Hand-in-Hand: IP Protection and Mental Health Technology in 2025

Teknolunas 2025 Mindful Innovation: Policy, Ethics, and Regulation in Mental Health Tech is an interdisciplinary conference that brings together scientists, researchers, leaders, and policymakers to address innovations in mental health technology. Held on October 23, the event was organized by De La Salle University through the Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies (EDA-IBEHT), with support and funding from DOST, PCHRD, and Evelyn D. Ang Charities.

The 2nd day of Teknolunas featured a plenary talk by Atty. Christopher E. Cruz, PhD, Director of the De La Salle University Intellectual Property Office (DIPO) and Manager of the DLSU Innovation and Technology Office (DITO). He discussed intellectual property and mental health technologies within the Philippine context, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the field. He also examined the need to balance protecting the rights of medical innovators with ensuring public access to essential health technologies.

Following his lecture, a panel discussion brought together experts from various disciplines, including Dr. Lordes Marie Tejero, Mr. Michael Jorge N. Peralta, MSc, MSPT, LLM, Engr. Kenbert Alan I. Ting, MBA, and Engr. Roy Vincent C. Perez. They explored issues such as the lack of a supportive ecosystem for medical device commercialization in the Philippines and the implications of integrating AI into mental health care, particularly concerns about replacing human interaction with automated systems. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates of participation to all speakers.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers of Teknolunas 2025 for inviting Atty. Chris and the DLSU Intellectual Property Office to contribute to this important discussion. It was an honor to be part of a gathering dedicated to advancing ethical and impactful mental health innovation in the Philippines.