The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recorded a significant 76 percent rise in copyright registrations throughout 2023, with varying media materials contributing the biggest chunk of registrations.
The IPOPHL's data indicated 6,522 copyright registrations, more than 50 percent of which were books, pamphlets, articles, e-books, audio books, comics, novels, and other writings.
Audiovisual and cinematographic works followed at 18 percent, then computer programs, software, games, and applications at nearly nine percent.
Given that copyright registrations in 2022 were only 3,706, IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba attributed the increase in registrations as a result of the agency's efforts to raise awareness on intellectual property (IP) rights to the public.
“Although copyright protection is provided automatically upon creation, registration certificates provide an added layer of protection to copyrighted works,” Barba added.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) Director Emerson G. Cuyo said they are extending the implementation of their Copyright Plus Program, to support projects of underrepresented artists.
He also urged creatives to register the copyright for their works on the IP system online to safeguard their ownership of their projects or art.
"Make the wise decision of registering today rather than regretting not having given your works enough protection,” Cuyo said.