Philippines Proposes IP Code Overhaul for Enhanced Piracy Enforcement, Brand Protection

These IP reforms would grant the IPOPHL direct authority to order disabling access to infringing content, shifting from the current voluntary ISP site-blocking mechanism. For the streaming ecosystem, this creates a stronger legal framework for content protection in a significant Southeast Asian market. Stakeholders should monitor the legislative process for specifics on enforcement authority and the scope of site-blocking powers, particularly as it relates to criminal penalties for IP infringement.

The push for legislative reform follows a series of regional efforts to curb digital piracy across Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the move to codify site-blocking power is viewed as a response to the limitations of the 2023 voluntary mechanism, which required separate MOUs with internet service providers. Per the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), January 2024, the Philippines remains a significant market for illicit streaming, but structured site-blocking in neighboring Indonesia resulted in a 75% reduction in traffic to pirate sites over a two-year period. In August 2023, IPOPHL signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines’ leading ISPs, including Globe Telecom and PLDT, to establish the current voluntary framework, yet officials noted that statutory authority is required for more consistent enforcement against evolving mirror sites. Furthermore, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has increased its presence in the region, partnering with local authorities in early 2024 to shut down major illegal streaming rings. These domestic legislative changes align with the broader ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan 2016-2025, which encourages member states to modernize enforcement for the digital economy. The proposed inclusion of non-traditional marks like sounds also mirrors international standards found in the United States and European Union, reflecting a desire to harmonize Filipino IP law with global trade partner requirements. As the 20th Congress deliberates, the focus remains on ensuring the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights has the technical infrastructure to identify and verify infringing URLs at scale without impacting legitimate web traffic.