By Syril Diesta

To streamline work processes and automate business transactions related to the renewal of trademark registrations, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0023. This new circular, which took effect on 25 July 2024, amends IPOPHL Memorandum Circular No. 2023-001, or the Rules and Regulations on Trademarks, Service Marks, Trade Names, and Marked or Stamped Containers of 2023.

Key Changes in the Renewal Process

Under Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0023, when filing a request for trademark renewal for a 10-year period at its expiration, applicants must now pay the prescribed issuance and publication fees along with the renewal fee.

Previously, applicants paid the Issuance and Publication Fees only after receiving a Notice of Issuance from IPOPHL. The new rule requires these fees to be paid at the time of filing the renewal request. This change is expected to speed up the trademark renewal process.

Below is a comparison between the old and new renewal procedures:

The new Rule will facilitate and expedite work processes for trademark renewal of registrations.

*Registrants should be aware of the Declaration of Actual Use (DAU) filing deadlines. The DAU, which includes evidence of the registered mark’s use in the Philippines, is essential for a smooth renewal process. Failure to file the DAU could result in the mark being treated as cancelled.

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