{"id":118012,"date":"2025-11-10T09:39:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T09:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=118012"},"modified":"2025-11-10T09:39:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T09:39:12","slug":"philippines-patent-litigation","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/philippines-patent-litigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Philippines: Patent Litigation"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-118012","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-patent-litigation","jurisdictions-philippines"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">SyCip Salazar Hernandez &amp; Gatmaitan<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2022\/07\/SyCipLaw-80th-logo_colored_JPG.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">SyCip Salazar Hernandez &amp; Gatmaitan<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2022\/07\/SyCipLaw-80th-logo_colored_JPG.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Patent Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Philippines<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the forum for the conduct of patent litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patent rights may be enforced through either judicial or administrative proceedings in the Philippines.<\/p>\n<p>Judicial enforcement is conducted before the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs), particularly branches that are designated as Special Commercial Courts by the Supreme Court. These courts have jurisdiction over intellectual property (IP) rights cases, including those involving patents. Although the judges may not have initially possessed technical backgrounds, training opportunities have increased for the judiciary in recent years, and the court may exercise the authority to appoint assessors with the necessary scientific or technical knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, parties may seek administrative remedies by filing cases with the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) under the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The BLA is empowered to adjudicate both infringement and cancellation matters. Compared to court litigation, BLA processes are typically faster and less expensive, though the available remedies are restricted to injunctions, fines, and related sanctions.<\/p>\n<p>The BLA exercises jurisdiction over administrative actions involving IP rights where the total damages claimed are less than P200,000.00. Claims for damages exceeding \u20b1200,000.00, however, fall outside the BLA\u2019s jurisdiction and must be pursued before the regular courts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the typical timeline and form of first instance patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patent infringement and invalidity issues are not typically bifurcated under Philippine rules. These matters are heard together in a single proceeding, whether before the RTC or the BLA.<\/p>\n<p>The 2020 Revised Rules of Procedure for Intellectual Property Rights Cases (the Rules), govern the proceedings involving the enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights, including patents.<\/p>\n<p>Civil actions commence with the filing of a verified complaint with the RTC. Upon the service of summons, the defendant must file an answer within thirty (30) calendar days. Both the complaint and the answer must be accompanied by the judicial affidavits of the parties\u2019 respective witnesses, which shall serve as their direct testimony, and other documentary evidence.<\/p>\n<p>A pre-trial conference follows, where settlement may be explored, and the issues are clarified. Trial then proceeds as governed by the Rules.<\/p>\n<p>Criminal proceedings commence with the filing of a verified complaint with the Department of Justice or the Office of the Prosecution which has jurisdiction over the offense charged. The verified complaint must be accompanied by the affidavits of the complainant and their witnesses, as well as other supporting documents to establish probable cause. The investigating prosecutor shall thereafter issue an order directing the respondent to submit his or her counter-affidavit and the affidavits of his or her witnesses and other documentary evidence.<\/p>\n<p>If probable cause is established, an Information is filed with the Court. Upon such finding, a warrant of arrest is issued, followed by an arraignment. A pre-trial conference is thereafter conducted, after which the trial proceeds in accordance with the Rules.<\/p>\n<p>Cases brought before the RTC under the Rules typically take between two and three years to reach judgment, with the timeline influenced by the court\u2019s workload, witness count, and case complexity. Proceedings at the BLA are less formal, often advancing to the evidentiary stage within five to seven months, and may be resolved within one to three years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can interim and final decisions in patent cases be appealed?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Both interim and final decisions issued in judicial and administrative proceedings may be appealed.<\/p>\n<p>Decisions issued by the RTC can be challenged before the Court of Appeals. Where the dispute concerns solely legal questions, parties may appeal directly to the Supreme Court. Subsequent appeals from the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court are possible, but acceptance of such petitions is at the Supreme Court\u2019s discretion.<\/p>\n<p>For administrative proceedings, decisions of the BLA Director may be appealed to the Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. The decision of the Director General may, in turn, be appealed to the Court of Appeals, and subsequently to the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n<p>Appeals do not automatically stay the execution of decisions. In judicial proceedings, a party seeking to stay execution must obtain a court order and post a bond. In the BLA, a prevailing party may seek execution of the decision pending appeal upon motion and filing of the approved bond. The execution, however, may be stayed by filing an approved counter-bond by the losing party.