USM IPTTBDO and USMart TBI Strengthen Innovation Culture through 4-Day Patent Searching and Drafting Workshop

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), through its Intellectual Property Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (IPTTBDO) in collaboration with the USMart Technology Business Incubator (USMart TBI), successfully held a 4-day Patent Searching and Drafting Workshop on October 21–24, 2025, at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato. The event gathered USM personnel from various colleges and offices, all eager to enhance their understanding and capability in protecting and commercializing intellectual property arising from their research and innovation efforts.

The 4-day training workshop was designed to provide participants with both theoretical and practical knowledge in patent searching, drafting, and protection of intellectual property rights. The sessions allowed them to explore the fundamentals of patent systems, conduct hands-on searches, and prepare their own patent drafts. The activity also became an avenue for researchers to gain valuable insights from intellectual property experts on how to protect their innovative works, maximize the potential of their technologies, and align them with commercialization pathways.

The workshop opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, IPTTBDO Director, who emphasized the importance of fostering an innovation-driven culture within the university. He highlighted that the workshop serves as part of USM’s continuing effort to support researchers in ensuring that their innovative works receive the protection they deserve through proper intellectual property management.

A message of support from USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel followed, where he expressed his commitment to advancing research and innovation at USM. He commended the IPTTBDO and USMart TBI for organizing such a relevant and capacity-building initiative, underscoring that activities like this contribute significantly to USM’s vision of becoming an entrepreneurial university.

Throughout the program, participants actively engaged in interactive discussions, practical exercises, and patent drafting sessions. Resource persons including Engr. Marc Macbeth M. Toledo of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), Engr. Jessel O. Cofleros, IPR Specialist II of IPOPHL IPSO Gensan, and Engr. Emmanuel M. Mendoza, Chief of the IP Regional Operations Division of IPOPHL, shared their expertise and guided participants in understanding the different components of the patenting process.

Topics covered included Understanding the Relevance of Patent Searching in Research and Innovation, Overview of Intellectual Property Rights, Invention Spotting and Patent Law, Patent Search Techniques and Prior Art Databases, Anatomy of Patent Documents, and Common Mistakes in Drafting and How to Avoid Them. These sessions helped participants not only to comprehend the legal and technical aspects of patenting but also to apply the knowledge directly through hands-on exercises and group presentations.

The workshop was made even more dynamic with daily energizers and recap sessions, allowing participants to review and reflect on their learnings each day. Prof. Jassen Fe Calaoagan, Prof. Neil Rey Responte, and Prof. Benedict Entera served as recap presenters for Days 2, 3, and 4 respectively, summarizing key takeaways and encouraging further discussion among attendees. This interactive approach helped ensure that the lessons were well understood and retained.

Participants also appreciated how the sessions gave them the chance to refine their existing research outputs with direct feedback from experts. Through guided workshops, they were able to identify potential innovations from their projects, assess their novelty, and prepare patent drafts that could be further developed for actual submission.

On the final day, the activity culminated with presentation of patent drafts, an open forum, and the awarding of certificates. In her closing message, Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, commended the participants for their active involvement and enthusiasm throughout the four days. She also lauded the IPTTBDO and USMart TBI teams for continuously organizing initiatives that strengthen research and innovation culture within the university.

Similarly, Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua, Director of the Extension Services Office, extended her appreciation to the organizers, speakers, and participants, noting that the success of the event reflects USM’s growing commitment to knowledge creation, intellectual property protection, and technology transfer.

Overall, the 4-day Patent Searching and Drafting Workshop was a meaningful, engaging, and empowering learning experience for USM personnel. It not only strengthened their technical skills in intellectual property management but also deepened their appreciation for innovation as a driver of progress. The collaboration between IPTTBDO and USMart TBI once again highlighted USM’s continuous efforts to champion creativity, protect innovations, and contribute to the nation’s development through research and technology.