SLSU advances IP Protection and Commercialization through Benchmarking Activity with DLSU

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through its Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO), led by Engr. Jonelle A. Tablada successfully conducted a virtual benchmarking session with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Innovation and Technology Office on August 6, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

The activity, titled “SLSU Virtual Benchmarking with De La Salle University (DLSU): Advancing Best Practices in Intellectual Property Protection and Commercialization”, aimed to gain valuable insights from one of the country’s leading academic institutions in the field of intellectual property (IP) management, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Atty. Christopher E. Cruz and Mr. Peter Immanuel Tenido, who represented DLSU’s Innovation and Technology Office, shared the office’s services, which included patent services, commercialization clinics, licensing negotiations and monitoring, spin-off and entrepreneurial team support, and market intelligence. They also highlighted the university’s strict enforcement of trademark protection—covering not only institutional logos but also student organization emblems. Instead of resorting to legal disputes, DLSU adopted a proactive awareness approach by inviting individuals or organizations found to be using its logos without authorization. These sessions were designed to educate stakeholders on trademark policies and guide them in obtaining the proper licenses, including those for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

While DLSU, like many universities, still faced challenges in full-scale commercialization, its emphasis on rigorous IP protection set a strong example. Their director, an award-winning attorney and certified patent agent, ensured that high standards were maintained in IP management. During the session, SLSU participants also learned about DLSU’s stakeholder engagement programs, research collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives. Manuals and reference materials were requested to enhance SLSU’s IP protocols further, although DLSU’s sharing remained selective to safeguard proprietary systems.

This benchmarking activity reflected SLSU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its intellectual property and commercialization capabilities, fostering a culture.