removed from the Special 301 Watch List of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) after almost two decades of being on it, a development that could facilitate the country’s membership in the US-initiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). 

With this development, the Philippines no longer faces threats of trade sanctions that Washington is imposing on economies with weak intellectual-property (IP) regime.

The USTR’s Special 301 Report is an annual unilateral evaluation report on various countries’ enforcement and observance of IP laws. 

“In recent years, the government has enacted a series of significant legislative and regulatory reforms to enhance the protection and enforcement of IP in the Philippines. Philippines authorities have also made laudable civil and administrative enforcement gains. Although significant challenges remain, the commitment of Philippines authorities and the results achieved merit this change in status,” according to a statement from the USTR. 

Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said the development was “a recognition of the positive work the Philippines has done on intellectual property and is one of the string of good news coming from the United States, coinciding with Philippines-United States relations.”

But, at the same time, Domingo also said the Philippines’s status is subject to annual review. “Like anything in life, there is no assurance…but it [removal of the Philippines from the list] is part of a group of positive actions by the US on Philippines issues.” 

The trade chief added that with the development, aspiring for membership in the TPP “should be easier as IP issues are a significant part of the TPP agenda.”

The US-led TPP is currently being negotiated among 12 countries and covers about 40 percent of the global economy. 

The trade deal is said to contain provisions going beyond the usual trade tariff rate-reduction measures, such as cross-border services trade, standards, labor and environment, and IP rights.

But other barriers remain for the Philippines, such as foreign ownership limitations that are set out in the Constitution and are still hurdles for TPP membership.  

“Congratulations to the NCIPR [National Commission on Intellectual Property Rights]. Its holistic approach was very effective in curbing piracy and fighting counterfeits. Enforcement is only the beginning in building respect for intellectual property. The Philippines reinforces its position as the country champion in IP Enforcement in Asean,” Director General Ricardo R. Blancaflor of Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines said, expressing satisfaction over the Philippines’s removal from the watch list. 

Blancaflor remains upbeat that the NCIPR would maintain its efforts even with the upgrade, saying, “I am confident the NCIPR will maintain its vigilance in the fight against counterfeits. As long as these unresolved issues are included in building respect for the IP International system, we will endeavor to sustain our current efforts.”

Sought for comment, American Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director David Ebb Hinchliffe lauded the Philippines’s improvement on IPR. He said the development raised the country’s image by another notch.

“It’s very good news. The improving IP regime of the Philippines is an important component of the business climate here, particularly in innovative and high-tech sectors so the decision underscores that the Philippines is becoming a more attractive place for companies and investors to do business,” added Hinchliffe, quoting a message by USTR for Asia Karl Ehler. 

According to the Philippine report of the Oxford Business Group, the Philippines has been on the watch list of the USTR for two decades, at times being elevated on the Priority Watch List. 

The Quiapo Shopping District was removed from the USTR’s list of notorious markets for selling counterfeit clothing, shoes, watches and software in 2012, the same report noted.

The USTR 2013 Report already noted progress of the Philippines, such as its compliance with the World IP Organization’s Internet treaties, as well as a drop in the filming of movies in theaters. However, despite the improvement, the Philippines remained on the regular watch list in 2013. The regular watch list is the lowest tier identified for deficiencies of IP rights infringement.

The USTR’s Special 301 Report aims to push countries to better adhere to IP rights standards, and issues warning of possible trade sanctions for countries under the Priority Watch List if they are subjected to investigation by the USTR.

The Philippines has been showing a strong image in international regulatory compliance recently as it also received this month a Category 1 upgrade from the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), signifying compliance with international aviation safety standards as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

*reposted from Business Mirror news

[Good Morning Boss] Panayam kay Minda G. Del Rio ukol sa Manila FAME at CITEM [03|17|14]

Manila Wear's RED BOX Young, Bold, and Ferosh Fashion Designers at Manila FAME

A Fashionable Approach to ‘Urban Resort’

By Red Box Fashion Designers at the 59^th Manila FAME

                

Yves Camigue's 'ANTELUSIA' Collection

Twelve fashion designers on the rise will present new collections of design-forward apparel and accessories that bring a new twist to ‘Urban Resort’ wear at the Red Box setting in Manila FAME this March 2014. This 59^th edition of the trade event will be held on March 14-17, 2014, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila. 

Manila FAME is the country’s premiere design and lifestyle event that showcases certified, export-quality products for home, holiday and gifts, fashion, and arts, and crafts crafted in the Philippines for the global market. This is held twice a year and organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

Ron Ramirez' AMATERASU Footwear

The Red Box (for Home and Fashion), CITEM’s design development program, aims to harness Filipino creativity through the use of indigenous materials to produce innovative export products. Under the Design for Exports program, Red Boxcontinues to nurture a new corps of designers and artists who work hand-in-hand with local manufacturers to bring Philippinesartisanship to the fore-front in the global market.

