Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Intellectual property

Experienced partner Juan José Porras Castillo and director Juan José Porras Ramírez lead the IP practice at GT Legal, which regularly advises clients on anti-counterfeiting and the registration of their brand portfolios.
Mollerlaw is active in the protection of clients’ trademark portfolios, both in Guatemala and regionally, and also advises on niche issues such as plant varieties, drawing on the experience of Enrique Möller and Cynthia Sequeira.

Intellectual property in Guatemala

BLP

BLP‘s IP team attracts high praise from clients for its ‘great ability to handle work in various jurisdictions‘, leveraging the firm’s regional footprint to advise clients on the management of IP portfolios across Central America. The firm offers an impressively broad practice, with its workload ranging from trademark and patent prosecutions to complex copyright matters, IP-related litigation, and the acquisition of IP assets in high-profile transactions. In particular, the team is commended for its advice to multinationals, most notably in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors, where it counts a host of household names among its clients. Other areas of expertise include health registrations (where the team is supported by regulatory affairs specialists Jennifer Calderón and Diana Godoy), data privacy and consumer protection. ‘Wonderful adviserLuis Ruiz leads the IP group in Central America, while the ‘outstandingPamela López is head of IP in Guatemala. The growing team also includes associates Marleni García and Melanie Avea, who joined from Sfera Legal in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Luis Ruiz; Pamela López


Testimonials

The BLP team is always attentive to news in the legal market in order to be able to provide a legal service that goes hand in hand with market innovation.

Excellent service provided. Always take care of the smallest detail.

What makes this practice unique is its speed and efficiency in responding to clients’ questions. They have a varied and diverse team that greatly enriches the practice and the recommendations and strategies for clients. Compared to other offices in Latin America, BLP stands out for its cordiality and excellence.

The plus is its diversity and the different backgrounds of its lawyers. Pamela López, who demonstrates knowledge, quality and human warmth, is outstanding.

They have a great ability to handle work in various jurisdictions and produce a well-unified final document. They are excellent managers.

Luis Ruiz has a great and solid knowledge of the subject and understands our business very well, which makes him a wonderful adviser on intellectual property issues for Central America.

A strong team, with professionals who are clearly masters of the subject. Luis Ruiz and Pamela López stand out.

Luis Ruiz provides a first-class service. Pamela López always demonstrates knowledge, good judgement and excellence.

Key clients

Meta Platforms


Apple


Warner Media


BioNTech


Bayer


H & M Hennes & Mauritz


Youtube


Spotify


GoDaddy


Amazon.com


Work highlights


  • Advised Home Box Office on protecting its intellectual property assets in Guatemala, and provided assistance to Warner Bros International Television Production during the filming of Dutch TV show “De Gevaarlijkste Wegen van de Wereld” in Guatemala.
  • Advised GoDaddy on intellectual property, data protection and consumer regulations in relation to launching a product in Guatemala.
  • Advised Meta Platforms on a risk assessment for a new Instagram feature launched in El Salvador and Guatemala.

Consortium Legal

Hailed for its ‘wide range of experience‘, Consortium Legal‘s IP team can draw on both the firm’s presence across Central America and its ‘network of legal contacts throughout the world‘ to assist some of the most prominent multinationals in Guatemala with the management of their domestic and international IP portfolios. The department has particular strengths in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, with a practice that spans the gamut of trademark, patent and copyright matters. It is also well versed in domain names, geographical indications and advertising issues for clients in the retail and hospitality industries, taking advantage of the firm’s region-wide IP software to organise clients’ information. On the contentious side, the team frequently handles cancellation, unfair competition and, particularly, infringement actions. Ninoshka Urrutia, who is widely recognised for her extensive IP experience, leads the practice. She is supported by up-and-coming associate Stephanie Arévalo, who heads the international department (specialising in the registration of trademarks worldwide) and patent department.

Practice head(s):

Ninoshka Urrutia


Testimonials

They are professionals with a wide range of experience, which allows their approach to special topics to be very rigorous.

Ninoshka Urrutia and Stephanie Arévalo are proactive and precise in their actions.

Consortium Legal is distinguished by its service. We work with Consortium and its network of legal contacts throughout the world on intellectual property in other continents. The experience has been excellent, due to the assistance they provide. They have staff dedicated to our account who provide support with tracking issues.

