COVID-19 ASEAN Update: The Philippines

Dear friends and colleagues,

We would like to provide you the following update on the COVID-19 situation in ASEAN:

The Philippines: In an effort to curb a widespread COVID-19 outbreak, the government has declared an enhanced community quarantine for Metro Manila from 15 March – 14 April 2020 involving the closure of private business premises.

In addition, the Intellectual Property Office of The Philippines (IPOPHL) is running minimal office operations from 15 March – 14 April 2020 (its online filing system will remain operational). You may wish to note the following temporary measures for this quarantine period as announced by IPOPHL:

• Office action responses, declarations of use, renewals, motions for extensions, notices of opposition and answers thereto, cancellations, IP violations, position papers, and appeals falling due are automatically granted an extension of 30 calendar days from the due date

• All scheduled opposition and cancellation hearings are suspended until further notice

Our business goes on for our clients
Our colleagues with whom you have been communicating will continue to look after your matters. They remain contactable for assistance by email.

Should you have any queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Directors, Mr. Soh Kar Liang() and Mr. Kevin Wong ().