PHILIPPINESREGULATIONS ON INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS(Petitions for Cancellations of a Mark, Patent, Utility Model, Industrial
Design, Opposition to Registration of a Mark& Compulsory Licensing)
October 2, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 1 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1 Definition of Terms
RULE 2 INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS, THE PARTIES TO THE PROCEEDINGS;JURISDICTION; PROCEDURE; EVIDENCE
Section 1
Section 2 Parties in Inter Partes Proceedings
Section 3 Original Jurisdiction over Inter Partes Proceedings
Section 4 Right of Foreign Corporation to Sue in Trademark or Service
Mark Enforcement Action
Section 5 Jurisdiction of the Courts in Patent Cancellation
Section 6 Rules of Procedure to be Followed in the Conduct of Hearingof Inter Partes Cases
Section 7 Powers of Hearing Officer
Section 8 Workflow/Procedure in Inter Partes Proceedings
Section 9 Summons and Answer
Section 10 Pre-trial
Section 11
Section 12 Conduct of hearings
Section 13 Order of trial
Section 14 Demurrer to Evidence Not Allowed
Section 15 Director or Hearing Officer Not Bound by Technical Rules of
Evidence
Section 16 Judgment on the Pleadings
Section 17 Summary Judgment
Section 18 Transcript
Section 19 Introduction of Document Belonging to Another Case
Section 20 Case Not to be Discussed Informally unless in Presence of Both
Parties
Section 21 Equitable Principles may be Applied
Section 22 Submission of Memoranda and Draft Decision
Section 23 Hearing Officer’s Report
1

RULE 3 CANCELLATION OF PATENTS
Section 1 Cancellation of Patents; -- Grounds
Section 2 Partial Cancellation
Section 3 Requirement of the Petition
Section 4 Notice of Hearing
Section 5
Section 6 Effect of Cancellation of Patent or Claim
Section 7 Patent Found Invalid May be Cancelled
RULE 4 CANCELLATION OF UTILITY MODEL REGISTRATION
Section 1 Grounds for Cancellation of Utility Model Registration
Section 2 Procedure for the Cancellation of Utility Model
Section 3 Effect of Cancellation of Utility Model Registration
RULE 5 CANCELLATION OF DESIGN REGISTRATION
Section 1 Grounds for the Cancellation of Design Registration
Section 2 Partial Cancellation
Section 3 Procedure
Section 4 Effect of Cancellation
RULE 6 PETITION FOR COMPULSORY LICENSING
Section 1 Patents Subject to Proceedings for Compulsory Licensing
Section 2 Who may File Petition for compulsory Licensing; Time for Filingthe Petition
Section 3 Grounds for Compulsory Licensing
Section 4 Requirement to Obtain a License on Reasonable Commercial Terms
Section 5 When a Petition for Compulsory Licensing may be Granted Even
without Efforts to Obtain Authorization from the Patent Owner
Section 6 Notice to the Right Holder
Section 7 Compulsory Licensing of Patents Involving Semi-Conductor
Technology
Section 8 Compulsory License Based on Interdependence of Patents
Section 9 Form and Contents of Petition
Section 10 Notice of Hearing
Section 11 Publication of Notice
Section 12 Grant of License
Section 13 Terms and Conditions of Compulsory License
Section 14 Amendment of Compulsory License
Section 16 Surrender of the License by the Licensee
Section 17 Publication of the Amendment, Surrender, or Cancellation of2

the License
RULE 7 OPPOSITION TO APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF MARKS
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3 Contents of the Notice of Opposition
Section 4 Extension of Period for Filing the Verified Opposition
Section 5 Filing of an Opposition in a Form Other than the Original
RULE 8 CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION OF MARKS
Section 1 Who may File a Petition for Cancellation
Section 2 When may a Petition be Filed
Section 3 Contents of Petition for Cancellation
Section 4 Verification of Petition
Section 5 Service of Petition and Notice of Hearing
Section 6 Power of the Bureau to Cancel the Mark in the Exercise of Its
Power to Hear and Adjudicate any Action to Enforce the Rights to a
Registered Mark
Section 7 Effect of Filing of a Suit before the Bureau or with the Proper
Court
Section 8 Cancellation of Registration
RULE 9 RECONSIDERATION; APPEAL
Section 1 Appeal to the Director General
Section 2 Grounds of and Period for Filing Motion for Reconsideration
Section 3 Contents of Motion for Reconsideration and Notice Thereof
Section 4 Action upon Motion for Reconsideration
Section 5 Resolution of Motion
Section 6 Second Motion for Reconsideration
Section 7 Partial Reconsideration
Section 8 Remedy against Order Denying a Motion for Reconsideration
Section 9 Appeal to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court
RULE 10 EXECUTION OF DECISIONS PENDING APPEAL
Section 1 Order of Execution
Section 2 Cancellation of Patent is Immediately Executory
RULE 11 JUDGMENTS, FINAL ORDERS AND ENTRY THEREOF
Section 1 Rendition of Judgments and Final Orders
Section 2 Entry of Judgments and Final Orders

3

FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 1 Coverage
Section 1.1
Section 2 Implementation
Section 3 Separability
Section 4 Effectivity

4

RULE 1 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1 Definition of Terms
Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms shall be understood as
follows:(a) “Bureau” means the Bureau of Legal Affairs of the Intellectual
Property Office;(b) “Chief Hearing Officer” means the officer within the Bureau who
exercises immediate supervision over any Hearing Officer. His title orofficial designation may differ from the words “Chief Hearing Officer”
depending on the structure of the Office;(c) “Court” means a court of general jurisdiction such as Regional Trial
Court;(d) “Director” means the Director of the Bureau of Legal Affairs;(e) “Director General” means the head of the Intellectual Property Office;(f) “Hearing Officer” means the Officer within the Bureau authorized toexercise the functions of “Hearing Officer” in these Regulations. The
title or official designation of such officers may differ from the words“Hearing Officers” depending on the structure of the Office;(g) “IP Code” means Republic Act No. 8293 otherwise known as theIntellectual Property Code of the Philippines;(h) “Office” means the Intellectual Property Office;(i) “Regulations” means this set of rules and regulations and such
Regulations as may be formulated by the Director of the Bureau of Legal
Affairs and approved by the Director General.

5

RULE 2 INTER PARTES PROCEEDINGS, THE PARTIES TO THE PROCEEDINGS;JURISDICTION; PROCEDURE; EVIDENCE
Section 1
The contested or inter partes proceedings are:
1.1 Patent Cases(a) Petition to cancel an invention patent, utility model registration,industrial design registration, or any claim or parts of a claim;(b) Petition for Compulsory Licensing or a license to exploit a patented
invention.
1.2 Trademark Cases(a) Opposition against the registration of a mark published for
opposition; and(b) Petition to cancel the registration of a mark.
Section 2 Parties in Inter Partes Proceedings
The Petitioner in a cancellation proceeding and in a compulsory licensing
proceeding and the Opposer in an opposition proceeding shall be deemed
to be in the position of a plaintiff while the Respondent in a cancellation,
compulsory licensing or opposition proceeding shall be in the positionof defendant, with respect thereto. The Petition for Cancellation,
Petition for Compulsory Licensing and Notice of Opposition shallcorrespond to the Complaint, while the Answer thereto shall correspondto the Answer. The taking of testimony orally before the Director or any
Hearing Officer, the introduction of documentary evidence during thehearings and the submission of briefs or memoranda, shall correspond totrial.
Section 3 Original Jurisdiction over Inter Partes Proceedings
The

Director

shall

have

original

jurisdiction

over

inter

partesproceedings. Such inter partes proceedings shall be heard before the
Director, any Hearing Officer or other ranking official of the Bureau
designated by the Director but all decisions and final orders shall besigned by the Director.
Section 4 Right of Foreign Corporation to Sue in Trademark or Service
Mark Enforcement Action
Any foreign national or juridical person whether or not engaged inbusiness in the Philippines may bring a petition for opposition,
cancellation or compulsory licensing: Provided, that the country of which
he or it is a national, or domiciled, or has a real and effective industrial
6establishment is a party to any convention, treaty or agreement relating
to intellectual property rights or the repression of unfair competition,
to which the Philippines is also a party, or extends reciprocal rights
to nationals of the Philippines by law.
Section 5 Jurisdiction of the Courts in Patent Cancellation
The courts shall have jurisdiction over petition for the cancellationof the patent where such petition is based on the grounds enumerated in
Section 67 or Section 68 of Republic Act No. 8293. However, where anyof the grounds in Sections 67 or 68 has been raised together with thegrounds for cancellation stated in Sections 49, 61, 109 or 120 in apetition for cancellation of a patent, utility model or industrial designor where any of such grounds or issues has been raised in an administrative
case for violation of laws involving intellectual property rights, allparties in the petition or administrative case shall be prohibited frominstituting a separate action in court based on Section 67 or Section
68 of Republic Act No. 8293.
Section 6 Rules of Procedure to be Followed in the Conduct of Hearingof Inter Partes Cases
In the conduct of hearing of inter partes cases, the rules of procedure
herein contained shall be primarily applied. The Rules of Court, unlessinconsistent with these rules, may be applied in suppletory character,provided, however, that the Director or Hearing Officer shall not be boundby the strict technical rules of procedure and evidence therein contained
but may adopt, in the absence of any applicable rule herein, such modeof proceedings which is consistent with the requirements of fair playand conducive to the just, speedy and inexpensive disposition of cases,
and which will give the Bureau the greatest possibility to focus on thetechnical grounds or issues before it.
Section 7 Powers of Hearing Officer
A Hearing Officer designated to conduct hearings and investigation shallbe empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoena andsubpoena duces tecum to compel attendance of parties and witnesses andthe production of any book, papers, correspondence and other records which
are material to the case, and to make preliminary rulings on questions
raised at the hearings, with the ultimate decision being left to the
Director or any final order.

7

Section 8 Workflow/Procedure in Inter Partes Proceedings(a) The Petition for Cancellation, Compulsory Licensing or Notice of
Opposition shall be filed with the Bureau which shall check if thecomplaint is in due form and thereafter, shall issue an order for thepayment of the required fee.
(b) After payment of the required fee, the petitioner, his counsel or
representative shall submit to the Bureau a copy of the official receipt
and present the original thereof for comparison. Within twenty four hours
from receipt of the proof of payment of the required fee, the Assistant
Director of the Bureau shall acknowledge receipt of the papers byassigning the Inter Partes Case Number, docket the same and then assign
the case to any of the Hearing Officers through raffle under the rules
promulgated by the Director General.
(c) Within three working days from receipt of the petition by the Bureau,
the Hearing Officer to whom the petition is assigned shall immediately
prepare and send, in the name of the Director, to all parties required
to be notified in the IP Code and these Regulations the necessary orders,
notice of publication, summons, and other notices, either by registeredmail or by personal delivery.
Section 9 Summons and Answer
The summons shall require respondent to answer the petition (and not tofile a motion to dismiss) within fifteen days from service of the summons.
(a) Answer -- The respondent shall answer the petition in writing, either
by denying specifically the material allegations of the petition or byalleging any lawful defense. He shall file his answer together with thesworn statements and documentary evidence and serve copies thereof upon
the petitioner or opposer.
(b) Amended, the time fixed for the filing and service of the answer shall,unless otherwise ordered, run from receipt of notice of the order
admitting the amended petition or opposition from service of such amended
petition. The original answer shall be considered as answer to the amended
petition unless a new answer is filed within ten days from notice orservice.
(c) No motion to dismiss -- No motion to dismiss shall be entertained.
Instead, all grounds for dismissal shall be pleaded as affirmative
defenses, the resolution of which shall be made in the decision on the
merits. The Hearing Officer may, for good cause shown, conduct a hearing
on any of the affirmative defenses if this will promote expediency in8the resolution of the pending case.
Section 10 Pre-trial
Upon joinder of issues, the designated clerk of the Bureau shall prepare
the Notice of Pre-Trial upon receipt of invitation from the Hearing
Officer setting the date of the pre-trial conference. The pre-trial
conference shall be set within two months but not earlier than one monthfrom receipt of the Answer or other pleading. The notice of pre-trial
shall be delivered by personal delivery or registered mail within twodays from the date on which instruction was given to the clerk. The noticeof pre-trial shall require the parties to submit a pre-trial brief
containing the following:(a) A brief statement of the parties’ claims and defenses;(b) Suggestions, if any, for simplification of issues;(c) A list of documents they intend to produce as evidence, together withappropriate markings as exhibits as well as the identification of
witnesses and a statement of the substance and purpose of their testimony
during the hearing on the merits. These documents must be produced for
examination during the pre-trial conference without prejudice to thepresentation of additional documents during the trial if the party wasprevented from producing the same during the pre-trial on account of fraud,
accident, mistake, excusable negligence or such other reason which the
Director or Hearing Officer deems justifiable in the interest of justiceand fair play;(d) A statement whether they can stipulate on facts not covered byadmissions in their pleadings. If so, they should come with drafts ofmatters they are ready to stipulate on;(e) A statement whether they are open to the possibility of an amicablesettlement; if so, they should be prepared on the pre-trial date to submit
their minimum demands for purposes of settlement; and(f) Such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the action.
Each party shall file with the Bureau and serve on the adverse party said
pre-trial briefs at least three days before the date of pre-trial
conference fixed in the notice.
As counsel needs the consent of his client for purposes of accepting anoffer of compromise, the attendance not only of the attorneys of record
but also of the parties themselves, is required for the pre-trial
conference. Presence of any party may be dispensed with if his counsel
is provided with a notarized power of attorney or the appropriate
corporate authorization to make admissions and/or to accept and approve
compromise proposals.
9

The failure of the petitioner/opposer to appear when so required shallbe cause for dismissal of the action with prejudice. A similar failure
on

the

part

of

the

respondent

shall

be

cause

to

allow

the

petitioner/opposer to present his evidence ex parte and the Director torender judgment on the basis thereof.
Section 11(a) Dismissal for failure to prosecute. -- If the petitioner/opposer does
not appear at the time and place designated in the Notice of Pre-trial
Conference or a Notice of Hearing or in a subsequent order, or failed
to prosecute his case for an unreasonable length of time, or fail to comply
with these Regulations or any order of the Bureau, the petition or noticeof opposition, as the case may be, may be dismissed for failure toprosecute and judgment rendered for the respondent to recover his costs
from the petitioner/opposer, provided, however, that the Bureau may
cancel the patent or trademark registration where it finds evidence
independent of the petitioner’s submission. Within fifteen days after
receipt of the Order of Dismissal, the petitioner/opposer may file amotion to set aside such order if his failure to appear was by reasonof fraud, accident, mistake or excusable negligence.
(b) Effect of failure of respondent to answer. -- If the respondent fails
to answer within the period herein provided, the Hearing Officer shall,
upon motion of the petitioner/opposer or motu propio, declare therespondent in default and forthwith receive evidence ex parte and submit
his recommendations, to the Director. No service of papers other thansubstantially amended or supplemental pleadings and final orders or
decisions shall be necessary on a party in default unless he files a motion
to set aside the Order of Default within fifteen days from receipt thereof
on any of the grounds mentioned in the preceding paragraph, in which event
he shall be entitled to notice of all further proceedings regardless ofwhether the order of default is set aside or not.
Section 12 Conduct of hearings
Should the Hearing Officer be absent on any scheduled date of hearing,
the hearing shall automatically be conducted by his Chief Hearing Officeror, upon instruction of the Director, by any other Hearing Officer. All
hearings shall be continuous until terminated and no postponement ofhearings, specially those scheduled by agreement of the parties, shallbe allowed over the objection of any party. However, in extremely
meritorious cases and upon written motion filed with the Hearing Officer
10

at least three days before the scheduled hearing with proof of personal
service upon the other party or parties, a postponement may be granted.
Section 13 Order of trial
The following procedure shall be observed during the hearing of the case:(a) The petitioner shall submit to the Hearing Officer and serve on theadverse party the sworn statement of the witnesses (which shall constitutethe direct testimony of the affiants) and other documentary evidence atleast three days before the scheduled hearing and shall make his witnesses
available for cross-examination by respondent during the scheduledhearing.
(b) The respondent shall then present the sworn statements of witnesses(which shall constitute the direct testimony of the affiants) and otherdocumentary

evidence

and

shall

make

his

witnesses

availableforcross-examination by petitioner during the scheduled hearing.
(c) The petitioner and the respondent may, in succession, present rebuttal
and surrebuttal evidence, with the direct testimony of witness being
reduced into affidavit form, as herein prescribed.
(d) If the testimony of the witness residing outside the Philippines is
to be taken, said witness may testify personally in his own behalf, or
the direct examination may be in the form of an authenticated affidavit
and be submitted within the period fixed by the Hearing Officer, and the
opposing

party

may

cross-examine

thewitness

throughwritteninterrogatories in the manner prescribed by the Rules of Court. The party
presenting the witness shall bear the expenses pertaining thereto andshall obtain the necessary approval for the deposition. Submission of
the Answer to cross interrogatories to the Bureau shall be made within
six months from the date of the issuance of the Letters Commission. Said
period may be extended once for very justifiable reasons. In no case,however, shall the submission of said Answer exceed one year from dateof issuance of Letters Commission. Otherwise, the testimony of said
foreign witness shall be stricken out by the Hearing Officer, motu propio
or upon motion of the opposing party.
(e) Failure to present the sworn statement of the witnesses anddocumentary evidence at the pre-trial shall be deemed a waiver of theright to present evidence during the hearing.
Section 14 Demurrer to Evidence Not Allowed
No demurrer to evidence shall be entertained after the presentation of
petitioner’s evidence. Respondent shall forthwith present evidence inits behalf.
11Section 15 Director or Hearing Officer Not Bound by Technical Rules of
Evidence
The Director, Chief Hearing Officer or any Hearing Officer shall receive
relevant and material evidence, rule on offer of evidence and exclude
all irrelevant matter, and shall act according to justice and fairness.
The Bureau in the exercise of its power to investigate and hear cases
within its jurisdiction shall not be strictly bound by the technical rulesof evidence. The Bureau shall, however, take judicial cognizance of theofficial acts of the legislative, executive and judicial departments of
the Philippines, the laws of nature, scientific facts as published intreatises, periodicals, or pamphlets and other facts which are of publicknowledge or general knowledge as would enable the Director, Chief Hearing
Officer or Hearing Officer to rule upon the technical issues in the case.
Section 16 Judgment on the Pleadings
When an answer fails to tender an issue or otherwise admits the material
allegations of the adverse party’s pleading, the Director may, on motionof said adverse party, render judgment on such pleadings.
Section 17 Summary Judgment
Any party seeking to recover upon a petition, a claim, counterclaim or
cross-claim

oragainstwhomapetition,

claim,

cross-claim

orcounterclaim is asserted may, at any time after the issues are joined,
move with supporting affidavit, depositions or admissions of parties,
for a summary judgment in his favor as to all or any part thereof. The
motion shall be served at least ten days before the time specified forthe hearing. The adverse party may file with the Bureau and serve opposing
affidavits at least three days prior to the day of hearing. After the
hearing, the judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings,
depositions and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, showthat there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving
party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.
Section 18 Transcript
The stenographer or such other personnel as may be authorized by the
Director shall take down notes of all the proceedings in the hearing.
At the end of each hearing, he shall immediately transcribe all notes
taken thereat and deliver said notes as well as the transcript thereof,
duly certified, initialled on each page and signed by him on the last
page, to the Hearing Officer, to be attached to the record of the case12

at least ten days before the next hearing or the date of the first day
in a scheduled series of continuous hearings.
Section 19 Introduction of Document Belonging to Another Case
Whenever a party in an inter partes proceeding desires to submit, as his
own evidence, a document filed in another case, separate from the casebeing heard, he should, for such purpose, secure a certified copy of such
document, paying the required fee therefor.
Section 20 Case Not to be Discussed Informally unless in Presence of Both
Parties
It is strictly and absolutely forbidden for the Director or for any Hearing
Officer or any employee of the Bureau who may have anything to do directly
or indirectly with the hearing, decision, or preparation of the decision,in any pending inter partes case, to discuss informally the case or any
phase thereof with any of the contending parties or their attorneys,
except in the presence of the adverse party or his attorney.
Section 21 Equitable Principles may be Applied
In all inter partes proceedings, the equitable principles of laches,
estoppel and acquiescence, when applicable, may be considered andapplied.
Section 22 Submission of Memoranda and Draft Decision
Parties shall be required to submit their memoranda within one month fromreceipt of the order of admissibility of exhibits. Unless otherwise
provided for by special laws, the appropriate final pleadings requiredofthepartiestobesubmitted

shall

include

a

draft

of

the

decision/resolution they seek, stating clearly and distinctly the facts
and the law upon which it is based. The Hearing Officer may adopt, inwhole or in part, either of the parties’ draft decisions/resolutions,or reject both. This requirement shall likewise be applied to orders otherthan the final judgment.
Section 23 Hearing Officer’s Report
Within one month from the date on which the case was submitted for decision,
the Hearing Officer, in consultation and coordination with the Chief
Hearing Officer, shall submit his report, findings and draft of thedecision through the Chief Hearing Officer who shall affix his initial
thereon for approval of the Director.

13

RULE 3 CANCELLATION OF PATENTS
Section 1 Cancellation of Patents; -- Grounds(a) Any interested party may, upon payment of the required fee, petition
to cancel the patent or any claim thereof, or parts of the claim, on anyof the following:(i) that what is claimed as the invention is not patentable;(ii) that the patent does not disclose the invention in a manner
sufficiently clear and complete for it to be carried out by any person
skilled in the art;(iii) that the patent is contrary to public order or morality;(iv) that the patent includes matters outside the scope of the disclosure
contained in the application as filed.
(b) Cancellation by person having right to the patent. A person declaredby final court order or decision as having the right to the patent may,within three months after the decision has become final, seek cancellationof the patent, if one has already been issued.
(c) Interested Party. -- A party interested in the patent shall include
any person including a person declared by final court order or decision
to be the true and actual inventor.
Section 2 Partial Cancellation
Where the grounds for the cancellation relate to some of the claims orparts of the claim, cancellation may be effected to such extent only inwhich case, the Office shall reissue the amended patent.
Section 3 Requirement of the Petition
The petition for cancellation shall be in writing, verified by thepetitioner or by any person in his behalf who knows the facts, specify
the grounds upon which it is based, include a statement of the facts relied
upon, and filed in triplicate with the Bureau. Copies of printed
publications or of patents of other countries, and other supporting
documents mentioned in the petition shall be attached thereto, together
with the translation thereof in English, if not in the English language.
Section 4 Notice of Hearing
The Hearing Officer shall serve in the name of the Director, notice ofthe filing of the petition upon the patentee and all persons having grants
or licenses, or any other right, title or interest in and to the patent14

and the invention covered thereby, as appears of record in the Office,and of notice of the date of hearing thereon on such persons and thepetitioner. Notice of the filing of the petition shall be published in
the IPO Gazette.
Section 5(a) The Committee of Three. -- In cases involving highly technical issues,
on motion of any party, the Director may order that the petition be heardand decided by a committee composed of the Director as chairman and two
members who have the experience or expertise in the field of technology
to which the patent sought to be cancelled relates.
(b) Cancellation of the Patent by the Committee. -- If the Committee findsthat a case for cancellation has been proved, it shall order the patentor any specified claim or claims thereof cancelled.
(c) Amendment made by the Patentee during the Cancellation proceedings.
-- If the Committee finds that, taking into consideration the amendment
made by the patentee during the cancellation proceedings, the patent andthe invention to which it relates meet the requirement of the IP Code,it may decide to maintain the patent as amended: Provided, that the feefor printing of a new patent is paid within one month from the date ofthe decision of the committee. If the fee for the printing of the newpatent is not paid in due time, the patent shall be revoked at the
expiration of the period for payment.
(d) Publication of the amended patent. If the patent is amended per
decision of the committee, the Bureau shall, at the same time as it
publishes the mention of the cancellation decision, publish the abstract,
representative

claimsanddrawings

indicatingclearlywhattheamendments consist of.
Section 6 Effect of Cancellation of Patent or Claim
The rights conferred by the patent or any specified claim or claims
cancelled shall terminate. Notice of the cancellation shall be publishedin the IPO Gazette.
Section 7 Patent Found Invalid May be Cancelled
If, in an action for infringement filed before the court, the court finds
the patent or any claim to be invalid, it shall cancel the same. Suchorder of cancellation shall be forwarded to the Director who shall cause15the recording and publication of notice of such order in the IPO Gazette
upon receipt of the final judgment of cancellation by the court. Such
recording shall be made in the appropriate register of the Office.

16

RULE 4 CANCELLATION OF UTILITY MODEL REGISTRATION
Section 1 Grounds for Cancellation of Utility Model Registration
At any time during the term of the utility model registration, any person,
upon payment of the required fee, may petition the Director to cancel
the utility model registration on any of the following grounds:(a) That the claimed invention does not qualify for registration as autility model and does not meet the requirements of registrability, inparticular:(1) if it is not new as provided in Sections 23 and 24 of the IP Code;(2) if it is not industrially applicable as provided in Section 27 of
the IP Code; or(3) if it is excluded from patent protection as provided in Section 22of the IP Code.
(b) That the description and the claims do not comply with the prescribed
requirements;(c) That any drawing which is necessary for the understanding of theinvention has not been furnished;(d) That the owner of the utility model registration is not the inventor
or his successor in title; or(e) That the utility model registration extends beyond the content of
the application as originally filed.
Section 2 Procedure for the Cancellation of Utility Model
The procedure for the cancellation of patent shall apply mutatis mutandis
to the cancellation of utility model.
Section 3 Effect of Cancellation of Utility Model Registration
The rights conferred by the registration of the utility model shallterminate upon the cancellation of such registration.

17

RULE 5 CANCELLATION OF DESIGN REGISTRATION
Section 1 Grounds for the Cancellation of Design Registration
At any time during the term of the industrial design registration, any
person upon payment of the required fee, may petition the Director tocancel the industrial design on any of the following grounds:(a) that the industrial design does not give a special appearance to andcan not serve as pattern for an industrial product or handicraft;(b) that the industrial design is not new or original;(c) that the industrial design is dictated essentially by technical orfunctional consideration to obtain a technical result;(d) that the industrial design is contrary to public order, health or
morals; or(e) that the subject matter of the industrial design extends beyond thecontent of the application as originally filed.
Section 2 Partial Cancellation
Where the grounds for cancellation relate to a part of the industrial
design, cancellation may be effected to such extent only. The restriction
may be effected in the form of an alteration of the effected featuresof the design
Section 3 Procedure
The procedure prescribed by these Regulations in the cancellation ofpatent and utility model registration shall be applied mutatis mutandis
in the cancellation of design registration.
Section 4 Effect of Cancellation
The rights conferred by the registration of a design shall terminate upon
the cancellation of such registration.

18

RULE 6 PETITION FOR COMPULSORY LICENSING
Section 1 Patents Subject to Proceedings for Compulsory Licensing
Invention patents, industrial design registration and utility model
registration are all subject to proceedings for compulsory licensing.
Section 2 Who may File Petition for compulsory Licensing; Time for Filingthe Petition
Upon the payment of the required fee, any person may file a petition forcompulsory licensing at any time after the grant of the patent orregistration of the industrial design or utility model. However, if thepetition is based on the ground that the patented invention is not being
worked in the Philippines on a commercial scale, although capable of being
worked, without any satisfactory reason, the petition may be filed at
any time after the expiration of a period of four years from the dateof filing of the application or three years from the date of the patent
whichever period expires last.
Section 3 Grounds for Compulsory Licensing
The Director may grant a license to exploit a patented invention, even
without the agreement of the patent owner, in favor of any person who
has shown his capability to exploit the invention, under any of thefollowing circumstances:(a) National emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency;(b) Where the public interest, in particular, national security,
nutrition, health or the development of other vital sectors of thenational economy as determined by the appropriate agency of the Government,so requires; or(c) Where a judicial or administrative body has determined that the mannerof

exploitation

by

the

owner

of

the

patentorhislicenseeisanti-competitive; or(d) In case of public non-commercial use of the patent by the patentee,
without satisfactory reason;(e) If the patented invention is not being worked in the Philippines onacommercial

scale,

althoughcapableofbeing

worked,without

satisfactory reason; Provided, that the importation of the patented
article shall constitute working or using the patent.
Section 4 Requirement to Obtain a License on Reasonable Commercial Terms
The license will only be granted after the petitioner has made efforts
to obtain authorization from the patent owner on reasonable commercial
19terms and conditions but such efforts have not been successful withina reasonable period of time.
Section 5 When a Petition for Compulsory Licensing may be Granted Even
without Efforts to Obtain Authorization from the Patent Owner
The requirement under the preceding section shall not apply in thefollowing cases:(a) Where the petition for compulsory license seeks to remedy a practicedeterminedafter

judicialoradministrative

processtobeanti-competitive;(b) In situations of national emergency or other circumstances of extreme
urgency;(c) In cases of public non-commercial use.
Section 6 Notice to the Right Holder(a) In situations of national emergency or other circumstances of extreme
urgency, the right holder shall be notified as soon as reasonably
practicable.
(b) In the case of public non-commercial use, where the government orcontractor, without making a patent search, knows or has demonstrable
grounds to know that a valid patent is or will be used by or for thegovernment, the right holder shall be informed promptly.
Section 7 Compulsory Licensing of Patents Involving Semi-Conductor
Technology
In the case of compulsory licensing of patents involving semi-conductor
technology,

thelicense

may

only

be

granted

in

case

of

publicnon-commercial use or to remedy a practice determined after judicial oradministrative process to be anti-competitive.
Section 8 Compulsory License Based on Interdependence of Patents
If the invention protected by a patent, hereafter referred to as the“second patent”, within the country cannot be worked without infringing
another patent, hereafter referred to as the “first patent”, granted ona prior application or benefiting from an earlier priority, a compulsory
license may be granted to the owner of the second patent to the extent
necessary for the working of his invention, subject to the following
conditions:(a) The invention claimed in the second patent involves an important
technical advance of considerable economic significance in relation to20

the first patent;(b) The owner of the first patent shall be entitled to a cross-license
on reasonable terms to use the invention claimed in the second patent;(c) The use authorized in respect of the first patent shall be
non-assignable except with the assignment of the second patent; and(d) The terms and conditions of Section 95 (Requirement to obtain a license
on reasonable commercial terms), Section 96 (Compulsory Licensing ofpatents involving semi-conductor technology), Section 98 (Form andContents of Petition), Section 99 (Notice of Hearing), and Section 100(Terms and Conditions of Compulsory License) of the IP Code.
Section 9 Form and Contents of Petition
The petition for compulsory licensing must be in writing, verified by
the petitioner and accompanied by payment of the required filing fee.
It shall contain the name and address of the petitioner as well as thoseof the respondents, the number and date of issue of the patent inconnection with which compulsory license is sought, the name of thepatentee, the title of the invention, the statutory grounds upon which
compulsory license is sought, the ultimate facts constituting thepetitioner’s cause of action, and the relief prayed for.
Section 10 Notice of Hearing
Upon filing of a petition, the Director shall forthwith serve notice ofthe filing thereof upon the patent owner and all persons having grants
or licenses, or any other right, title or interest in and to the patentand invention covered thereby as appears on the record in the Office,and of notice of the date of hearing thereon, on such persons andpetitioner. The resident agent or representative appointed in accordancewith Section 33 of the IP Code, shall be bound to accept service of noticeof the filing of the petition within the meaning of this Section.
Section 11 Publication of Notice
In every case, the Director shall cause the notice to be published ina newspaper of general circulation once a week for three consecutive weeks
and once in the IPO Gazette at the expense of the applicant.
Section 12 Grant of License(a) If the Director finds that a grant of license under the preceding
sections has been made out, he shall, within six months from the date
the petition was filed, order the grant of an appropriate license.

21

(b) A compulsory license sought for public non-commercial use shall be
issued within six months from the filing of the proponent’s application
or receipt of the Board of Investment’s endorsement.
Section 13 Terms and Conditions of Compulsory License
The parties may agree on the basic terms and conditions including therate of royalties of a compulsory license. In the absence of agreement
between the parties, the Director shall fix the terms and conditions
including the rate of royalties of the compulsory license subject to thefollowing conditions:(a) The scope and duration of such license shall be limited to the purpose
for which it was authorized;(b) The license shall be non-exclusive;(c) The license shall be non-assignable, except with the part of theenterprise or business with which the invention is being exploited;(d) Use of the subject matter of the license shall be devoted predominantly
for the supply of the Philippine market: Provided, that this limitation
shall not apply where the grant of the license is based on the groundthat the patentee’s manner of exploiting the patent is determined by
judicial or administrative process to be anti-competitive.
(e) The license may be terminated upon proper showing that circumstances
which led to its grant have ceased to exist and are unlikely to recur:
Provided, that adequate protection shall be afforded to the legitimate
interest of the licensee;(f) The patentee shall be paid adequate remuneration taking into accountthe economic value of the grant or authorization, except that in cases
where the license was granted to remedy a practice which was determined
after judicial or administrative process, to be anti-competitive, theneed to correct the anti-competitive practice may be taken into accountin fixing the amount of remuneration.
Section 14 Amendment of Compulsory License
Upon the request of the patentee or the licensee, the Director may amend
the decision granting the compulsory license, upon proper showing of new
facts or circumstances justifying such amendment.
Section 16 Surrender of the License by the Licensee
The licensee may surrender the license by a written declaration submitted
to the Office.

22

Section 17 Publication of the Amendment, Surrender, or Cancellation of
the License
The Director shall cause the amendment, surrender, or cancellation to
be recorded in the appropriate Register of the Office, notify the patentee,
and/or the licensee, and cause notice thereof to be published, at theexpense of the petitioner, in the IPO Gazette.

23

RULE 7 OPPOSITION TO APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF MARKS
Section 1(a) Who may oppose -- Any person who believes that he would be damagedby the registration of a mark may, upon payment of the required fee andwithin one month after the publication of the application, file with the
Bureau a notice of opposition to the application.
(b) Notice of opposition -- The notice of opposition shall be in writing
and verified by the opposer or any person on his behalf who knows thefacts, and shall specify the grounds on which it is based and include
a statement of the facts relied upon.
Section 2(a) Notice and Hearing -- Upon the filing of an opposition and paymentof the required fee, the Bureau shall serve notice of the filing on theapplicant, and of the date of the hearing thereof upon the applicant andthe oppositor and all other persons having any right, title or interestin the mark covered by the application, as appear of record in the Office.
(b) Notice in case of unverified notice of opposition -- The Bureau may
notify the applicant of the fact of filing of an unverified opposition.
The applicant, after payment of the required fee, may request for a copyof the unverified opposition.
(c) The notice to answer will be sent to the applicant/respondent upon
the filing of the verified opposition.
(d) Dismissal of opposition -- The opposition will be dismissed motu
propio upon failure of the opposer to verify, in person or by any person
on his behalf who knows the facts, the notice of opposition within twomonths from date of filing of the unverified opposition.
Section 3 Contents of the Notice of Opposition
Copies of certificates of registration of marks registered in othercountries or other supporting documents mentioned in the opposition shallbe filed with the opposition together with the translation in English,
if not in the English language.
Section 4 Extension of Period for Filing the Verified Opposition
For good cause shown and upon payment of the required surcharge, the time24

for filing the verified opposition may be extended for an additional one
month by the Director upon the written request of the opposer. Wheneveran extension is granted, the Director shall cause the applicant to be
notified thereof. The petition for extension shall be filed in triplicate.
However, in no case shall the period within which to file the verified
opposition exceed four months from the date of release of the IPO Gazettepublishing the mark being opposed. If the last day for filing of the noticeof opposition or the verified opposition falls on a Saturday, Sunday,
holiday, non-working holiday as may be declared by the President of thePhilippines or on a day when the Office or the Bureau is closed for businessas may be declared by the Director General, the same shall be moved tothe immediately following working day.
Section 5 Filing of an Opposition in a Form Other than the Original
The party filing the opposition may submit an opposition in a form otherthan the original such as a facsimile copy or photocopy provided:(1) that such fax, photocopy or other form complies with the requirementsof these Regulations and is filed within the period to file the noticeof opposition or the verified opposition, or any extension thereof,(2) that the original copy of the verified opposition is filed within
one month from submission of the fax, photocopy or other form and,(3) that the original copy of the verified opposition is filed within
the maximum period of four months counted from the date of release of
the IPO Gazette publishing the mark being opposed. In all cases, the notice
to answer shall be sent to the applicant only upon the filing of theoriginal copy of the verified opposition.

25

RULE 8 CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION OF MARKS
Section 1 Who may File a Petition for Cancellation
Any person who believes that he is or will be damaged by the registrationof a mark may file with the Bureau a petition to cancel such registration.
Section 2 When may a Petition be FiledThe petition for cancellation of the registration of a mark may be filed:(a) Within five years from the date of registration of the mark underthe IP Code;(b) at any time, if the registered mark becomes the generic name for the
goods or services, or a portion thereof, for which it is registered, or
has been abandoned, or its registration was obtained fraudulently or
contrary to the provisions of the IP Code, or if the registered mark is
being used by, or with the permission of, the registrant so as tomisrepresent the source of the goods or services on or in connection withwhich the mark is used. If the registered mark becomes the generic namefor less than all of the goods or services for which it is registered,a petition to cancel the registration for only those goods or services
may be filed. A registered mark shall not be deemed to be the genericname of goods or services solely because such mark is also used as a nameof or to identify a unique product or service. The primary significanceof the registered mark to the relevant public rather than purchaser
motivation shall be the test for determining whether the registered markhas become the generic name of goods or services on or in connection withwhich it has been used. Evidence on purchaser motivation shall not be
admitted;(c) At any time, if the registered owner of the mark without legitimate
reason fails to use the mark within the Philippines, or to cause it to
be used in the Philippines by virtue of a license during an uninterrupted
period of at least three years.
Section 3 Contents of Petition for Cancellation
The petition for cancellation shall give the name and address of thepetitioner as well as those of the necessary party or parties respondent;
and shall state the registration number and date of the registration
sought to be cancelled; the name of the registrant; the statutory groundor grounds upon which cancellation is sought; the ultimate facts
constituting the petitioner’s cause or causes of action and the relief
sought.

26

Section 4 Verification of Petition
A petition for cancellation filed in triplicate shall be verified by thepetitioner or by any person in his behalf who knows the facts.
Section 5 Service of Petition and Notice of Hearing
Upon the filing of a petition for cancellation in proper form and paymentof the required fee, the Director shall cause a copy of such petition
to be served on the party or parties respondent, requiring such partyor parties to answer the petition. After the issues have been joined,
the Director will cause a date to be set for the hearing of the case,which will be communicated to both parties.
Section 6 Power of the Bureau to Cancel the Mark in the Exercise of Its
Power to Hear and Adjudicate any Action to Enforce the Rights to a
Registered Mark
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the court or the Bureau shall,in the exercise of its power to hear and adjudicate any action to enforce
the rights to a registered mark, likewise determine whether theregistration of said mark may be cancelled in accordance with the IP Code.
Section 7 Effect of Filing of a Suit before the Bureau or with the Proper
Court
The filing of a suit to enforce the registered mark with the proper court
or Bureau shall exclude any other court or agency from assuming
jurisdiction over a subsequently filed petition to cancel the same mark.
On the other hand, the earlier filing of petition to cancel the mark with
the Bureau shall not constitute a prejudicial question that must be
resolved before an action to enforce the rights to same registered markmay be decided.
Section 8 Cancellation of Registration
If the Bureau finds that a case for cancellation has been made out, it
shall order the cancellation of the registration. When the order or
judgment becomes final, any right conferred by such registration upon
the registrant or any person in interest of record shall terminate. Noticeof cancellation shall be published in the IPO Gazette.

27

RULE 9 RECONSIDERATION; APPEAL
Section 1 Appeal to the Director General(a) The decision or order of the Director or the Committee of Three shallbecome final and executory fifteen days after receipt of a copy thereofby the party affected unless within the said period, a motion forreconsideration is filed with the Director or an appeal to the Director
General has been perfected.
(b) Interlocutory orders shall not be appealable.
Section 2 Grounds of and Period for Filing Motion for Reconsideration
Within the period for taking an appeal, the aggrieved party may move forreconsideration upon the grounds that the evidence is insufficient tojustify the decision or final order, or that the decision or final orderis contrary to law.
Section 3 Contents of Motion for Reconsideration and Notice Thereof
The motion shall be made in writing stating the ground or grounds therefor,a written notice of which shall be served by the movant on the adverse
party.
A motion for reconsideration shall point out specifically the findings
or conclusions of the judgment or final order which are not supportedby the evidence or which are contrary to law, making express reference
to the testimonial or documentary evidence or to provisions of law alleged
to be contrary to such findings or conclusions.
A pro forma motion for reconsideration shall not toll the reglementary
period of appeal.
Section 4 Action upon Motion for Reconsideration
If the Director finds that the judgment or final order is contrary to
the evidence or law, he may amend such judgment or final order accordingly.
Section 5 Resolution of Motion
A Motion for reconsideration shall be resolved within one month from thetime it is submitted for resolution.
Section 6 Second Motion for Reconsideration
No party shall be allowed a second motion for reconsideration of a judgment
or final order.

28

Section 7 Partial Reconsideration
If the grounds for a motion under this Rule appear to the Director toaffect the issues as to only a part, or less than all of the matter incontroversy, or only one, or less than all, of the parties to it, he may
grant reconsideration as to such issues if severable without interferingwith the judgment or final order upon the rest.
Section 8 Remedy against Order Denying a Motion for Reconsideration
An order denying a motion for reconsideration is not appealable, theremedy being an appeal from the judgment or final order.
Section 9 Appeal to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court
No motion for reconsideration of any decision or final order of the
Director General shall be entertained and, the decision or final orderof the Director General shall be final and executory unless an appeal
to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court is perfected in accordancewith Rule 41 of the Rules of Court applicable to appeals from decisionsof Regional Trial Courts.

29

RULE 10 EXECUTION OF DECISIONS PENDING APPEAL
Section 1 Order of Execution
On motion of the prevailing party with notice to the adverse party, andupon filing of the approved bond, the Director may, in his discretion,order execution to issue even before the expiration of the time to appeal,
upon good reasons to be stated in the order. Such execution, however,may be stayed by filing of an approved counterbond.
Section 2 Cancellation of Patent is Immediately Executory
Unless restricted by the Director, the decision or order to cancel thepatent, claim or part of a claim by the Director shall be immediately
executory even pending appeal.

30

RULE 11 JUDGMENTS, FINAL ORDERS AND ENTRY THEREOF
Section 1 Rendition of Judgments and Final Orders
A judgment or final order determining the merits of the case shall bein writing, stating clearly and distinctly the facts and the law on which
it is based, signed by the Director, and filed with the appropriate
Register of the Office.
It is the filing of the decision, judgment or final order with the Register,
not the signing thereof, that constitute rendition or promulgation.
Section 2 Entry of Judgments and Final Orders
If no appeal or motion for reconsideration is filed within the time
provided in these Regulations, the Director shall forthwith cause theentry of the judgment or final order in the appropriate Register of the
Office. The date of finality of the judgment or final order shall be deemed
to be the date of its entry. The record shall contain the dispositive
part of the judgment or final order and shall be signed by the Director,
with a certificate that such judgment or final order has become final
and executory.
If no appeal or motion for reconsideration has been filed on time, thejudgment or final order rendered by the Director or the Director General,
as the case may be, becomes final and executory, and should immediately
be caused to be entered by the Director. To ensure this action theprevailing party should file a motion for the entry (and execution, if
proper) of the judgment. The date of entry is the starting point of thesix months period for filing a petition of relief, as well as the five
years period of prescription of judgments.
This rule corrects the erroneous practice of entering the judgment or
final order long after it had become final and executory. Even if thephysical act of entering the judgment or final order is done after it
had become final and executory, the date when it became final and executory
shall be deemed the date of its entry.

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FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 1 Coverage
These rules and regulations shall apply to all inter partes cases pending
with the Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Technology Transfer upon theeffectivity of the IP Code on January 1, 1998, including interference
proceedings declared prior to the effectivity of these Regulations andall inter partes cases filed with the Office on and after the effectivityof the IP Code.
Section 1.1
Trademark applications pending on effective date of the IP Code;
Opposition; Interference. The following procedure shall apply tointerfering applications for registration in the principal register ofmarks under Republic Act No. 166, as amended, pending on the effective
date of the IP Code on January 1, 1998:(a) In all cases where interference may be declared under Republic Act
No. 166, as amended, and its implementing rules and regulations, as
amended,theapplication

which

first

meets

the

requirementsforregistration shall be allowed and published for opposition in the IPO
Gazette by the Director of the Bureau of Trademarks in accordance with
the Rules and Regulations on Trademarks, Service Marks, Trade Names andMarked or Stamped Containers dated 30 September 1998.
(b) The Director of Trademarks shall notify the other applicant orapplicants of the fact of allowance and publication with the advice thatsaid other applicant or applicants have the right to file with the Bureauof Trademarks a notice of opposition, without need of paying the filingfee, to determine whether or not any of the applicant/s and or oppositor/s
has the right to the registration of the mark including all other issues
such as the registrability of the mark.
(c) Within five days from receipt of a notice of opposition from the otherapplicant or any of them if there be more than one other applicant, theDirector of Trademarks shall endorse all the files of the allowed
application and the application of the opposing applicant or applicants
to the Bureau of Legal Affairs for prosecution in accordance with theprovisions of these Regulations governing oppositions.
(d) All other oppositors, if any, shall file their notice of opposition
with the Bureau of Legal Affairs in accordance with these Regulations.
Section 2 Implementation
In the interest of the service and in order to ensure the continued hearing32

and disposition of all the cases before the Office, until the organizationof the Bureau of Legal Affairs is completed, the functions necessary to
implement these regulations shall be performed by the personnel of theformer Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Technology Transfer as may bedesignated by the Director General upon recommendation of the Chief ofthe Hearing Division of the Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Technology
Transfer who was heretofore designated as Officer-in-Charge or Caretakerof the Bureau of Legal Affairs.
Section 3 Separability
If any provision in these Regulations or application of such provision
to any circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of these Regulations
shall not be affected thereby.
Section 4 Effectivity
These rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen days after
publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

33