MANILA: The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has announced plans to overhaul Greenhills Shopping Center following its inclusion in the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Notorious Markets list for 2023. The list highlights markets known for the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods, with Greenhills being the only Philippine marketplace mentioned.
According to Philippines News Agency, efforts are underway to transform Greenhills into a high-end shopping destination featuring legitimate sellers. This initiative, known as the Overhaul Greenhills Project (OG Project), aims to eradicate the sale of counterfeit and IP-infringing items within the center. Barba emphasized the importance of cooperation with rights holders, local government, and management to achieve this goal, highlighting the detrimental effects of counterfeit sales on legitimate businesses and the broader economy. The IPOPHL's commitment to delisting Greenhills from the USTR's watch list underscores its dedication to fostering a safe, IP-driven economic environment.