Intellectual property in Venezuela

Antequera Parilli & Rodríguez

Antequera Parilli & Rodríguez has strengthened its intellectual property practice by expanding to handle advertising, marketing, regulatory and data protection matters, in addition to the management of trade mark portfolios, IP enforcement and anti-counterfeiting. Practice head Ricardo Alberto Antequera, who is a director of the Venezuelan Chamber of Franchises and a Venezuelan delegate of the ICC for IP law, advises on trade marks, copyright, unfair competition, advertising and entertainment law. Of counsel Ricardo Enrique Antequera is the head of the patent and international protection practice, and Manuel Antonio Rodríguez is the head of IP enforcement, including the litigation and anti-counterfeiting practices, and advises on all forms of intellectual property rights' infringement. Mariana Montiel stands out for her work in advising European and Latin American clients on a range of issues regarding IP, Dinora García focuses on advising Mexican and US clients, and María Rusé Ruggiero leads the trade mark department.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Alberto Antequera


Testimonials

Ricardo Enrique Antequera achieved a great result for us.

They stand out for their relationships with clients, ability to compromise, sense of responsibility, and expertise.

Key clients

Chanel


Roemmers


Shein


Aston Martin Lagonda


Under Armour


Inversiones CDE


Kraft Heinz Foods Company


Nike International


Hoffmann Eitle (Fertiberia)


Yummy


Work highlights


  • Advising Nike International on carrying out the inspection of merchandise.
  • Advised Aston Marin Lagonda on obtaining a successful decision from the Trademark Office of Ecuador to avoid the registration of a trade mark filed by a third party.
  • Handled an investigation on behalf of Shein to identify and take action on local stores over the unauthorised use of the trade mark “SHEIN”.

Bolet & Terrero

Bolet & Terrero has a strong historical reputation for intellectual property matters in Venezuela and is known for its experience in filing and prosecuting trade mark applications, with an emphasis on representing international clients seeking to do business in Venezuela. The firm is also notably active in patent matters, including landmark patent applications in the pharmaceutical sector, and copyright, media and entertainment, and advertising law issues. Advising on the IP aspects of corporate transactions is a growing area of expertise for the practice, where Luis Henriquez  and Rafael Ortin (both of whom joined the firm in 2021 from MHOV Abogados) take the lead and have expertise in matters involving trade secrets and confidentiality agreements. Practice head Manuel Polanco and associates Annette Angulo (whose experience covers trade marks, patents, copyright and non-traditional IP) and Guillermo López (an expert in trade mark matters) are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Polanco


Testimonials

Bolet & Terrero is one of the oldest and biggest firms in the country, especially with Luis Henriquez, Rafael Ortin and Annette Angulo reinforcing its practice. Its structure matches its size and its competitors in the market.

Manuel Polanco, Luis Henríquez and Rafael Ortín treat each case as the most important, which gives me trust in them.

The partners have good experience and a fresh vision of the market.

Work highlights


  • Representing domestic fintech startup Venpay in a dispute over the unauthorised use of its rights online, particularly on social media and in app stores.
  • Provided comprehensive rebranding support to Automercados Plaza, including clearance, use investigations, filing and prosecution, and copyright issues.
  • Advised on the registration of Papa John’s main trade marks, pending for many years due to significant delays at the Venezuelan IP Office.

Hoet & Partners

Hoet & Partners remains a leader in the Venezuelan market, with experience in advising both domestic and international clients on the management of large trade mark and patent portfolios. The team is also handles a steady stream of IP litigation and prosecution cases before the Venezuelan courts, including acting pro bono for local non-profit organisations benefiting low-income communities. Patricia Hoet-Limbourg (who is based in the US), and Alicia Molero, are both specialists in trade marks; while Hugo Bazzani Aronne has extensive experience in patent matters in particular, drawing on his strong in-house experience. Joaquín Núñez  who provides general advise on trade ,marks, patents and copyright related matters, undertakes IP portfolio management, and also advises on biotech and life sciences matters, is also a key name. The firm also has a number of new partners: Ana Hernández, who focuses on trade marks and has an impressive record in cases brought before the Venezuelan Trademark Office; trade mark and renewals department lead Flavia Amoroso; and patent department head Carlos Pacheco all being promoted in September 2023. María Milagros Nebreda retired from the firm in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Hoet Limbourg; Alicia Molero; Hugo Bazzani Aronne; Joaquín Núñez; Carlos Pacheco; Flavia Amoroso; Ana Hernández


Key clients

Dinsmore & Shohl


Jack Daniel’s Properties


Monica Molero Mendez


Arkema France


Mercadolibre Venezuela


HanesBrands


Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton


Foundation “Aprendiendo a querer”


PepsiCo


Barnes & Thornburg


Pavis


Fédération Internationale De Football Association (Fifa)


Casalonga


Merchant & Gould


Citizen Holdings


Shiga International Patent Office


Sasano & Associates


Ferrer IP Services


Work highlights


  • Advising Walmart in a foreign trade mark case.
  • Representing Jack Daniel’s in a class 25 suit, whereby the client will be in the position to sell its products in Venezuela under a valid trade mark registration.
  • Assisting Parker Highlander with overcoming the refusal of a patent application.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.

