IPOPHL Launches Juana Patent and Juana Design Programs

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February 20, 2026
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Marketing

Introduction

Establishing the Juana Patent and Juana Design Programs by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is a major step toward advancing gender inclusion in intellectual property (IP). By making patent and design protection more accessible, promoting creativity, and stimulating economic growth, these programs seek to empower Filipino women entrepreneurs, designers and innovators.

Through these initiatives, IPOPHL is removing obstacles that have traditionally prevented women from participating fully in intellectual property rights (IPR), guaranteeing that female innovators have the same access to possibilities for idea protection and commercialization as their male counterparts.This blog examines the importance of these initiatives, their effects on women in innovation and business, and how they advance the more general objective of gender equality in intellectual property.

Juana Patent and Juana Design Programs: An Overview

Women can receive free or discounted intellectual property protection services through the Juana Patent and Juana Design Programs, which are incentive-based. These initiatives aim to promote more involvement in the IP system by focusing on women-led enterprises, female inventors, and female designers.To reduce the gender gap in IP filings IPOPHL plans to overcome financial and logistical obstacles which have been dominated by male applicants.

Characteristics of Juana Patent Programs

∙Fee Waivers or Discounts: When applying for a patent, female inventors and women-led enterprises may be eligible for waived or reduced application fees.

∙Priority Assistance: IPOPHL provides extra assistance to female applicants, such as expedited processing timeframes and help with patent application preparation.

∙Building Capacity: To assist women in navigating the patent application process and comprehending how to commercialize their discoveries, the program offers training, workshops, and mentorship.

∙Increased Access to Innovation Funds: IPOPHL is collaborating with partners in the public and commercial sectors to offer financing possibilities for initiatives driven by women.

Characteristics of Juana Design Programs

∙Simplified Design Registration: The program helps women designers obtain legal protection for their creative efforts by streamlining the industrial design registration procedure.

∙Financial Assistance: Discounts or exemptions from design registration costs may be granted to female candidates.

∙IP Education and Training: To help participants optimize the commercial potential of their innovations, they get information sessions on intellectual property rights.

∙Business and Networking Opportunities: To link female entrepreneurs with possible investors and industry partners, IPOPHL works with regional and global organizations.

The importance of these Programs for Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators

The Juana Design and Juana Patent Programs tackle the longstanding gender disparities in intellectual property rights. Statistics from throughout the world show that women only submit 16% of patent applications. When it comes to filing for intellectual property protection, women in the Philippines face institutional, educational, and financial obstacles.

1. Increasing the Involvement of Women in Innovation

These organizations help women submit patent applications and register their innovations by providing financial and technical support. This may result in a boom of female-led inventions that would help sectors including manufacturing, technology, fashion, and healthcare.

2. Empowering Women-Led Enterprises

Protecting intellectual property is crucial for the expansion and competitiveness of businesses. Women company owners may confidently grow their companies by protecting their ideas from copying by obtaining patents and design rights.

3. Cultivating Equity of Gender in Intellectual Property

Due to their historical underrepresentation in IP filings, women have had less access to possibilities created by innovation. By promoting cultural change, these initiatives encourage more women to work in the creative, R&D, and other fields.

4. Improving Economic Development

Research indicates that nations with high levels of female involvement in business and innovation have faster rates of economic expansion. The Philippines might spur sustainable development and open up new economic opportunities by empowering women via intellectual property protection.

Roadmap Ahead

Intellectual property rights are often unknown to female designers and innovators. Since women-led inventions are sometimes overlooked in rural areas, IPOPHL needs to step up awareness efforts and broaden its presence there. Women innovators should be actively supported by the government, academic institutions, and the private sector by offering financial assistance, mentorship, and market possibilities for registered innovations and patented goods.

Conclusion

IPOPHL has taken a daring and forward-thinking step to empower women in intellectual property with the Juana Patent and Juana Design Programs. These programs will open up new avenues for women entrepreneurs, innovators, and designers to participate in international markets and support national growth by facilitating patent and design registration.

The future of intellectual property in the Philippines will grow more dynamic, inclusive, and diversified as more Filipino women embrace creativity and innovation. These initiatives might open the door for a new wave of female-led inventions that will influence sectors and propel economic advancement if the government, business executives, and the general public continue to support them. These initiatives were started to enable women to occupy their proper positions in the field of invention, not just safeguard ideas. IP professionals of Brealant will help you get a comprehensive understanding of your brand protection and related policies.