By Ronnel Kien Bermas

PHOTO: INQUIRER.net

Inscribing “CTTO” or “Credits to the owner” and “Photo not mine” to social media posts in place of proper citation is punishable under the law, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) warned the public.

In a bid to protect the rights of the creative sector, IPOPHL urged social media users to avoid posting artworks, photos, literary works, songs, and other creative products without proper permission.

“Using 'CTTO' does not excuse yung kumopya o gumamit noon. Dapat kukunin niya yung permiso bago niya ilalathala o gagamitin yung orihinal na content,” IPOPHL Director General Roel Barba said.

A 2019 Facebook post of IPOPHL reminded netizens to provide “the owner's full name and the site” where the content originated from, provided that permission was granted.

Lamenting the prevalence of improper attribution, the country's intellectual property office also noted that most content creators are unaware of their rights.

“Nakita natin na marami pa po lalo na sa creative sector. Andami nila—may dancer, singer, photographer, may painter—andami. Karamihan sa kanila di nila alam ang karapatan nila,” Barba said.

On the other hand, the office urged inventors to file patents to protect their works and prevent others from copying, using, or monetizing the product throughout the patent's life.

“Unfortunately, sa patents, 90 percent diyan foreign, only 10 percent local. So kailangan tuloy-tuloy ang pag-ano natin sa mga inventors to file for a patent application,” Barba said.

Creators may seek programs such as the Inventor Assistance Program and the Young Inventors Program for support.

Meanwhile, IPOPHL eyes to amend the Intellectual Property (IP) code after their plea failed to reach the plenary of the 18th Congress.

“Sa next Congress maghahanap ulit kami ng bagong sponsor, it has to be refiled. Sa Senate din, it has to be refiled,” the Director General said. 

In line with promoting IP rights, IPOPHL also intends to educate communities by approaching the people instead of seeking their office.


Edited by Andreah Dianne M. Cartagena