Kicking off the IP Management Clinic (IPMC) Program in the Philippines
May 12, 2023
In cooperation with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ABAC PH), the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) plus Go Negosyo, the WIPO Singapore Office (WSO) and the IP for Business Division, WIPO, kicked off the IP Management Clinic (IPMC) Program in the Philippines on May 12, 2023. This four-month program brings together 8 enterprises in the franchising business -- namely Cafe La Tea, Carl Balita Review Center, Famous Belgian Waffles, Farron Café, LT&G, Mi Cafe, Oryspa, and Shawarma Shack. Their businesses thus range from Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Education and micro-lending. In the clinic, they were supported by a pool of 5 local and international IP and business experts through the provision of one-on-one mentorship and training to use their intangible assets (IA), including intellectual property (IP), to grow their business. At the end of the program the companies receive a roadmap for their IP strategy and for building sound IP portfolios.
Meet the main actors of this program:
This orientation workshop which was held in-person at the Joecon Hall, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines, provided an opportunity for the representatives of the companies to meet their mentors and the program’s supporting partners, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines and Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).
WIPO, ABAC PH and PFA members, together with the experts provided an overview of the program and its scope and methodology. This was followed by a deep-dive diagnosis and strategy sessions where the experts and the companies worked in groups and discussed in depth the companies’ business goals and the strategies for achieving those goals. The companies were also provided with a framework for the upcoming mentoring sessions.
In the next few months the companies will be benefit from various activities spread over four months, including:
- One-on-one mentorship under the supervision of the IP experts;
- Participation in training such as coaching session on issues of interest to all companies;
- Access to additional WIPO practical tools and resources; and
- Featuring in a joint WIPO-ASEAN BAC regional public event to showcase and high-profile businesses and IP strategies from the participating companies.