<\/p>\n<p>Appeals are generally resolved within one to three years. The appellate courts are courts of review and generally cannot receive new evidence unless a ground such as lack of jurisdiction, fraud, or deprivation of due process is proven under the Rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which acts constitute direct patent infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Intellectual Property Code) defines direct infringement as any unauthorized activity involving a patented product, such as manufacturing, utilization, marketing, sale, or importation, as well as the use of a patented process including transactions involving products derived from such processes.<\/p>\n<p>The patent owner may enforce the exclusive rights conferred by the patent against any unauthorized party who carries out these acts in the Philippines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the concepts of indirect patent infringement or contributory infringement exist? If so, what are the elements of such forms of infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. The Intellectual Property Code recognizes contributory infringement. Any person who \u201cactively induces the infringement of a patent, or provides a component of a patented invention, knowing it to be especially made or adapted for use in infringement and not suitable for substantial non-infringing use\u201d shall be liable as a contributory infringer.<\/p>\n<p>Contributory infringers are jointly and severally liable with the direct infringer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the scope of protection of patent claims construed?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The scope of protection is primarily defined by the claims, but the statute requires that equivalents be considered. The Intellectual Property Code provides that for the purpose of determining the extent of protection conferred by a patent, due account shall be taken of elements that are equivalent to the elements expressed in the claims.<\/p>\n<p>We are not aware of a standing doctrine of prosecution history estoppel in Philippine practice. The courts rely on statutory interpretation and general principles of claim construction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key defences to patent infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In addition to non-infringement and invalidity, a defendant may raise the following defences available under the Intellectual Property Code:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>prescription: infringement actions must be brought within four years from the commission of the infringing act;<\/li>\n<li>the existence of a valid license;<\/li>\n<li>lack of actual knowledge or written notice in cases involving published applications (where the acts complained of occurred after publication but before grant); and<\/li>\n<li>fair use in limited situations involving experimentation, teaching, or research.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key grounds of patent invalidity?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Grounds for challenging the validity of a patent include absence of novelty or inventive merit, failure to meet industrial applicability, inclusion of non-patentable subject matter, inadequate disclosure, violation of public order or morality, unauthorized amendments introducing new content, and improper issuance to an individual lacking entitlement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is prior art considered in the context of an invalidity action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Prior art includes all information that was made available to the public anywhere in the world before the filing or priority date. Combinations of prior art references are permitted in assessing inventive step (obviousness). There is no express statutory rule distinguishing the use of prior art between novelty and obviousness objections; the same references may be used to support both grounds if relevant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can a patentee seek to amend a patent that is in the midst of patent litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. A patentee may file a request for amendment before the Bureau of Patents. Amendments may also be allowed during inter partes cancellation proceedings before the BLA.<\/p>\n<p>However, amendments are limited to narrowing the scope of protection; correcting obvious or clerical errors; and correcting good-faith errors.<\/p>\n<p>Broadening amendments are permitted only within two years from grant and may not affect the rights of third parties who relied on the original disclosure. These amendments may not introduce subject matter beyond the original application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is some form of patent term extension available?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No. Philippine patents have a fixed term of 20 years from the filing date, or the international filing date in the case of national phase applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). There is no provision for patent term extension, regardless of delays in regulatory approval or examination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are technical matters considered in patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Technical issues are usually addressed through expert evidence. In RTC proceedings, the court may appoint assessors with scientific or technical expertise to assist. Parties may also present their own expert witnesses through judicial affidavits. Experts may be cross-examined in court.<\/p>\n<p>In the BLA, expert evidence is also admissible, although the procedures are more informal. The assessors or hearing officers do not necessarily have technical training, so clarity of expert explanation is critical.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is some form of discovery\/disclosure and\/or court-mandated evidence seizure\/protection (e.g. saisie-contrefa\u00e7on) available, either before the commencement of or during patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Under the Rules of Court, as amended, a party may obtain an order for interrogatories, request for admission, production or inspection, which may include copying or photographing, of documents or property relevant to the action. This applies both before and during litigation, provided the requesting party shows good cause. The mechanism of inspection orders and subpoenas may also be used to secure and preserve evidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there procedures available which would assist a patentee to determine infringement of a process patent?