𝐔𝐒𝐌 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐏 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

April 29, 2025 | USM Commercial Building – Kabacan, Cotabato

In celebration of National Intellectual Property (IP) Month, the USM Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (IPTTBDO)/ USM Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), in collaboration with the USMart Technology Business Incubator, and SIKLAB USM Agri-Aqua TBI, brought together College and Department Research Coordinators, along with student innovators from various colleges such as College of Agriculture, College of Education, College of Business, Development Economics and Management, College of Arts and Social Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering and Information Technology, College of Trade and Industries, Institute of Middle East and Asian Studies, Institute of Sports Physical Education and Recreation, College of Human Ecology and Food Science, College of Health and Science, and College of Science and Mathematics, for the seminar titled “IP UNLOCK: Empowering Innovation Through Intellectual Property Awareness.”

The event featured Engr. Jessel O. Cofleros, IP Field Operation Specialist from the Intellectual Property Satellite Office (IPSO) – General Santos, as the keynote speaker. Her presentation, “Fundamentals of Intellectual Property System,” gave participants a comprehensive overview of IP concepts including patents, utility models, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and trade secrets.

In his opening message, Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, Director of USM IPTTBDO, emphasized, “Intellectual Property is not just about legal protection; it is about valuing ideas, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the fruits of creativity contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.”

Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, addressed the student – participants with encouragement: “Kayong mga estudyante, you are very privileged and blessed because you are able to experience an environment where creativity and innovation are pursued and nurtured.”

Engr. Cofleros highlighted the services offered by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), including the IP application processes. She also introduced the Juana Patent & Juana Design Protection Incentive Program (JPIP) that supports innovation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and academic researchers.

The seminar successfully raised awareness on the importance of protecting original ideas and creations, aligning with the theme of IP Month and fostering a culture of innovation at USM.