Intellectual property is a mainstay at Cavelier and satisfied clients assert that its practice is ‘one of most complete in LatAm‘. Among its chief attributes, sources highlight its ‘technical and quick responses‘ and ‘total mastery of the topics‘, with strong partner involvement also a recurring theme. The firm handles the full scope of related work and routinely advises on prosecution and litigation in relation to trade marks, copyrights and patents across Colombia and the wider region. Key names include: trade mark and copyright head Eduardo Varela (‘an outstanding partner‘); patent specialist Andrés Rincón (‘great knowledge of all patent-related matters’); Jorge Chávarro, whose broad practice spans geographical indications, trade marks, patents and regulatory affairs; and Edna Sarmiento, who specialises in IP litigation, including unfair competition and false advertising cases. The group can also draw on a deep and talented associate bench, including Melissa Soto (trade marks, copyright and entertainment). Associate Diana Vigoya joined from BBGS Abogados in March 2022; however, former health and regulatory-affairs partner Adriana Durán left to establish her own firm in July 2022.

Impressive IP and competition boutique OlarteMoure houses a six-partner strong IP practice, which supports clients nationally from five offices across Colombia (Barranquilla, Bogota, Bucaramanga, Cali and Medellin), while internationally it maintains on an outpost in Tokyo, that serves to channel relevant Asian work to the firm. The sizeable – 64-lawyer strong – group covers the waterfront on IP matters, with robust offerings in patents, trade marks, copyrights, anti-counterfeiting, technology transfer and litigation. Names to note include renowned patents specialist Carlos Olarte, who heads-up the patents and life sciences team; Juan Moure, who leads the trade mark department (and is also active in competition matters); patent director Alexander Agudelo and dispute resolution specialist Juan Felipe Acosta. The group also benefits from a strong second line of associates, which includes trade mark director María Alejandra Pava.

Baker McKenzie S.A.S.‘ group is ‘comprised of experts in IP‘, say sources, who value its ‘comprehensive support in trade mark matters‘. The team is also equipped to advise on the full range of patent and copyright issues, including prosecution, enforcement, litigation and transactional support work, with the firm’s formidable global offering marking it as a popular choice to advise on the management of international portfolios. Department head Juan Pablo Concha Delgado has an emphasis on enforcement issues, including administrative, civil and criminal litigation. Additionally, seasoned of counsel Ricardo Metke is noted for IP disputes, senior associate Yuliana Salamanca handles trade mark and copyright prosecution and litigation, while associate Bibiana Cala is focused on criminal litigation. Since publication, both Salamanca and Cala have been raised to the partnership - effective as of April 2023.

IP boutique Castellanos & Co is noted for its ‘precise and fast' lawyers, who are ‘inventive and propose the best solutions'. The firm is primarily recognised for its focus on prosecution work —both in the patents and trade marks areas— as well as its strength in administrative litigation, particularly contentious work against the Patent and Trademark Office. Managing partner Ximena Castellanos spearheads the trade mark practice, with an emphasis on registrations and oppositions and other portfolio management issues. Margarita Castellanos leads the patent department but also maintains a robust trade mark practice, with experience in advising on administrative litigation involving trade marks and other distinctive signs.

BBGS Abogados‘ IP practice ‘provides a completely personalised service to the needs of each client', say sources. The full-service department combines standalone offerings in industrial property as well as advertising, entertainment and audio-visual production, which ensures that it packs a punch in entertainment-related matters. Indeed, one client attests, ‘I don’t know of another law firm that is as informed about production and television’. Key names include Felipe Rubio, who specialises in copyright and trade mark rights; and Myriam Montenegro, who is highly regarded for her expertise in audio-visual production, cinematography, television and commercial law. The group also benefits from the experience of dispute resolution head Lorenzo Pizarro. Associate Diana Vigoya left the firm in March 2022.

