In an enriching session that bridged creativity and legal literacy, Atty. Janice Tejano from the Benilde Intellectual Property Office led an engaging information session and workshop for students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) Program.
Over the course of two hours, Atty. Tejano shed light on the vital role of intellectual property (IP) in the fashion industry—discussing how creative works can be identified, protected, and rightfully owned. She guided students through the fundamentals of IP identification, use, and the exercise of creative rights, emphasizing how these elements safeguard original design concepts in an increasingly competitive market.
The workshop also introduced students to the importance of conducting IP searches as an integral part of their research and ideation process for their thesis capstone projects. By learning to navigate IP databases and recognize existing creative rights, students were encouraged to design not only with innovation but also with awareness and integrity.
This initiative reflects Benilde’s continuing commitment to producing creative professionals who are not only artistically skilled but also informed about the ethical and legal dimensions of their craft. As Atty. Tejano highlighted, “Understanding intellectual property empowers creatives to protect their ideas and strengthen the value of their work.”
Through this collaboration between the Benilde IP Office and the FDM Program, students are better equipped to navigate the complex intersections of fashion, innovation, and intellectual property—laying the groundwork for responsible and original design practice.