Stephanie Arévalo worked hand in hand with our company and law firms in other countries in the defence of our intellectual property. She gives timely follow-up on all developments and anticipates all deadlines, which allows us, as a team, to come up with better proposals.’

Key clients

CMI


General Mills


The Pillsbury Company


Mars


Inmobiliaria Pinula


Lorenesi y Compañía (Chocolates Granada)


Laboratorios Quimico – Farmaceuticos Lancasco


Royalty World


Productos Alimenticios Diana


Sinterklaas


Inbestgo


Erica Muralles


Work highlights


  • Advised Bixa on the management of its trademark portfolio in the Middle East, Europe and the US.
  • Advised Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) on the management of its trademark portfolio.
  • Advised Inbestgo on a cease-and-desist letter for trademark infringement and the preparation of a website to commercialise NFTs.

Mayora IP

Mayora IP takes advantage of sister firm Mayora & Mayora, S.C.‘s strong corporate and litigation practices and presence across Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras when offering the full range of services to major regional and international companies. Praised by clients as ‘first class in every way‘, the team is particularly sought after in litigation, frequently handling unfair competition, cancellation, and infringement and anti-counterfeiting actions. It is also well versed in the management of large trademark portfolios and handles a significant number of patent filings (particularly pharmaceutical patents), as well as assisting with copyright, industrial designs, technology transfer, trade secrets and domain names (supported by the firm’s domain name and brand protection service, Mayora Domains, S.A.). Joint managing partners Eduardo Mayora and Santiago Mayora, a go-to for high-profile litigation, lead the practice. The deep bench also includes senior associates Hugo Rivas, a patent specialist, and Sara Larios, who focuses on litigation, with an emphasis on constitutional matters.

Practice head(s):

Santiago Mayora; Eduardo Mayora


Testimonials

An innovative firm that is integrated in three countries, with several decades of experience. It is competitive with other firms, has expert partners and associates, and a large and solid team. The management model using state-of-the-art technology makes processes more efficient. They stand out for innovation and management expertise.

Eduardo Mayora Alvarado stands out for his experience and solid academic background. Santiago Mayora and Hugo Rivas have up-to-date training and experience which allows them to serve a wide portfolio of national and foreign clients.

The team is first class in every way. The most important factor is reliability – they are on top of every matter, both in terms of deadlines and providing timely commercial advice. For clients on the other side of the world it makes such a difference having such reliable agents.

Key clients

Panda Express


Payless


Sunbeam (Oster)


Ufinet


Vélez Guatemala


MHCS – Moët Hennessy


Industrias Allen


Banco Cuscatlán


Cargill


DLA Piper


Work highlights


  • Assisted a client with securing the acquisition of a domain name for a brand that the client was registering throughout the Americas.
  • Advised a leading Central American university on the negotiation of a life sciences R&D project, including technology transfer and trade secrets matters.
  • Acted for Sunbeam in successfully seeking a constitutional injunction to overturn a ruling by the first-instance court that the client, as a foreign company, should pay a surety bond while bringing criminal infringement proceedings.

Palomo Abogados

IP is a signature strength of the ‘excellentPalomo Abogados, making it the ‘firm of choice‘ for major multinationals from industries including pharmaceuticals, technology, and food and beverages. The team’s close links with international firms are an asset for clients seeking the management of their IP portfolios in Guatemala and throughout Latin America, as is its broad offering of IP services, spanning trademark, copyright and patent matters, as well as technology transfer and data protection. Litigation is also a key area of expertise, particularly anti-counterfeiting actions; in addition, the team frequently offers training and advice on customs issues. At the head of the practice, Héctor Palomo is active in complex litigation and wins praise from clients for his ‘extensive experience in the anti-piracy field‘, and director Sandra Iriarte, who is highlighted as ‘a great leader‘, advises on the administration and enforcement of IP portfolios. The talented cohort of associates includes Flor Méndez, who leads the IP department’s national practice.

Practice head(s):

Héctor Palomo; Sandra Iriarte


Testimonials

Palomo Abogados is an excellent firm, with experience in the area and treatment of clients that distinguishes them and sets them apart from other firms. Their service is unique, outstanding, and they are always willing to collaborate. They provide fast, accurate and quality response to the needs of their clients.

