The Unexpected Confusion: A Lesson in Clarifying IP Awareness

This past June, I had the privilege of setting up a booth at the Negros Agribusiness Expo 2024, an exciting initiative organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Industries. This event brought together some of the most innovative minds in the agribusiness industry, showcasing everything from groundbreaking products to cutting-edge technologies. It was an incredible opportunity to interact with businesses of all sizes, from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to larger corporations, and to share the value of intellectual property (IP) with an eager audience.

But, as I quickly learned, my conversations weren’t just about how businesses could protect their technologies or products using IP. Instead, I encountered a surprising and enlightening twist:

the most common question asked
wasn’t about intellectual property
at all 

but rather,

“Is it IP, as in Indigenous Peoples (IPs)?”

You read that correctly.

Rather than hearing people ask what “IP” stands for for the first time, the question came from a place of familiarity. They were essentially asking me if the term “IP” that I was using referred to Indigenous Peoples, and if they were on the same page as everyone else when it came to this commonly used acronym. It was an unexpected moment that shifted the direction of our conversations and gave me a unique opportunity to engage people on a much deeper level—one that I hadn’t anticipated.

The Power of Context in Communication

To understand the significance of this question, it’s important to acknowledge the local context. In the Philippines, the term “IP” is often used to refer to Indigenous Peoples (IPs). This term is widely recognized within the country. With over 100 distinct indigenous groups living throughout the Philippine archipelago, this acronym has a deeply ingrained cultural connection for many of the people in the region.

For the attendees at the Negros Agribusiness Expo, their instinctive understanding of the term “IP” was connected to their knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. In their minds, the conversation about “IP” had nothing to do with intellectual property and everything to do with the rights, culture, and welfare of Indigenous communities. So, when they heard me discussing IP in the context of protecting innovations and technologies, it created a gap in understanding that needed to be addressed.

Rather than dismissing this confusion, I saw it as a valuable opportunity to expand the conversation. I used this moment to clarify that IP could refer to Intellectual Property, as well as to Indigenous Peoples. This distinction opened the door to discussing how Indigenous communities can and should also be aware of how intellectual property laws can protect their cultural assets, traditional knowledge, and innovations.

IP Awareness and Education for Indigenous Communities

The conversation naturally shifted toward how intellectual property (IP) can benefit not just tech startups or corporate giants, but also Indigenous communities and their social enterprises. This was the turning point where I could share the broader implications of IP law and its potential to safeguard traditional knowledge and creativity. From local agricultural practices to unique cultural artifacts and indigenous handicrafts, the role of IP in protecting cultural heritage is crucial.

There are growing efforts around the world to recognize the importance of intellectual property as a tool for preserving and promoting Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. This is particularly relevant in countries like the Philippines, where Indigenous Peoples have long struggled to protect their traditions and intellectual contributions from exploitation and misappropriation.

By educating the public about IP and its relevance to Indigenous communities, I was able to bring awareness to the idea that protecting Indigenous knowledge is just as important as protecting a corporate invention or a technological breakthrough. This conversation opened the door for me to explain that intellectual property isn’t just a legal concept for businesses—it’s an essential tool for communities to assert their rights and preserve their cultural identities.

The Importance of Tailoring Your Message

This experience at the Negros Agribusiness Expo 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your message accordingly. Just because “IP” is commonly understood in a particular way in the business or technology world doesn’t mean that the same term will have the same meaning in all contexts. When communicating about intellectual property, it is essential to consider the local vernacular and the meanings that certain terms may carry in different communities.

For example, in the case of the attendees at the Negros Agribusiness Expo, the term “IP” carried a very different significance than what I was accustomed to. This experience reinforced the need for professionals like myself to be aware of the linguistic and cultural landscape in which we are operating, especially when talking about something as important as intellectual property. In regions with a large Indigenous population, such as the Philippines, it is vital to ensure that terms like “IP” are clearly explained and that everyone understands the topic at hand.

I also realized that there is still a steep learning curve when it comes to understanding intellectual property, especially in developing nations like the Philippines and other ASEAN countries. Many people, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, may not have access to the resources or education needed to fully grasp the complexities of IP. This underscores the importance of creating accessible, culturally relevant educational materials and programs that can bridge the knowledge gap and make IP more approachable.

A Learning Opportunity for All

In the end, the question about Indigenous Peoples and intellectual property wasn’t just a hiccup in communication—it was a learning opportunity. I realized how important it is to promote not only IP awareness but also IP education in diverse communities, including Indigenous groups, farmers, small entrepreneurs, and even the general public. Intellectual property has the power to protect a vast array of creative works, from agricultural innovations to cultural heritage, and ensuring that these communities understand their rights is crucial.

As IP professionals, we have a responsibility to make sure that our conversations and materials are accessible to all, regardless of background or education. This means presenting information in a way that connects with people’s lived experiences and helping them understand how IP can benefit them in their specific context.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap

The unexpected question at the Negros Agribusiness Expo 2024 was a powerful reminder of the importance of clear communication and cultural sensitivity in intellectual property education. By clarifying the dual meanings of “IP” and emphasizing the value of intellectual property for all communities, including Indigenous Peoples, I was able to turn a potential misunderstanding into a valuable teaching moment.

Ultimately, this experience underscored the need for more efforts to raise IP awareness and education across different sectors, especially in developing nations. Whether you are an entrepreneur, an Indigenous leader, or someone simply curious about IP, understanding the fundamentals of intellectual property can be transformative. It not only protects your creations but also empowers you to take ownership of your ideas, innovations, and cultural heritage.

As we continue to advance the conversation on intellectual property, let’s remember that clarity, context, and inclusivity are key to making IP accessible and relevant to everyone—no matter their background or knowledge level.

Created and Written by Alexandra Palacpac, U&IP 2025.⁠

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