MDPPA, IPOPHL Partner to Combat Counterfeit Motorcycle Parts and Promote Road Safety

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) partnered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to strengthen efforts against counterfeit motorcycle components through a specialized product identification seminar held on September 18, 2026, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The activity, titled “Product Identification Seminar for Law Enforcement Agencies and Public Prosecutors,” culminated a three-day Intellectual Property Workshop organized by IPOPHL and the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR). MDPPA Technical Committee Chairman Engr. Richard Paul Natividad and Secretariat representative Rey Jr. F. Rustia joined the activity, which aimed to equip law enforcement personnel with the knowledge to identify counterfeit motorcycle parts and prevent unsafe products from reaching riders.

During the technical sessions, MDPPA member companies demonstrated methods for distinguishing genuine components from counterfeit alternatives. Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation discussed authentic brake pads and shoes, Honda Philippines, Inc. presented identification markers for genuine engine oil, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. covered drive belts, and Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. shared technical cues for verifying genuine pistons. These frequently replaced components are attractive targets for counterfeiters because of their high market demand. However, substandard versions can compromise motorcycle performance, cause unexpected breakdowns, and increase the risk of road accidents.

The initiative supports MDPPA’s Tropang MAALAM campaign, which promotes motorcycle road safety through rider education on proper riding practices and motorcycle maintenance. MDPPA emphasized that counterfeit motorcycle parts are not merely an intellectual property concern but a serious public safety issue, as defective brake pads, pistons, and other critical components can put riders and other road users at risk. Through continued collaboration with government agencies, MDPPA aims to strengthen the ability of law enforcement authorities and the riding public to recognize and reject counterfeit products, helping protect lives and make Philippine roads safer.