Application success rate in the Philippines
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), under the Department of Trade and Industry, is the national authority responsible for all trademark-related processes.
Between 2019 and 2023, the Philippines recorded an average trademark registration success rate of 51.84%. Although this figure starts relatively low in earlier years, it shows a promising upward trajectory, reflecting greater efficiency and adaptation within the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
This notable increase, particularly in 2022 and 2023, points to IPOPHL’s ongoing improvements in examination procedures and support for applicants.
Comparison to regional and global averages
The Philippines, with a trademark success rate of 51.84%, currently ranks lower than many of its regional peers in Asia and Southeast Asia. Notably, Singapore leads the region with an impressive 88.94% approval rate, reflecting its well-established and efficient IP infrastructure.
Japan and South Korea also demonstrate significantly stronger performance, with success rates of 78.78% and 63.20%, respectively—both well above the Philippines. Even India, despite its large volume of applications and complexity, achieves a 60.41% approval rate, surpassing the Philippines by nearly 9 percentage points.
Closer to home, Vietnam registers a slightly higher success rate than the Philippines, with 56.05%, indicating that while the Philippines is catching up, it still trails behind its immediate neighbors in Southeast Asia.
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
Philippines | IPOPHL | 51.84% |
Singapore | IPOS | 88.94% |
Japan | JPO | 78.78% |
South Korea | KIPO | 63.20% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Key opportunities have been driving improvement in trademark system of the Philippines:
Ongoing digital modernization
IPOPHL has been investing in digital infrastructure and automation to streamline its services. These developments have contributed to quicker turnarounds and fewer administrative bottlenecks.
Better applicant support
IPOPHL offers educational materials, outreach programs, and clearer application guidelines, helping reduce common filing errors that might otherwise lead to rejections.
Stronger substantive examination
Trademark applications undergo a full examination process, including distinctiveness and conflict checks. While the standards remain strict, IPOPHL has improved in applying these criteria consistently and transparently.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Philippines
While Malta offers a high average success rate of 51.83%, the best outcomes come from strategic preparation. Before applying, conduct a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential risks. Choose a mark that is both distinctive and legally registrable, and define your goods and services with clarity and precision.
Partnering with a trademark attorney familiar with the IPOPHL landscape can significantly improve your chances. They can help anticipate objections, prepare your application thoroughly, and represent you throughout the process if issues arise.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