Led by associate Laura Rada, Baker & McKenzie, S.C. is noted for its advice on trade marks for noteworthy international clients from sectors including pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and beverages, and consumer products; new additions to the client portfolio are Astellas and Michelin. The firm also benefits from the support of its IPTech team and its extensive global network. Trade mark and patent attorney Indira García focuses on IP prosecutions before the Venezuelan Patent and Trademark Office.

Practice head(s):

Laura Rada


Key clients

Abbott Laboratories


General Motors Company


Bristish American Tobacco


Shell


Unilever


Bristol-Myers Squibb Company


Novartis


The Estee Lauder Companies


McDonald’s Corporation


Rich Products Corporation


L’Oréal


Univision


Elanco US


Regent


L Brands


Work highlights


  • Assisted General Motors in successfully submitting 32 trade mark applications claiming foreign priority before the IP Registry through its online system.
  • Assisted Rich Products in successfully submitting eight trade mark applications before the IP Registry through its online system.
  • Assisting Distillers United Group with IP issues relating to the sale of super premium Venezuelan brand “Ron Diplomático” to wine and spirits company Brown-Forman.

De Sola, Pate & Brown

De Sola, Pate & Brown focuses on licensing matters and the defence of intellectual property rights, covering all areas of patent, trade mark and copyright protection. Key names in the firm include Irene De Sola, whose practice takes in both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, and Richard Brown, who is primarily active in the trade mark arena.

ECV & Asociados

Boutique IP firm ECV & Asociados covers a broad range of IP matters, including trade mark registrations, domain name issues, copyright and patent-based work. The firm has also engaged in anti-piracy litigation and regulatory issues. Founding partners Enrique Cheang, Marianella Montilla and Carlos Terra are key names and are skilled in all areas of IP law.

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz affiliate TEHAR is dedicated to the registration, management and protection of intellectual property. The firm offer services spanning the fields of trade marks, copyrights and patents, including trade mark searches, the preparation of trade mark licensing agreements and filings before the relevant authorities, handling matters for domestic and international clients. Karen Incera De Bilbao leads the team and has a broad practice covering patents, technology transfers, trade marks and copyright. Associate Estefanía Bolívar Méndez is a name to note for her work in handling the IP portfolios of a range of national and international brands.

Practice head(s):

Karen Incera de Bilbao


Key clients

Philip Morris International


Dinsmore & Shohl


Colgate Palmolive Company


Loma Cadena De Tiendas


Muebles De Acero Eterna


Froilan Paez


Stack & Layer


Destileros Ancestrales


Mario Hernández (Marroquinera, Colombia)


Grupo DGA


Baxter Healthcare


Work highlights


  • Managing Colgate’s trade mark portfolio, and opposing more than eight trade mark applications to protect the client’s interests and rights.
  • Leading a complex negotiation to design a licensing strategy for the IP portfolios of three companies within a business group for royalty payments.
  • Advising the Mario Hernandez company on the protection of its trade marks in Venezuela.

D'Empaire

D'Empaire advises on a range of IP and technology matters, including patent, copyright and trademark-related litigation, alongside the IP aspects of corporate transactions. Furthermore, the firm also advises on IP issues stemming from licensing, collaboration and outsourcing agreements. Pedro Perera and José González are the key contacts in the firm.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia. has seen an increase in work relating to the registration of trade marks, but covers a wide range of areas of IP law, including litigation and IP due diligence on M&A transactions handled by the firm. Esteban Palacios handles clients’ intellectual property matters both in and out of court, while Luisa Lepervanche has experience in IP and consumer protection issues. Associate Francesca Rigio is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Esteban Palacios; Luisa Lepervanche


Key clients

Miranda Capital Partners


Daniela Paints


Work highlights


  • Advised Miranda Capital Partners regarding the target companies of a major acquisition and their intellectual property issues.
  • Advised an artist, Daniela de Castro Sucre, regarding her copyright licence agreements and how to protect her work.
  • Advised several private sector companies in the registration process of trade marks and patents in Venezuela.

Moreau, González & Asociados

Moreau, González & Asociados has a specialised practice in the copyright space, acting for domestic and international clients in industries including food and drink, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, entertainment and financial services. Recently, the firm has expanded its capabilities in IP-related matters, covering trade mark infringement, unfair competition, border measures and criminal actions. Jacqueline Moreau Aymard is the head of the practice and is focused on copyright law. Ana Carolina González Benoit is another key figure at senior level.

Practice head(s):

Jacqueline Moreau Aymard


Testimonials

Prompt service, good legal knowledge, accurate advice.

The firm stands out for its cost-quality ratio, service, prompt attention and solutions.

Moreau González & Asociados stands out for the depth of its legal knowledge and the excellence of its services. The firm is made up of professionals specialised in different branches of law, who are committed to providing a reliable and efficient experience, always seeking practical solutions.

Key clients

Empresas Polar


Open English


Grupo Santander


Target


Essity


Productos Familia


General de Alimentos Nisa


Sika


Alticor


Vinda Paper


Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez

Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez offers services relating to trade marks, patents and copyright, and works in collaboration with the firm's constitutional and administrative law and litigation departments to protect clients in connection with the infringement of intellectual property rights.