AIM MIBL Masterclass Explores IP Law’s Role in the Creative Economy
The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) International Business Law Club explored the intersection of creativity, business, and legal protection during its masterclass, “The Art of Ownership: Investing in Creativity through IP Law.” Held on 23 March 2026, at the Aboitiz Tech Space, AIM campus, the event examined how intellectual property law increasingly shapes the value and sustainability of creative work in today’s economy.
Professor Mario Cerilles, Jr., Academic Program Director of the Master in International Business Law program, opened the discourse by encouraging the audience to view IP law not only as legal protection, but also as a strategic asset in the modern creative market. He emphasized that the value of creative work increasingly lies in the enforceable rights governing its use, distribution, and reproduction.
This perspective was reinforced by Dindo Umali of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, who highlighted the importance of formalizing ownership structures to help scale the country’s creative industries. The dialogue suggested that for the Philippines to compete globally, its creative class must master the mechanics of law as fluently as they master their craft.
The relationship between historical legacy and digital disruption took center stage as the panel addressed the rise of blockchain and NFTs. Director Ricky Francisco of Fundacion Sansó provided a critical perspective on how traditional provenance must evolve to survive a decentralized future.
The conversation underscored a key challenge: as technology continues to outpace legislation, the ability to define and defend “authenticity” becomes the ultimate market differentiator. This gap between code and law represents a new territory for innovation, where the most successful actors will be those who can bridge the vacuum between digital speed and legal certainty.
Ultimately, the International Business Law Club’s initiative served as an urgent reminder that in an era of infinite replication, the only true scarcity is legal title. By shifting the conversation from simple protection to strategic capital, the masterclass forced a realization that the future of innovation is inextricably linked to the rigor of its legal defense.
For the business leaders and legal practitioners at AIM, the takeaway was clear: the most significant creative act of the 21st century may not be the invention of the asset, but the engineering of the legal structures that allow it to be owned, traded, and preserved.
As the creative and digital economies continue to evolve, the demand for leaders who can navigate the complexities of Intellectual Property has never been higher. This masterclass highlights the practical, forward-thinking education offered by the Master in International Business Law (MIBL) program. By joining the MIBL cohort, students gain deep, actionable insights into courses like IP Law, preparing them to safeguard innovation in a rapidly changing world.
We are currently accepting applications for the April 2027 intake. Start your journey with the AIM MIBL program today.