In our opinion, the entire Palomo Abogados team is excellent. We highlight the work of Héctor Palomo, who has vast experience in the field, recognition from his peers and clients, and unique kindness. He is the combination of professional value added to value as a person. It is also important to mention Sandra Iriarte, a great leader at Palomo Abogados, who has exceptional expertise, human warmth and great professionalism. We are also in permanent contact with Flor Méndez, who has the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to our requests.

‘Palomo Abogados is our firm of choice in Guatemala. Its team stand out – they follow up correctly on the cases and offer concrete and fast answers.

Key clients

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg


React The Anti-Counterfeiting Network


Grupo Salinas (Elektra, TV Azteca, Banco Azteca, Fundación Azteca)


Lincoln Electric


Arochi & Lindner


Lloreda Camacho & Co


King & Wood Mallesons


CCM IP


Starbucks Coffee Company


Perani & Partners


Pecuarius Laboratorios


Work highlights


  • Advising React, the anti-counterfeiting network, on the enforcement of the IP rights of its key members in Guatemala, such as Samsung, Huawei, Johnson & Johnson, Mattel, Pandora and many others.
  • Advising Lincoln Electric on the strategy to fight the sale of counterfeit products throughout the Latin American region.
  • Advising Starbucks on the handling of its entire trademark portfolio, including the coffee company as well as the trademarks involving tea and other beverages and products.

Viteri & Viteri

A presence in the Guatemalan legal market for four generations, boutique firm Viteri & Viteri is renowned for its experience in the full range of IP matters, acting for an enviable roster of international brands, as well as several major Guatemalan and regional companies. While its client base spans an array of industries, the team has particular strengths in the fashion, pharmaceuticals and telecoms sectors. The firm advises on a high volume of local and international trademark and patent filings, and also has a dedicated litigation practice, which has recently had an increasing focus on the criminal enforcement of IP rights. Veteran practitioner Ernesto Ricardo Viteri Echeverría, whose impressive career includes drafting key legislation governing IP in Guatemala, leads the practice with senior associate Ricardo Zúñiga Viteri, who leads the firm’s enforcement efforts and is also responsible for patent prosecutions. Managing partner Ernesto José Viteri Arriola is also a prominent figure in the team, while Pilar Ogarrio is a notable contact for trademark filings and oppositions.

Practice head(s):

Ernesto Ricardo Viteri Echeverría; Ricardo Zúñiga Viteri


A. D. Sosa & Soto

A. D. Sosa & Soto fields a specialist IP division, Innova IP, which is admired by clients for its ‘flexibility‘ and ‘technical knowledge‘. The firm is prolific in registering trademarks in Guatemala, but is also ‘an ideal partner on regional projects‘, frequently teaming up with other firms to manage clients’ IP portfolios across Central America and worldwide. In addition, the team works with other departments in the full-service firm to advise on compliance policies concerning intangible assets and data protection, and the transfer of IP rights in the context of corporate and financial transactions. On the contentious side, the practice is experienced in both civil and criminal enforcement, led by associates Daniel Marroquín and David Barrientos. Director Hania Krück, who has particular expertise in the orange economy, heads the team with Juan Sebastián Soto.

Practice head(s):

Hania Krück; Juan Sebastián Soto


Testimonials

It is honestly one of the best firms we have worked with, not only in Guatemala, but in the entire region. What makes the team truly different is its good response times and comprehensive knowledge of the legislation. We would not use a different firm.

We work with Hania Krück, who has comprehensive knowledge and the ability to adjust to the needs of each client.

Hania Krück stands out from any other lawyer from her country because she is extremely responsible, has excellent response times and is always very involved in the process.

Among the team’s strengths are their technical knowledge of the area of law and their flexibility. They provide alternative solutions to adapt to the client’s budget.

They are specialised in the area of intellectual property, propose innovative strategies and are an ideal partner on regional projects.

They are business-focused and responsive. All team members speak fluent English.

Juan Sebastián Soto and Hania Krück stand out.

