The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) is currently conducting a three-day Intellectual Property and Capacity Building Workshop from March 4-6, 2025, at the Research and Extension Hall to equip faculty and staff with essential knowledge on intellectual property rights, research protection, and commercialization.

Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in safeguarding innovations, especially as ASCOT continues to develop research-based products with potential industry applications.

The workshop features insightful discussions led by Engr. Alking B. Gorospe, PhD, Director of Research and Development, who introduced the Basics of Intellectual Property. Atty. Jerry C. Serapion, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist from DA PhilRice, followed with a session on Prior Art Searching, helping participants understand how to assess the novelty of inventions.

On the second day, Atty. Serapion conducted a session on Claim Drafting, focusing on defining and securing intellectual property protection for research outputs.

The final day will highlight innovation-driven approaches, with Mr. Charles Velasco, Instructor I, leading a session on Design Thinking, followed by For. Maria Christina B. Cañada, Associate Professor V, discussing Entrepreneurial Skills and strategies for commercializing research outputs.

This initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, reinforcing ASCOT’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and strengthening industry linkages.