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. The Intellectual Property Code provides for a presumption of infringement in process patent cases. If a patented process results in a product that is new, and a similar product is produced by a third party, it is presumed that the third party used the patented process unless proven otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>A court may order a party to disclose the process used, subject to confidentiality protections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there established mechanisms to protect confidential information required to be disclosed\/exchanged in the course of patent litigation (e.g. confidentiality clubs)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no formal system of confidentiality clubs. However, parties may request protective orders from the court or hearing officer to limit access to sensitive documents. Protective measures may include in-camera inspection, sealed records, or redactions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a system of post-grant opposition proceedings? If so, how does this system interact with the patent litigation system?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no post-grant opposition system in the Philippines. However, any interested person may file a petition to cancel a patent before the BLA. This is independent of infringement litigation.<\/p>\n<p>There is no statutory rule requiring an infringement action to be stayed during the pendency of a patent cancellation petition. Philippine courts are not precluded from ruling on validity as a defence in infringement proceedings. However, in some instances, courts may take judicial notice of a pending cancellation case and consider whether to suspend the proceedings on equitable grounds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent are decisions from other fora\/jurisdictions relevant or influential, and if so, are there any particularly influential fora\/jurisdictions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Foreign decisions are not binding in the Philippines They are considered persuasive, especially in the absence of domestic precedent on a specific issue in the patent dispute (Kolin Electronics Co., Inc. v. Kolin Philippines International, Inc. [2021], G.R. No. 228165). Philippine courts take guidance from jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does a court determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear a patent action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Philippine courts only have jurisdiction over Philippine patents. They do not adjudicate issues relating to foreign patents. There is no recognized practice of issuing anti-suit injunctions in IP cases, and the rules provide no express guidance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the options for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in patent cases? Are they commonly used? Are there any mandatory ADR provisions in patent cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Mediation is encouraged in all instances and mandatory for some proceedings, including in pre-trial proceedings before the RTC. The IPOPHL also offers ADR services, including mediation, even outside of a formal adversarial proceeding. Arbitration is available but is not often seen in patent disputes or matters that are not part of a larger commercial dispute, due to the necessary inclusion of issues that may only be determined by regulatory authorities such as the IPOPHL.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key procedural steps that must be satisfied before a patent action can be commenced? Are there any limitation periods for commencing an action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no express requirement to exhaust administrative remedies in the IPOPHL or undergo mandatory pre-action procedures before initiating a patent infringement action. Proceedings may be commenced by filing a verified complaint before either the RTC or the BLA, accompanied by payment of the required fees.<\/p>\n<p>In the RTC, after the complaint is found to be sufficient in form, the case proceeds with the issuance of summons, the filing of an Answer or Motion to Dismiss by the defendant, and then pre-trial.<\/p>\n<p>In the BLA, while the case likewise begins with the issuance of summons and the filing of an Answer, the parties are required to undergo mandatory mediation before the case is raffled for hearing.<\/p>\n<p>Under Section 79 of the Intellectual Property Code, no damages can be recovered for acts of infringement committed more than four (4) years before the institution of the action for infringement. Furthermore, any criminal action for repetition of infringement may be pursued only within three (3) years from the commission of the offense or, if the commission of the offense is not known at that time, from its discovery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which parties have standing to bring a patent infringement action? Under which circumstances will a patent licensee have standing to bring an action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Section 2, Rule 3 of the Rules, the patentee and any person possessing an exclusive right, title, or interest in the patent including assignees and exclusive licensees whose right may have been violated may file an infringement case.<\/p>\n<p>Since the right of action must be clearly established in the licensing agreement or through assignment documents, non-exclusive licensees do not have independent standing to sue for infringement consistent with Section 2, Rule 3 of the Rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who has standing to bring an invalidity action against a patent? Is any particular connection to the patentee or patent required?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Any interested person may file a petition to cancel a patent. There is no requirement for a contractual, competitive or legal relationship with the patentee, but the petitioner must have a demonstrable interest in the subject matter. This interest may be commercial, professional, or economic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are interim injunctions available in patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Interim or preliminary injunctions are available both in the RTC and the BLA.<\/p>\n<p>The RTC may grant a preliminary injunction upon verified application and notice, if it is shown that the applicant is entitled to the relief sought; the conduct of the opposing party during litigation may render the judgement ineffectual; or the applicant would suffer injustice without immediate relief.<\/p>\n<p>A bond is generally required as a condition for the issuance of an interim injunction. Philippine rules do not allow preliminary injunctions to be granted on an ex-parte basis.