Key clients

Nutriansa


AdsLive Media


Pan Genesis


HTech


Colbs Estudio Legal


Romero Pineda & Asociados


Volcano Capital


Novabox (Sky)


Aly-ai


Grupo Disagro


Grupo Meme


Otis McAllister


Suzuki Motor Corporation


Autopartes


Bright Domino


Casa Medica


Controladora Vuela Compañía De Aviación (Volaris)


Lululemon Athletica Canada


Centro Cultural Español


Masesa


Bodega Farmaceutica (Farmacias Cruz Verde)


Laboratorios Drogavet


Work highlights


  • Advised Novabox (Sky) on the registration of more than 45 trademarks in Guatemala, and defended the client against several oppositions.
  • Advising AdsLive Media on the implementation of a structure to ensure the protection of its software developments.
  • Advised Autopartes on the registration of its trademarks in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Arias

The IP practice at Arias leverages the firm’s full-service model and wide regional network to offer clients comprehensive advice on trademarks, patents, geographical indications, domain names and copyright, both in Guatemala and internationally. Frequently acting alongside its counterparts in Central America, the team advises on trademark and patent prosecutions and coordinates the management of IP portfolios for an impressive roster of multinational clients, with a focus on the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and automotive sectors. Other notable areas of expertise include advertising, software licensing and royalties. Drawing on the skill of experienced litigator Mario René Archila, the practice is also well equipped to handle civil and criminal litigation, including anti-piracy claims. Senior counsel Ivón Hernández, who has extensive experience in contentious and non-contentious IP matters, leads the team with office managing partner Liz Gordillo.

Practice head(s):

Liz Gordillo; Ivón Hernández


Testimonials

Knowledgeable about the administrative procedures in intellectual property matters. Flexible and understanding of clients’ requirements.

The team stands out for its speed in responding to issues.

Key clients

The Procter & Gamble Company


Sanofi


Bayer


AstraZeneca


US Dairy Export Council


Inditex


Philip Morris Products


Lorenzetti – Industrias Brasileiras Electrometalúrgicas


KPMG


Boehringer Ingelheim International


Work highlights


  • Defending Industrias Sol against a legal action brought by a former distributor for the nullity of the trademark “Sol”.
  • Defending Mylan Pharmaceuticals against an opposition action brought by Global Farma against the client’s “Endulin” trademark application.
  • Coordinating the filing and prosecution of patent applications for Boehringer Ingelheim International in Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama.

Legalsa

Legalsa‘s IP practice wins praise from clients for its ‘broad command of the subject‘ and ‘mastery of the legal procedures‘, making it a strong choice to advise a host of well-known domestic and multinational companies on the management of their IP portfolios throughout Central America. The team frequently assists with trademark registrations and renewals, and also has notable experience in niche areas such as motion trademarks and copyright licensing agreements for works of art. On the contentious front, the department leans on top-flight litigators Alejandro Penados and Henry Comte in opposition, infringement, unfair competition and anti-counterfeiting claims. The firm also has practices dedicated to advising start-ups and clients in the e-commerce space on IP matters. The ‘committedKarina Calderón heads the practice, ably supported by associate Óscar Herrera.

Practice head(s):

Karina Calderón


Testimonials

Legalsa’s intellectual property team, led by Karina Calderón, has proven to be efficient, standing out for its mastery and knowledge of the field, information management, response times, and ability to provide solutions to conflicts arising from the registration processes for intellectual property rights. The quality of work and competitive prices differentiate Legalsa from other law firms in the market.

Karina Calderón is a committed professional focused on providing a personalised service adapted to the needs of the client. She is always willing to provide efficient solutions for different scenarios in intellectual property matters.

I consider it a very efficient practice. They support us through the legal processes, clarifying the terms and technical language. In trademark registration processes, they are very proactive and always suggest previous searches to avoid future costs, which is appreciated.

They are very kind in their treatment of clients and are very patient when it comes to guiding us through the processes and legal terms. They are organised and do not require follow-up since they report back to us themselves  on the stages of the process.

They are always clear in terms of the strategies to be adopted in the legal procedure, and always provide a personal and high-quality service to their clients. Compared to other firms in Guatemala, Legalsa gives importance to all of the client’s issues, no matter how small, making them feel that they are a priority and that they are always well attended.

They are great experts in the field. They have a broad command of their subject and mastery of the legal procedures and this gives confidence to their clients.

The service we have received has been totally satisfactory.

We have received excellent service from Óscar Herrera and from the staff in charge of billing and collection. Their treatment of us is always punctual and friendly.

