By L. Caniel
Central Philippine University (CPU) has officially secured trademark registrations for the CPUGAD name and the CPUGAD Logo, further strengthening the University’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property assets. CPUGAD is the official name of the university’s DOST-supported Technology Business Incubator, an entity created to help develop new ventures through the provision of business support services such as entrepreneurship training, office space, and other resources.
Issued by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the certificates cover Class 41: Educational services; instruction services, affirming CPU’s exclusive rights to use the marks in connection with its academic and instructional programs.
The CPUGAD name is officially registered under Class 41 for educational and instruction services.
Concept Behind the Name and Logo:
As Central Philippine University’s nesting place for incubation and innovation programs, the main selling point of CPUGAD TBI’s name is “PUGAD”, a local term for the word NEST, which means a structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young. In the TBI concept, business incubation is the name given to a process wherein an individual or group supports the establishment and growth of a startup. Similarly, CPU will also embark on this main purpose, which is to serve as a “PUGAD” or nest to a growing idea and business until ready for market ventures.
“C”, which represents the entirety of CPU, is added in the name to separate the two elements. In creating the logo and to emphasize the two elements, “C” is styled in the university color “blue” while that of “PUGAD” uses the other university color “gold”. When read, the first three letters “CPU” also form the acronym of Central Philippine University.
The CPUGAD Logo is officially trademarked.
About the Logo:
The five feathers on the left side of the logo signify different important elements. Regardless of their colors, the five feathers represent the core values of Central Philippine University – FAITH, CHARACTER, JUSTICE, STEWARDSHIP, and EXCELLENCE. All these values are embodied in all the processes and operations of CPUGAD TBI.
Individually, the feathers represent specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that CPUGAD TBI intends to address: Red – SDG 1 (No Poverty); Mustard – SDG 2 (Zero Hunger); Golden Yellow – SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Dark Mustard – SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Additionally, the following colors of the feathers have other meanings related to CPUGAD TBI’s banner program which is ICT for Sustainable and Creative Food Industry. Red represents the food industry, green symbolizes sustainability, and golden yellow signifies ICT.
The bird in the logo represents the incubatees taken under the mentorship of CPUGAD TBI. The bird takes on the colors of CPU – gold and blue.
Collectively, the five feathers form the letter “C”, representing CPUGAD TBI, CPU’s nesting place, as represented by the feathers and the bird, for incubation until all incubatees taken under its wing can take flight, like the bird, and become viable business endeavors on their own.
Both trademarks are registered under the name of Central Philippine University, ensuring legal protection of the CPUGAD identity as part of the University’s educational services and initiatives.
The successful registration of these marks underscores CPU’s proactive stance in safeguarding its institutional brands and programs. By securing intellectual property rights, the University reinforces its dedication to maintaining the integrity, recognition, and credibility of its academic offerings.
This milestone highlights CPU’s continuing efforts to uphold excellence not only in instruction and research but also in institutional governance and brand management.
The trademark registration process was facilitated by Ms. Ligaya Villarias-Caniel, Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Focal Person.
The achievement forms part of the University’s celebration of Intellectual Property (IP) Awareness Month, reaffirming its dedication to promoting a strong culture of innovation and intellectual property protection within the academic community.