Introduction As physical markets face increased pressure from raids, counterfeiters are migrating online. Recognizing this shift, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has launched a multi-pronged strategy to combat piracy in the digital space, focusing on e-commerce platforms and illegal websites.

The Power of E-commerce MOUs A key pillar of this strategy is collaboration with major online marketplaces. IPOPHL has fostered enhanced Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with these platforms to streamline notice-and-takedown procedures. This proactive partnership is crucial for quickly removing thousands of infringing listings that appear daily.

Site-Blocking in Action Beyond individual listings, IPOPHL is aggressively targeting entire websites dedicated to piracy. As part of its anti-piracy drive, the office works to take down illegal sites hosting pirated content or fake goods. As of November 2025, recent complaints had already led to the takedown of 21 websites, demonstrating that these new powers are being used effectively.

The Need for Constant Vigilance While the tools are better than ever, online enforcement is a game of whack-a-mole. Counterfeiters are constantly creating new accounts and new domains. Effective protection requires continuous monitoring and swift action to utilize the takedown mechanisms IPOPHL has put in place.

How ASEAN IPR Helps: Your digital storefront needs a digital security guard. ASEAN IPR offers 24/7 online monitoring services. We identify infringing listings on e-commerce platforms and utilize IPOPHL’s established channels to execute rapid takedowns. We also investigate and build cases against standalone pirate websites to get them blocked at the ISP level.