Towards a Robust Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Platform at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB): The Case of DOST-PCAARRD-funded Research Projects

Abstract

An intellectual property (IP) audit was conducted among 212 research projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) from 2010–2015. A total of 71 (33%) have the IP component only, while 17 (8%) have both IP and technology commercialization (TC) elements. Of the 17 research projects, 12 (71%) have undergone the technology readiness level (TRL) and are included in the 19 technologies funded by DOST-PCAARRD currently being prioritized by Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) for IP rights (IPRs) protection and TC. Of these technologies, six have ongoing licensing agreements with the private sector, and another three are groomed for a spin-off. All nine have undergone fairness opinion board (FOB) examination, while the remaining 10 are in various stages of IP protection and commercialization. A notable surge in patent application occurred in the first three quarters of 2017 when 14 applications representing 33% of the total patent applications in the last 16 years were filed in the IP Office of the Philippines. As of 2012, with financial support from local and foreign funding, UPLB has produced more than 200 technologies ranging from agriculture and biotechnology to machinery and postharvest technology plus other allied fields. Included in the list are Sinta papaya, BIO-N, Mykovam, virgin coconut oil, and Trichoderma. Some of which have reached the international market earning substantial income for the university and its inventors and breeders principally through royalties ranging from 3–10 % of the licensee’s gross sales. Additional seven technologies funded by other government funding agencies ripe for commercialization are open to manufacturers, distributors, and research service agreements.