Philippines

On November 16 2020, the 2020 Revised Rules of Procedure for Intellectual Property Rights Cases (A.M. No. 10-3-10-SC) promulgated by the Supreme Court of the Philippines (SC) took effect. The object of the revised rules is to improve and expedite IP cases recognising that an effective IP system is vital to the development of domestic and creative activity, facilitating transfer of technology, attracting foreign investments and ensuring market access to Philippine products. This is the spirit of the IP Code or Republic Act 8293. The salient points of the revised rules are as follows:

経済協力開発機構（OECD）は、2020年の「エコノミック・アウトルック」第2020巻第1号で、世界のほぼすべての国々に影響を及ぼしているパンデミックによる経済活動の急落から、2021年に日本が緩やかに回復すると予測しています。 OECDによると、これは、日本政府が家計、企業、雇用を支援するための幅広い対策を打ち出すことにより、これまでにない経済支援をしたことによるものです。

Editha Hechanova of Hechanova & Co examines the option of licensing for businesses interested in the Philippine market, looking at the rules relating to essential provisions, terms and conditions and non-compete clauses

Entering a foreign market for one's products is usually made through direct investment or by way of licensing, such as forging a distributorship agreement. Such an agreement will be the law for the parties. For agreements involving the Philippines, other than the provisions stated in it, other laws relevant to said agreement are deemed included and must be complied with. An example is Article 19 of the Civil Code on the abuse of rights. Article 19 sets certain standards which must be observed not only in the exercise of one's rights but also in the performance of one's duties, i.e. to act with justice; to give everyone his due; and to observe honesty and good faith.

The city of Manila was placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on March 16 2020 and all government offices and private businesses except those providing essential services, were required to work from home or closed. Public transportation was suspended, and everyone was required to practise social distancing and wear face masks.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has just issued Memorandum Circular No. 2019-024 entitled Amendments to the Rules and Regulations on Inter Partes Proceedings, which will take effect on February 15 2020. Its objective is to provide speedy, quality and effective legal remedies to resolve IP disputes. The major amendments are as follows: