Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10546 
Introduced by Honorable Ma. Alana Samanta Taliño Santos 
AN ACT PROMOTING AWARENESS FOR THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 
RIGHTS OF INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS PURSUANT 
THERETO, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Artists have greatly contributed to the Filipino culture and identity. Their works of art and means 
of expression are part of the cultural heritage. They catalyze cultural and economic development 
for the country, making a more sustainable future. As such, the State recognizes the key role artists 
play in nation-building in Article XIV Sections 14 and 15 in the 1987 Constitution.  Arts and letters 
shall enjoy the State’s patronage, promoting the nation's historical, cultural, and artistic creations. 
Based on the principle in unity in diversity, free artistic and intellectual expression fosters Filipino 
national culture. 
The number of new Philippine artists is rising in recent years. The Philippines reached its all-time 
high record  for the volume of intellectual property (IP) applications in 2022, according to the 
Report of the Intellectual Property Rights Office (IPOPHL). However, independent artists today 
are particularly vulnerable from IP infringement. Majority of art is now easily accessible through 
various online platforms. 
Independent artists lack the financial and legal support to safeguard their creative expression. Since 
the nature of online platforms is borderless, it also adversely affects the standards adopted by the 
country to protect IP rights. These standards are widely divergent. The weak enforcement of IP 
rights also encourages trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. 
According to the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), the total IP 
counterfeit goods for 2023 reached an estimated market value of P26.86 billion, surpassing the 
previous 2021 record of P24.90 billion. While 2023 IP prosecution cases declined to 205 from the 
preceding year’s 291, Department of Justice (DOJ) data shows that the conviction rate rose to 
17.07 percent as compared to the 7.90 percent in the same time period. 
This bill aims to strengthen the independent artists’ control over their intellectual property, wherein 
they can be properly compensated for their work. It also aims to empower them by providing 
awareness campaigns, educational training and programs on the protection of IP rights, in 
partnership with relevant artistic communities and groups. 
June 25, 2024
2:03 pm


Intellectual property rights drive innovation and competition, ensuring that Philippine art,
products, and services stand out in the market. This bill encourages innovation to thrive, thereby
enabling cultural and economic growth in the country.
In view of the notable works of independent artists and to show support to them, approval of this
measure is earnestly sought.
MA. ALANA SAMANTHA TALIÑO SANTOS
Representative
3rd District, Cotabato Province


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session
House Bill No. 10546
Introduced by Honorable Ma. Alana Samanta Taliño Santos
AN ACT PROMOTING AWARENESS FOR THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS OF INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS PURSUANT
THERETO, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of intellectual
property as a tool for national development and cultural advancement. It is the policy of the State
to encourage the creation and dissemination of Filipino intellectual property, particularly by
independent artists, while ensuring their legal protection and promotion of their economic rights.
Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act:
(a) "Independent artists" refer to those engaged in the creation, production, and/or
distribution of their artistic work who are not employed with or managed under an existing
contract with a company or firm and lacks the financial or legal support provided by the said
firm or company;
(b) "Intellectual property creations" refer to original works of art, copyrightable works,
and other protected expressions under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines;
(c) "Awareness campaign" refers to educational initiatives, seminars, workshops, or any
activity designed to inform and educate the public on the protection and value of intellectual
property rights;
Sec. 3. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) shall develop and implement programs to
promote and raise awareness of the legal rights and mechanisms available for the protection of
the intellectual property creations of independent artists.
The said programs shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) Conducting seminars, workshops, and training courses for independent artists on their
intellectual property rights and protection under the law;


(b) Establishing partnerships with artistic communities, local government units, and
educational institutions to promote awareness and protection of intellectual property rights;
(c) Cooperating with existing intellectual property organizations, both local and
international, to further strengthen the protection and recognition of independent artists' rights in
the Philippines and abroad; and
(d) Undertaking
research
and
development
geared
towards
the innovation
and
advancement of intellectual property protection strategies for independent artists in the country.
Sec. 4. Funding. - An amount necessary to carry out the aims and purposes of this Act
shall be allocated in the General Appropriations Act under the allocation for the Intellectual
Property Office. This funding shall be utilized for the programs and services targeting the
protection of independent artists' intellectual property rights.
Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after the approval
of this Act, the Intellectual Property Office, in consultation with key stakeholders, shall
formulate and issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations.
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is subsequently
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive orders,
presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are contrary
to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.
Sec. 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,