If you’re a Filipino inventor, researcher, or part of a recognized institution working on a new technology, securing your intellectual property (IP) is a necessary step to protect your work. Through the Department of Science and Technology‘s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), the Intellectual Property Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP) provides financial and technical support for IP applications including patents, utility models, industrial designs, copyrights, and trademarks. It helps Filipino inventors and researchers secure IP protection for their completed R&D outputs, offers advisory, technical, and financial assistance to individuals or institutions applying for patents, utility models, industrial designs, copyrights, and trademarks, and supports both privately funded and DOST-funded projects, making it the ideal support towards the protection and development of new technology.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about IPRAP—from how to apply to who is eligible, what support is available, the required documents, and the step-by-step procedure in applying for the program to make it easier for you.
What is IPRAP?
The Intellectual Property Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP) was established by the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) under Executive Order No. 128 and reinforced by Republic Act No. 7459, also known as the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines.” It aims to support Filipino inventors, researchers, and technologists by providing technical and financial assistance for securing intellectual property rights, including patents, utility models, industrial designs, copyrights, and trademarks. The program promotes transparency in technology disclosure and encourages the commercialization of science- and technology-based innovations. IPRAP also integrates gender equality principles by prioritizing inclusive support for both male and female inventors. Overall, its primary purpose is to boost innovation, protect intellectual property, and contribute to national development through research-driven technologies.
What Kind of Assistance is Provided?
IPRAP offers:
- Technical support: Pre-screening and evaluation of technologies
- Financial support: Covers government fees and professional services for IP filing until approval
- Consultancy: Advice through contracted IP service providers and DOST-TAPI staff
- For DOST-funded projects, support may include international filing via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Applicants can also request reimbursement for personal IP filing expenses, provided the documents are submitted within 3 months.
- No repayment or counterpart funding is required, but grantees shoulder maintenance fees after approval.
General Criteria
To qualify for the program, the general criteria for the technology are as follows:
- The work must be original, fully disclosed, and developed using S&T tools
- Patent claims must be novel and supported by detailed documentation
- Designs must highlight aesthetic features and include multi-angle images
- Copyrighted works must be S&T-based (not purely artistic)
- Trademarks must be tied to a commercialized DOST-supported product
Who Can Apply?
Applicants may be:
- Filipino citizens (individuals or group of inventors)
- Duly recognized academic or research institutions
- Juridical entities owned by Filipinos
Note: Preference is given to women and members of TAPI-accredited inventors’ organizations.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must at least satisfy the following:
For Individuals:
- Filipino citizen and resident
- Of legal age (minors must have parental consent)
- Good moral character
- Owner of the technology
- Willing to be featured in DOST-TAPI promotions
- Ready to refund assistance in case of non-compliance
- Must show proof or intent to commercialize the technology
For Groups:
- Must appoint a focal person for communication
- Must declare that no contributor is left out or falsely included
For Institutions and Juridical Entities:
- Legally registered in the Philippines
- Must assign a focal representative
- Must submit IP policy, funding agreements, and commercialization plan upon request
Required Documents
If you think you are qualified, then you’d best prepare the following document before filing an application:
For Copyright
- 5 copies of the application form and Affidavit of Ownership
- Deed of Assignment if owner differs from author
- 2 electronic copies and 1 printed copy of the work
- ID of the author or copyright owner
For Patent / Utility Model / Industrial Design (Filed by Inventor)
- Final draft of specification and claims
- Request letter with drawings (if not yet filed)
- OR from IPOPhil and copy of stamped documents for reimbursement
For Patent / Utility Model / Industrial Design / Trademark (Through TAPI)
- Letter request to TAPI Director
- Invention Disclosure Form
- Technical report or thesis (if available)
- Visuals (photos, diagrams, sketches)
- Test results (if available)
- Valid government-issued ID
- For trademarks: electronic mark, application form, and list of goods/services
Application Process
To apply, these are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1. Prepare all required documents (see above).
Step 2. Submit your application with a letter request addressed to Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, Director of DOST-TAPI.
Step 3. Your proposal will be reviewed by the Program Manager, patent agents, and Division Manager.
Step 4. If documents are complete, assistance may be granted within 40 days.
IP grant timelines vary as follows:
- Patents: 3–7 years
- Utility Models & Designs: 6 months–2 years
Where to Get the Forms and Templates
You can access the forms and templates needed to apply for IPRAP directly on DOST-TAPI’s TechTrans portal. Simply Visit TechTrans’s IPR Assistance Program page, Click “Preview” to check the contents or “Download” to get the editable versions of the actual form files, and use these templates when submitting your application to DOST-TAPI. The page should have all the necessary forms like the Letter Request, Invention Disclosure Form, Data Privacy Consent, and IP-specific application forms for patent, trademark, industrial design, and copyright.
iSIPAG Registration
Applicants are encouraged to register and monitor their IP applications through the Inventors’ System for Intellectual Property Applications and Grants or iSIPAG. They have an online platform, the iSIPAG system, which allows inventors and researchers to monitor their IP application status, submit follow-up requirements, and request additional assistance—without the need to visit the DOST-TAPI office, make phone calls, or send emails.
You can easily use the iSIPAG service by visiting the iSIPAG website, creating an account, and filling out the required information. After registering, wait for the confirmation email to activate your account. Once confirmed, you can log in anytime to manage and monitor your IP application efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To ensure that your application goes smoothly, here are the common questions and answers about IPRAP that you can use as reference:
1. Is there a limit to how many times you can apply?
No limit, but a strong track record of commercialization is required.
2. Do applicants need to provide counterpart funds?
No. But they must cover annuity fees after IP is granted.
3. Is there a repayment scheme?
None.
4. How long does processing take?
Up to 40 days for request approval; IP grant timelines vary by type.
5. What happens after assistance is approved?
Filing will proceed as soon as all novelty and disclosure requirements are met.
Video: DOST-TAPI IPRAP
The DOST-TAPI IPR Assistance Program (IPRAP) provides a wide range of support to help Filipino innovators protect and commercialize their work. With no repayment scheme, no counterpart funds required, and streamlined support for both individual and institutional applicants, the program makes intellectual property protection more accessible. For easy monitoring, applicants can also use the iSIPAG portal. To learn more about the DOST-TAPI IPRAP, you may check out this video:
Where to Get Help
For questions and other concerns, you may reach out to:
Engr. Richelle C. Malaay, Program Manager, Senior Science Research Specialist
- Tel: (02) 8582-1450 loc. 2166 / 2150
- Email: info@tapi.dost.gov.ph