SorSU IPTBM Conducts a Three-Day Intellectual Property Mastery Workshop

The Intellectual Property & Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Unit successfully hosted the “Innovate, Protect, Succeed: Mastering Prior Art Search & Claim Drafting for Technology Generators and Inventors” workshop on February 26-28, 2025. The event brought together faculty researchers & inventors to enhance their knowledge and critical skills in intellectual property rights, patent protection, prior art search, invention spotting, and claim drafting. This initiative aligns with the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Project, which aims to empower intellectual property creators and strengthen the innovation landscape for effective technology transfer.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation
The workshop commenced with an Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP) by Prof. Jezzabie G. Gamis, IPTBM Unit Head, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation in the academic undertakings of the faculty researchers. Participants then engaged in the discussion on prior art search, a crucial step in determining an invention’s novelty. A hands-on session followed, where they explored different patent databases under the guidance of Prof. Michael Gamba, a College of Technology (COT) faculty member and participant of the Regional Intellectual Property Master Class (IPMC) in 2023. In the afternoon, Engr. Ivy Rose B. Gonzales, ORD Director & IP/Patent Agent of the University since 2020, introduced invention spotting and prior art analysis for chemical patenting, refining participants’ ability to recognize patentable ideas. This was complemented by the discussion of Ms. Sheryl Solano on prior art analysis for mechanical patenting, broadening attendees’ understanding of patenting beyond the chemical sector. The day concluded with a practical workshop on prior art analysis & invention spotting, allowing participants to apply their newfound knowledge.

Day 2: Advancing Knowledge
The second day began with participants presenting their prior art search reports for critique and feedback, helping them refine their techniques and strengthen their ability to identify gaps in patent search. The discussions highlighted the importance of a well-executed prior art search in reinforcing patent applications.

Following this, Engr. Gonzales led an in-depth session on claim drafting, focusing on the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) guidelines. She guided the participants through the complexities of drafting precise and enforceable patent claims, ensuring their applications meet regulatory standards.

Day 3: Mastering Claim Drafting
The final day provided participants ample time for a Claim Drafting Workshop, where they drafted their own patent claims based on their research outputs and prior art search results. This was followed by a presentation and refinement session, allowing the participants to polish their work with expert guidance. By the end of the workshop, the faculty researchers gained not only a deeper understanding of intellectual property protection but also the confidence to apply these skills in their respective fields.

Through this initiative, SorSU’s IP-TBM Unit and the RAISE Project reaffirmed their commitment to empowering innovators and researchers with the necessary tools to safeguard their inventions and contribute to technological advancements.

SORSU IPTBM