Key clients

Climate Partner


Grupo Castelli


Misión Taiwan en Guatemala


Weetabix


TotalEnergies


Hennés & Mauritz (H&M)


Puma Energy International


PriceSmart


PayPal


Colombina


Tommy Hilfiger


Milagro de Amor


Fosforera Centroamericana


Complejo Industrial Xnaj


Avianca Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised Climate Partner on strategies for protecting its trademarks and on the certification rules in Guatemala, including the registration of trademarks in over 25 classes.
  • Successfully defended CBC against challenges to its “Aqua Eco” trademark.
  • Advised Misión Taiwan en Guatemala on the development and protection of communal trademarks and trade dresses for small agricultural producers of coffee and honey.

Palacios & Asociados/Sercomi

Palacios & Asociados/Sercomi has established a strong reputation in the Guatemalan legal market for IP matters, with longstanding experience in advising national and international clients on the management of their IP portfolios in Central America, the Dominican Republic and South America. The team frequently acts for companies in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, thanks in part to the wider firm’s expertise in pharmaceutical law and regulatory affairs. IP litigation is also a key area of expertise. The highly experienced Marco Antonio Palacios leads the practice and is noted for his strength in patent-related matters.

Alta QIL+4 Abogados

Thanks to the firm’s strong presence in Central America, Alta QIL+4 Abogados is well positioned to advise its growing client base of domestic and multinational companies on regional strategies to protect their IP rights. The team routinely assists with trademark registrations and renewals, and also advises on data privacy, advertising and trade secrets. IP litigation also features in the team's workload; the practice is active in opposition, cancellation and unfair competition actions, as well as anti-counterfeiting cases. At the helm of the practice, managing partner Marcos Ibargüen has expertise in IP litigation and agency and distribution agreements, and senior associate Alejandro del Valle is noted for his broad experience in contentious and non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Alejandro del Valle; Marcos Ibargüen


Testimonials

‘It is a team that is very easy to communicate with, which gives confidence to achieve common objectives, with a great commitment to the client, which makes it possible to solve problems that arise in a more efficient and timely manner.’

Key clients

Taco Bell Guatemala


PPG Industries USA


Campbells


Caña Real


Laboratorios Saval


ASKO Appliances


International Biodegradable Products Institute


Plastic Brothers


Wakami


Aceros de Guatemala


Work highlights


  • Advised the International Biodegradable Products Institute on the local registration of its logo, which certifies that plastic products are biodegradable.
  • Advised Plastic Brothers on a strategy to protect its three-dimensional trademarks and defend itself against unfair competition in the marketplace.

Bermejo & Bermejo

The ‘excellent‘ IP lawyers at Bermejo & Bermejo are frequently engaged to advise on the protection of clients’ brand portfolios, not only in Guatemala but also throughout Central America and other Latin American jurisdictions, thanks to the firm’s strong links with international practices. The team consistently assists with trademark registrations and renewals, as well as handling opposition actions. Its diverse client roster includes many multinational and multilatina companies, with a particularly strong presence in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Garnering praise for his ‘extensive knowledge of the subject matter‘, Luis Fernando Bermejo co-heads the practice with Juan Carlos Bermejo and also serves as chair of the new emerging issues subcommittee of the INTA. Associate Flor de María Folgar provides key support on administrative matters.

Practice head(s):

Luis Fernando Bermejo; Juan Carlos Bermejo


Testimonials

We have worked with other law firms, but Bermejo & Bermejo are more professional and the explanation they have given us of the processes has been much clearer. In addition to being excellent lawyers, they have given us suggestions for follow-up. It has been our best decision to work with them.

Luis Fernando Bermejo has been the best lawyer we have had related to the registration of our trademarks. He has a lot of experience and has found the ideal paths to take in our case. His very professional advice has really helped us to understand the process and the options we have.

The team is efficient and effective. The response times are fast and they provide very good legal opinions on our cases, which has allowed us to obtain favourable results. What always stands out is their willingness to collaborate on all the necessary matters to fully resolve all the issues and go that extra mile to achieve the results expected by each of their clients.

Key clients

Grupo Solid/Lapco Corporation


Novartis


Rainbow Agrosciences


Kimberly-Clark Worldwide


Tropic Air


Pollo Brujo de Centroamérica


Empremax


Agrocentro (Brandmaster)


Servicios Condumex


Grupo Carso


Work highlights


  • Defended Empremax against opposition actions brought by Bimbo and Livsmart to the registration of the “Naturissimo” trademark.
  • Advising Rainbow Agrosciences on the registration of new trademarks following the change of its corporate mark globally, and coordinated the protection of the brand in Central America.
  • Overseeing the entire brand portfolio for Kimberly-Clark Worldwide in Guatemala, including filing for the registration of 20 different trademarks.

