Intellectual Property Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What is IPRAP?

IPRAP is one of the programs of assistance of TAPI which provides technical and funding assistance in securing appropriate intellectual property (IP) protection of completed R&D projects generated/funded by Filipino public and private researchers, innovators, and technologists. It offers a holistic package of assistance for patent, utility model, industrial design, copyright and trademark applications for private individual inventors, various institutions and researcher with privately funded R&D.

2. Who can avail the assistance from IPRAP?

Applicant may be either of the following:

2.1 A  male or female Filipino citizen. Preference is given to members of TAPI-accredited inventors’ organizations and female applicants pursuant to Republic Act 7192 on Women in Development and Nation Building Act; or

2.2 A duly recognized academic, research institution or legitimate juridical entities owned by Filipino citizens.

3. Who are eligible to apply for IPRAP?

3.1 For individuals, applicant must: 

a.    be able to provide duly recognized proof of identity, postal address and full contact details;

b.    be of good moral character and has not been convicted of any case involving moral turpitude;

c.    be of legal age who can be capable, eligible, and willing to carry out the requirements of the assistance. For applicants below 18 years of age (a minor), a guardian or parents’ consent shall be required in the Conforme;

d.    be the owner of the technology or innovation being requested for assistance under this Program;

e.    be willing to be covered by policies and promotional activities of the DOST-TAPI and of the DOST in general;

f.     be willing to refund  all expenses in case of breach of Conforme Letter or any provision of this Program; and

g.    be able to commercialize or show proof of commercialization for the technology or innovation being requested for assistance when required by the Program Manager or DOST-TAPI.

3.2 For group of applicants, and in addition to all items under 3.1 above, must:

a.    assign a focal person who will represent the group in all dealings under this Program and with the DOST-TAPI. All actions of the focal person shall be binding to all other applicants;

b.    vouch that no other person who contributed to the development of the technology or innovation was excluded; and

c.    vouch that no person who did not contribute to the development of the technology or innovation was included in the group as one of the applicants.

3.2.1 For academic, research institution and juridical entities, applicant must:

a.    be a registered entity with legal capacity to do business in the Philippines;

b.    be able to show proof of commercialization or intent thereto when required by the Program Manager or the DOST-TAPI;

c.    be able to provide the following documents when required by the Program Manager:

i. IP policy stating clearly ownership of the IP being applied for,

ii. Research funding agreements, which would allow the Program Manager to determine the ownership of the IP, and

iii. Commercialization plan.

d.    assign a focal person who will represent the entity in all dealings under this Program and with the DOST-TAPI. All actions of the said focal person shall be binding to the Applicant, unless a formal advice is received by DOST-TAPI within 30 days from the said action;

e.    be willing to refund all expenses in case of breach of Conforme Letter or any provision of this Program; and

f.     be willing to be covered by policies and promotional activities of the DOST-TAPI and of the DOST in general.

4. Is there a maximum limit of assistance/request per researcher/agency?

There is no limit on the number of request but there should be a good track record of the commercialization of previously TAPI-assisted obtained IPs.

5. Can requesting party/proponent submit more than one proposal?

Yes. As long as the requirements are complied.

6. Will the program require counterpart funds from the requesting party?

None. However, TAPI-IPRAP shall provide funding assistance for the maintaining fee or annuities for patent application until the issuance of patent. Payment of annuities or maintaining fees or renewal fees to the IPO after the issuance of patent/industrial shall be shouldered by the patentee.

7. What are the levels of evaluation for proposal under IPRAP?

The proposals are evaluated by the Program Manager, patent agents, and approved by the Division Manager and TAPI Director.

8. Is there a repayment scheme for assistance provided under the program?

None. 

9. How long will it take to grant a request for IP assistance?

It will only take forty (40) days if the required documents are complete.

10. Approximately, how long before IPR is granted by the local patent office?

The local patent office processes the patent application to the issuance for the period of 3-7 years.  For utility model and industrial designs, it ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

11. What are the expectations from the requesting party after assistance is granted?

Filing of appropriate IP protection will be processed immediately given complete novelty requirements.

12. For clarifications and/or more information please contact the following:

Ms. Anna Liza B. Saet

Program Manager, Senior Science Research Specialist

Telephone Number: (+632) 8 837-2071 to 82, local 2150

Email: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph