Protecting Creativity: AIPO and Rizal Library Host Copyright Awareness Session for the Ateneo Community

On March 18, 2026, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), in collaboration with the Rizal Library, successfully conducted a Copyright Awareness Session held on the 5th Floor, Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University. The event gathered around 80 participants, composed of students, faculty, and staff within the Ateneo community.

The session aimed to strengthen the Ateneo community’s understanding of copyright, particularly in academic, research, and creative contexts. It also emphasized responsible use of intellectual property and the importance of protecting original works.

Image: Group photo of the attendees of the event

The session featured Atty Jeremy John Bayaras from the Bureau of Copyrights and Related Rights of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), who delivered a comprehensive discussion on copyright principles grounded in Philippine law.

Atty Bayaras highlighted several key concepts that are particularly relevant to the academic community:

1. Copyright Protects Expression, Not Ideas

One of the most important takeaways from the session is that ideas alone are not protected by copyright. Instead, copyright protects the expression of ideas in tangible form. This distinction is crucial for students and researchers, especially when developing projects, publications, and creative outputs.

2. Originality Requires Minimal Creativity

For a work to be protected, it must be original, meaning it is independently created and possesses at least a minimum degree of creativity. Simple or trivial variations—such as slight changes in common symbols or designs—may not qualify for protection.

3. Copyright Exists Upon Creation

Another key point discussed is that copyright protection begins the moment a work is created, regardless of whether it is registered. However, registration remains valuable as it serves as evidence of ownership and supports enforcement.

4. Ownership is Not Always Straightforward

Participants also learned that ownership of a physical work does not automatically mean ownership of copyright. In many cases—such as employment, commissioned work, or collaborations—ownership depends on specific legal relationships and agreements.

5. Infringement Can Occur Even Without Full Copying

The speaker also emphasized that copying even a substantial portion of a work may already constitute infringement, even if the entire work is not reproduced. Importantly, “substantial” does not always refer to quantity, but may also refer to the importance or essence of the copied portion.

6. Copyright Includes Multiple Exclusive Rights

The session also covered the economic and moral rights of creators, including rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and communicate works to the public, as well as the right to be properly attributed as the author.

Image: Atty Bayaras explains a fundamental principle of copyright—that ideas themselves are not protected, only the expression of those ideas.

Relevance to the Ateneo Community

The discussion provided practical guidance for the Ateneo community, particularly in:

• Avoiding plagiarism and improper use of materials

• Understanding ownership in group or commissioned work

• Applying fair use in academic settings

• Managing publication and licensing rights responsibly

Through real-world examples and case discussions, participants gained a clearer understanding of how copyright law applies in everyday academic and professional scenarios.

Image: AIPO’s Dr Jon Fernandez and Ms Vanessa Malapit awarding the certificate of appreciation to Atty Bayaras

Strengthening IP Awareness in Ateneo

This initiative reflects AIPO’s continued commitment to promoting intellectual property awareness, education, and protection within and beyond the Ateneo community. By equipping participants with essential knowledge on copyright, the session empowers them to create responsibly, protect their work, and respect the rights of others.

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