ClarkeModet Colombia‘s ability to plug into the wider ClarkeModet group’s ten-country strong IP network is a significant asset for domestic and foreign clients looking for multinational portfolio management. That being said, its standalone Colombian offering is very capable in all IP protection and strategy matters, with a focus on patent work — it also handles trade mark and copyright matters. New country manager Silvia Patiño joined in June 2021 from conglomerate, Organización Corona. Patiño oversees a team that includes director of the trade marks practice Miguel Rujana and senior consultant Carolina Daza. Regulatory specialist Alejandra Salazar left in December 2021.

IP-focused boutique EGR & Abogados Asociados strikes a balance between advisory work and litigation. On the non-contentious side, the firm consistently advises on the commercialisation, acquisition and licensing of IP assets. The team is also well versed in representing clients in defending their IP rights, both in judicial and arbitral proceedings. Director general of the firm Emilio García Rodríguez is a litigator, with an emphasis on IP and competition disputes.

Espinosa Olarte y Asociados Abogados's practice has a focus on copyright and trade mark law, particularly in the entertainment, food, life sciences and technology spheres. Equally adept at portfolio management and contentious work, the group is arguably best known for its activity in anti-piracy issues. Prior to entering private practice, department head Jorge Olarte Collazos served as Deputy Superintendent for Jurisdictional Affairs at the SIC and also served as Head of the Legal Office for the National Directorate of Copyright. Andrés Espinosa is also experienced in IP and anti-piracy matters.

Guerrero & Asociados Propiedad Intelectual's focus on IP law translates into a broad practice that advises clients on a range of strategic counselling and business development matters, through to tax-related issues and dispute resolution. Managing partner Manuel Guerrero is noted for his strong background in technology-related IP and is a former adviser to the Technological Support Command of the Colombian National Army. Other recommended names include Natalia Pérez, whose practice has an emphasis on trade marks, copyrights and new technology; and María Camila Correa, who is noted for her record in IP portfolio management.

Madrid-headquartered H&A specialises exclusively in IP matters from its extensive network of offices across Spain and Latin America. The firm aims to be a one-stop-shop for the management and protection of IP assets, with strong offerings in patents, trade marks, designs, data protection and cybersecurity. Bogotá office director Adriana Peñaranda maintains a broad practice, with notable skill sets in trade marks, patents and franchise agreements. Carolina Calderón splits her time between Colombia and Spain and specialises in contentious IP, with a focus on ADR.

Holland & Knight finds favour with sources for its ‘personalised, prompt and useful advice‘. The group is distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach to the area, which sees it provide integrated support on IP together with competition, consumer protection and data protection law. Department head Danilo Romero Raad is a regulatory specialist, whose practice spans IP, competition, consumer protection and TMT-related matters. Recommended names at associate level include Camila López, who has a broad regulatory focus; and Maria José Pardo, who joined in August 2021 from Brigard Castro. Associate Bettina Sojo, currently on study leave in New York, is also noted. Since publication, the team has been notably strengthened with the October-2022 hire of former director of the National Directorate of Copyright in Colombia, Camila Santamaría, as senior counse; with approaching 20 years’ experience, she has held leadership roles at both ASIPI and INTA – in the latter case serving on the organisation’s Latin America Global Advisory Council.

Commended by sources for providing a ‘5-star service',  Márquez-Robledo's integrated IP and entertainment department stands as the firm’s signature offering. In addition to its expertise in the traditional trade mark and copyright spheres, the team also handles literary and audio-visual rights, publishing deals and movie contracts, among other matters. Firm founder Santiago Márquez Robledo is recommended for his expertise in sophisticated copyright, advertisement and entertainment issues — both advisory and contentious. Associate María Alejandra Ahumada provides support and is noted for her focus on music, marketing and advertisement law.

Triana, Uribe & Michelsen's IP strategy and protection group supports domestic and multinational clients with their trade mark, copyright, patent and industry design-related needs. It also fields a strong niche offering in entertainment and sports law. Co-founding partner Juan Carlos Uribe spearheads the wider IP department, with support from up-and-coming specialist Andrés Medina. Co-founding partner —and dispute resolution head— Fernando Triana is the key contact for contentious work.