Our Pioneering Future: AIPO’s Protection and Education Group hosts Intellectual Property Awareness Session for 2026

Image: AIPO interns take part in a commemorative photo with the Protection and Education Group after attending the Intellectual Property Awareness Session on June 29, 2026.

The Protection and Education Group (PEG) of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) conducted Intellectual Property Awareness Sessions on June 29, 2026, for AIPO interns and on July 1, 2026, for Computer Science students. These sessions were organized and facilitated by Ms Madielaine Fatallo and Ms Charity  Bersalona, Research Officers of AIPO. The discussions covered the fundamentals of intellectual property, with a more in-depth focus on patents, utility models, trademarks, and copyright.

Image: Ms Madielaine Fatallo delivers an introductory talk on the fundamentals of intellectual property to student interns, emphasizing its role in protecting innovation, software, and technological advancements.

The learning sessions began with a brief introduction to the intellectual property system and its role in protecting innovations, creations of the mind, software, and other technological advancements to help generate value. To frame the discussion, participants were asked the key question: “How can IP protect and create value from tech and software innovations?” This encouraged them to view intellectual property not only as a form of legal protection but also as a strategic tool for innovation and commercialization.

Participants were also introduced to the different types of IP protection, including patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. Each type was discussed in relation to the specific aspect of innovation it protects.

Image: Ms Charity Bersalona discusses trademarks and branding, highlighting the importance of distinctive marks in ensuring effective brand protection.

Building on this introduction, the seminar then focused on trademarks and copyright, two widely recognized forms of intellectual property. Participants learned how trademarks protect a company’s name, slogan, logo, and other marks used to identify the source of goods or services. The discussion also covered the concept of trademark distinctiveness, as well as the first-to-file system in the Philippines and the territorial nature of trademark rights.

Image: Computer Science student participants with Dr. Jose Ma. Angelo Pastor H. Zaldarriaga and the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) PEG team after the Intellectual Property Awareness Session.

The Intellectual Property Awareness Session ended with a discussion on copyright, whereby students were made aware that original works of literature and artistic creation and original works of authorship, including computer software and digital content, are automatically protected under copyright law once the work is created. Students further got familiar with various copyright concepts, including originality and the idea-expression dichotomy.

It was also made clear to the participants that intellectual property issues should be considered by innovators not only at the stage of protecting their inventions, but also before publishing any information, cooperating with other organizations, developing software, incorporating third-party materials, or naming their product or startup.

Through these awareness sessions, AIPO also aims to introduce students to intellectual property at an early stage of their academic journey, enabling them to recognize IP considerations from the very beginning of their research, creative works, and innovation projects. By fostering early IP awareness, AIPO hopes to cultivate a culture of responsible innovation and empower future researchers, creators, and entrepreneurs to protect and maximize the value of their ideas.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Ateneo de Manila University.

For more IP-related sessions like this, you may visit www.aipo.ateneo.edu or email them at aipo@ateneo.edu. You may also check out their Facebook and LinkedIn pages for the latest updates and announcements.