<\/p>\n<p>Preliminary injunctions that subsist until final judgment are not routinely granted and are typically issued only after a full hearing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What final remedies, both monetary and non-monetary, are available for patent infringement? Of these, which are most commonly sought and which are typically ordered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Available remedies encompass permanent injunctions, compensation for losses including special damages, reimbursement of legal expenses, and orders for the destruction or confiscation of infringing items. In administrative cases before the BLA, additional sanctions such as fines may be imposed.<\/p>\n<p>If the applicant-patentee succeeds, permanent injunctions are typically granted and infringing goods may be destroyed when appropriate, including criminal convictions for repeat infringement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">On what basis are damages for patent infringement calculated? Is it possible to obtain additional or exemplary damages? Can the successful party elect between different monetary remedies?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Damages are calculated based on actual loss, which may include lost profits or reasonable royalties. If no actual damages can be proven, the court may award nominal damages.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 2232 of the Civil Code, special damages such as exemplary damages may be awarded if bad faith, fraud, or malice is proven. These are intended to serve a deterrent purpose and require specific pleading and proof.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How readily are final injunctions granted in patent litigation proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>If the patentee is successful on the merits, final injunctions are also typically granted as seen in Evy Construction and Development Corp. v Valiant Roll Forming Sales Corp. [2017] Phil 820. The court will likely consider whether the patent is valid and enforceable, whether infringement has occurred, and whether an injunction is necessary to prevent continued violation.<\/p>\n<p>Public interest considerations may arise in limited circumstances, such as when the patent concerns life-saving medicines. The Intellectual Property Code provides for specific exceptions in such cases.<\/p>\n<p>If a final injunction is denied, the court may award damages in lieu of injunctive relief. Royalty-based compensation may also be ordered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there provisions for obtaining declaratory relief, and if so, what are the legal and procedural requirements for obtaining such relief?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While a specific action for declaratory relief is available under the Rules of Court, this is not typically used in patent matters. To pursue declaratory relief, the petitioner must show that the matter involves a justiciable controversy and that an actual threat of litigation or legal uncertainty exists.<\/p>\n<p>The Intellectual Property Code does not provide for declarations of non-infringement, and we are not aware of any precedent or regulatory guidance in the Philippines on whether such relief may be sought.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the costs typically incurred by each party to patent litigation proceedings at first instance? What are the typical costs of an appeal at each appellate level?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patent litigation before the RTC typically costs between USD35,000 to USD70,000 and would include costs such as filing fees, legal or professional fees, witness preparation, and related litigation expenses.<\/p>\n<p>For administrative actions such as infringement, and cancellation or invalidation actions before the BLA, the total cost usually ranges from approximately USD20,000 to USD30,000.<\/p>\n<p>Appeals to the Director General of the IPOPHL and the appellate courts may incur additional costs between USD15,000 to USD35,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the issues raised and the nature of the proceedings at each level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the successful party to a patent litigation action recover its costs?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. The prevailing party may recover attorney\u2019s fees and other litigation expenses. However, Philippine courts typically award only partial recovery, and the amounts granted are modest compared to actual costs incurred.<\/p>\n<p>There is no formal rule for settlement offers to influence cost awards. Security for costs may be required in certain circumstances, particularly when the party is a non-resident foreign corporation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the biggest patent litigation growth areas in your jurisdiction in terms of industry sector?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patent litigation is most common in pharmaceuticals and crop science, with future growth expected in healthcare technology, fintech, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence platforms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What do you predict will be the most contentious patent litigation issues in your jurisdiction over the next twelve months?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In the coming period, stakeholders may continue to face the challenge of enforcing pharmaceutical patents while balancing public interest considerations and the application of compulsory licensing. Disputes may also arise in relation to process patents and the criteria for patent eligibility and the definition of inventorship, considering the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the biggest challenges and opportunities confronting the international patent system?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Global patent practice increasingly involves a need to harmonize standards for patentability and enforcement as the number of cross-border portfolios we are asked to manage increases, and for regulators to balance innovation incentives with access to essential technologies. We understand that many jurisdictions now address challenges posed by artificial intelligence in inventorship and disclosure. These issues offer opportunities for international cooperation, especially in streamlining cross-border enforcement and recognizing digital-era innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">3439<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/118012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}