Martha Rodriguez' YAKAN bag

  “The international and local trade buyers of the 59^th Manila FAME will witness a bolder line of apparel and accessory designs that typify tropical wear. In fashion, this design trend means creating a refreshing look from an innovative blend of tradition and modernity in terms of style, shape and form. This will create a unique brand that is internationally distinct, but which will undeniably be identified with the Philippines,” said Ms. Rosvi C. Gaetos, Executive Director of CITEM.

Jaggy Glarino's STILL MOTION Collection

Buyers and visitors of Manila FAME can expect to see a wide assortment of one-of-a-kind apparel, wearables and accessories made from indigenous materials executed into modern styles. The latest collection to be showcased are Rencie Santos’ Nu-cast and shellcraft accessories with Floreia and J.E.R. Shellcrafts, Earl Gariando’s brass-and-foil fusion accessories and bags with Kilus Foundation, Martha Rodriguez’s leather-‘yakan’ bags with Chelsi Leathershop and Austolia Jewelry Arts, Sheila Damaerio’s Mother-of-Pearl miniauderies with Hannah’s Handicraft, Angela Angeles’s elegant jewelries and clutches with Crystal Seas, Neil Felipp’s raffia-snakeskin bags with Ferimar and Jaggy Glarino’s metal jewelry with Alchemista.

Red Box Fashion will also feature apparel designers, who transformed indigenous fabrics into trendy resort wear, including Yves Camingue, Rei Escario, Jaggy Glarino and Renan Pacson. Two footwear designers, Joco Comendador and Ronald Ramiro, on the other hand, will showcase arresting footwear designs using local leather, wood and recycled foil materials.

Words:  Rizza Estadola

CITEM PR & Communications

   

Manila FAME's THE GALLERY

Issue no. 02

 

See today’s featured products from some of the country's exporters and manufacturers.

 

Manila FAME is the Philippines’ premiere design and lifestyle event which showcases certified, export-quality products designed and crafted in the Philippines for the global market.

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Butterfly and floral-themed decor

Alcos International
www.alcos.ph

4882 Jasmin St., Marimar Village II, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 824-4501
Fax: (63.2) 822-6560
Email: alicbusan@alcos.ph

Bag made of coconut shells from the Club Tropicana collection

Amina Aranaz-Alunan / Aranaz - Accent on Accents
www.aranazbag.com

344 Robinsons Loop, Capt. Henry Javier St., Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 571-3136
Email: aranazbags@gmail.com

Buko Twigs Clutch Bag

Imperial Nova Corp. / Ann Ong Collections

Rm. 205 P & J Bldg., Pasig Blvd. cor. E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Bagong Ilog, Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 672-1839
Email: jasonong04@yahoo.com

Woven wine container and desk organizer with leather accents

S.C. Vizcarra, Inc.
www.vizcarra1925.com
737 Roxas Blvd., Baclaran, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 854-6751 / 55
Fax: (63.2) 854-6753
Email: mutya@vizcarra1925.com |rowelle@vizcarra1925.com

Hanging lamps of fine bone china from the Mayumi collection

CSM Philippines Inc.
www.csmphilippines.com

Alphawood Compound, Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Biñan, Laguna, Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 520-6788 | (63.49) 839-2951
Fax: (63.2) 520-6788
Email: info@csmphilippines.com

Clutch and cuff with geometric design

Ken Samudio
www.kensamudio.com
16 Guyabano St., Summitville Putatan Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel & Fax: (63.2) 659-7727
Email: kenkeneeto@gmail.com

Tabletop shell décor with silver octopus accent

Arden Classic, Inc.
www.ardenclassic.com

Soong Li, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Tel: (63.32) 238-5962
Fax: (63.32) 495-8328
Email: ardenclassic@yahoo.com

Hanging lamp with interlaced textiles

That One Piece Enterprise
www.that-one-piece-enterprise.typepad.com

Barangay Lico, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 371-6853
Fax: (63.2) 373-5758
Email: toplivingent@gmail.com |top@pldtdsl.net

Hanging Lamps made of galvanized iron

Prado Filipino Artisans, Inc.

Blk 31 Lot 1 Cacao St., Cor. Daites Street, Greenwoods, Executive Village, Rizal,Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 570-4920
Email: mapradojr@gmail.com

Holiday elf hanging decor crafted from recycled paper

Paper Capers International 
www.papercapers.net 

K 12-14 Champaca St., Lourdes Subd., Brgy. Mambugan, Rizal,Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 646-4119
Fax: (63.2) 646-4119
Email: papercap@pldtdsl.net

Gold cuff with turquoise stones

Kitsilver Jewellery & Fashion Accessories 

G. De Jesus St., Ana Maria Village, Iba, Bulacan,Philippines

Mobile: (+63 922) 832-4703
Email: mila_jewel@hotmail.com

Angel, Snowman, and Santa Claus hanging holiday décor

JC JEM’s International Export, Inc. 

JC JEM’s Compound, Brgy. San Juan,, Rizal,Philippines

Tel: (63.2) 658-0840/286-4729
Fax: (63.2) 658-0842
Email:jcjems.international@gmail.com

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Trade Events 2014 organised by CITEM