'For example, around 90'95 percent of the research coming from the academe is generated by UP,' he pointed out. 'But there are existing laws that prevent the commercialization of publicly funded research. Otherwise, this can generate wealth for the university or for the individuals involved.'

Cristobal added the IPO is pursuing a 'legal agenda' to allow the commercialization of state-funded research. Meanwhile, the IPO plans to roll out its IP courses within the first quarter of the year. The initial funding for this program will come from IPO's own budget, said Cristobal.

The IPO also plans to tap provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry to eventually roll out these courses in more cities like Cebu and Davao in the South.

The government is also looking at strengthening the local IP system to help counter a growing piracy problem. As of 2005, Cristobal reported around P1.04 billion (US$19,485,000) worth of counterfeit items seized by the government, although he said the figure can be 'underreported' because of the lack of input from local police.