𝗖𝗧𝗨’𝘀 𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗢 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝗙𝗧𝗢) 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗟

Cebu Technological University’s (CTU) Innovation and Technology Support Officers (ITSO) underwent the Freedom to Operate Training conducted by the Intellectual Property of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on July 17-19, 2024, at the IPOPHL Multipurpose Hall in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

It was challenging for the new ITSO designates of the University because they had to surpass the rigorous three-day training on the nitty-gritty of the Freedom to Operate concept which, according to the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO), means one has the freedom “to use his product or service…without incurring legal liability for this use.”  In other words, products, processes or technologies must be assessed before they can be developed, used, or commercialized without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others. These rights include patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

Facilitated by IPOPHL’s Engr. Maricon Zabala, Ll.M., IP Rights Specialist III, and Engr. Wilfredo Calaguan, the OIC- Division Chief IP Business Services and Development Division, the training introduced the participants from all over the country to the fundamental concepts and strategies involved in conducting patent search, capacitating them with the skills to perform efficient and thorough Freedom to Operate searches.  It also aimed to demonstrate the integration of FTO analysis into business strategies and processes.

Moreover, participants were required to conduct an intensive FTO patent search and present and FTO Report towards the last day.  CTU’s very own ITSO Director Engr. Ray Malonjao took the liberty to present an FTO Report based on his utility model.  Joining him in the training were University Director for IPTBM Engr. Naomi A. Bajao, University Director for University Grants Administration Dr. Juvy B. Malonjao and ITSO designates Engr. Ryan Teo of CTU Argao; Dr. Michelle Trangia, Dr. Maria Esther F. Medalla, Dr. Janeth S. Ugang, and Dr. Christian Ray C. Licen. The IPTBM-ITSO team hopes to cascade to the different campuses the skills and capabilities in conducting patent searches within the matrix of FTO to increase the intellectual property assets of the University.