IPOPHL urges 2025 election candidates to respect Intellectual Property Rights

Barba warned that candidates could face public backlash that may hinder their electoral prospects, as well as potential copyright infringement lawsuits.

DAVAO CITY — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued a reminder to candidates running in the 2025 elections to respect intellectual property (IP) rights while preparing their promotional materials.

Although the official campaign period begins next year, IPOPHL emphasizes the importance of allowing sufficient time for candidates to seek permission from artists before using their works for campaign jingles, slogans, and merchandise.

“Respecting IP rights is a litmus test of a candidate’s integrity and trustworthiness as a public servant. Voters do not want to see copyright owners and artists, especially their favorites, deprived of their rights regarding the use of their work for political campaigns,” said IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba.

Barba warned that candidates could face public backlash that may hinder their electoral prospects, as well as potential copyright infringement lawsuits. Under Section 173 of Republic Act 8293, the IP Code of 1997, derivative works must not violate existing copyrights on original works.

Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) Director Emerson G. Cuyo encouraged candidates and political parties to reach out to IPOPHL-accredited collective management organizations (CMOs) to secure the necessary licenses for transforming and publicly performing copyrighted works.

CMOs such as the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP), Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM), Independent Music Producers of the Philippines (IMPRO), and Sounds Recording Rights Society, Inc. (SRRS) can facilitate negotiations and licensing arrangements for commonly used materials like songs and music.

Cuyo also invited music artists to participate in IPOPHL’s 2nd Philippine-International Copyright Summit (PICS) from October 21 to 25, highlighting its relevance in protecting their compositions in a complex digital landscape.

“On October 22, we will host sessions specifically aimed at empowering composers and music artists. They will learn about local and global music trends, the legal frameworks that safeguard their IP rights, and hear firsthand experiences from artists regarding copyright protection. We will also address the implications of generative artificial intelligence on creative works,” Cuyo said.

The summit will feature hands-on workshops focused on the creative process of composition, allowing participants to enhance their skills while understanding the importance of protecting their intellectual property rights.

Barba expressed hope that the PICS sessions will equip artists with the knowledge needed to swiftly address infringement concerns, both during election periods and beyond.