BUFELCO Bufete López Cordero

Litigation is a mainstay at BUFELCO Bufete López Cordero's long-established IP practice, which handles a high volume of trademark nullity, cancellation and unfair competition claims on behalf of an extensive roster of multinational clients. The team is also well versed in anti-counterfeiting actions (particularly for clients in the retail and personal care sectors), and its practice extends to criminal IP litigation and the seizure of counterfeit goods. On the advisory front, the department is predominantly active in trademark prosecutions, licensing and the IP aspects of transactions. Managing partner Guillermo López Davis, who is widely recognised for his broad IP experience, leads the team alongside recently appointed partner Iris García King.

Practice head(s):

Guillermo Lopez Davis; Iris García King


Key clients

Walmart


Abbott Laboratories


Unilever


Limited Brands (Victoria’s Secret)


UPL Corporation/Arysta LifeScience


GlaxoSmithKline


Carvajal Propiedades e Inversiones


Grupo Monge (Gallo Más Gallo)


General Motors


Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai/KIA)


Michelin


Shell


Work highlights


  • Acted for Walmart in an infringement action against a local online supermarket over the use of the client’s spark design logo.
  • Successfully defended Swarovski against an opposition filed by a third party to the client’s trademark application for its updated swan logo.
  • Acted for BTL in an infringement action against the use of its “Emsculpt” and “BTL” trademarks for medical and aesthetic equipment.

Carrillo & Asociados

The IP practice at Carrillo & Asociados has a strong focus on litigation, tapping into the wider firm’s expertise in dispute resolution. The team handles both civil and criminal actions, including cancellations, oppositions and unfair competition claims, but is particularly prominent in the anti-counterfeiting space, assisting with investigations, prosecutions and the seizure of counterfeit goods. In addition, the team advises on the registration of trademarks and patents for a range of domestic and international clients. Experienced litigators Luis Mazariegos and Ricardo Recinos specialise in contentious-administrative IP matters, while strategic litigation head Rodrigo Callejas and senior associate Mauricio Ordóñez are the names to note for criminal IP cases. Associate Alfaro López concentrates his practice on the management of IP portfolios.

Dentons

Praised by clients as ‘very strong in managing trademarks‘, the IP practice at Dentons benefits from the firm’s extensive footprint in Central America and worldwide when advising on the trademark and health registration portfolios of major multinationals, with a client base that spans the food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare sectors. The team is also recognised for its niche expertise in the entertainment space, handling significant litigation concerning the infringement of artists’ copyright. Director Gabriela Gándara is singled out for her ‘outstanding level of service and knowledge‘ in both advisory and contentious IP matters. She is supported by associate Nicolle Egger, managing partner Luis Abundio Maldonado and dispute resolution director Paola Haase.

Practice head(s):

Gabriela Gándara


Testimonials

What makes Dentons very strong in managing trademarks is their speed when solving problems, proactivity in controlling and monitoring the case, and organisation.

Gabriela Gándara has an outstanding level of service and knowledge.

The Dentons Muñoz intellectual property team stands out for its specialisation and innovation in its practice area and in the provision of services. Most of all, they stand out for the professionalism of their advice and the availability of the team to promote and advise on legal innovations with the client.

The firm’s lawyers stand out for the trust, closeness and professionalism that is reflected in the provision of their services. Gabriela Gándara stands out for the personalisation of her advice and treatment of clients. She also stands out for her notable experience in the area, which allows her to advise in an efficient and innovative way, giving confidence to the client.

Detail-oriented, very precise legal advice, and timely responses.

Gabriela Gándara is great! She is always timely and business-oriented.’

The team differentiates itself through its extensive knowledge of the entire Central American region. It is a plus that they have local lawyers in each country instead of working with agents. Good knowledge of intellectual property and regulatory affairs. As clients we have seen that Dentons are very coordinated regardless of the country in which they work.

Gabriela Gándara is a great leader. Her experience and knowledge of the different jurisdictions is amazing.

Key clients

Asociación Guatemalteca de Gestión de la Industria de Productores de Fonogramas y Afines (AGINPRO)


Sociedad de Artistas de la Música y Obras Audiovisuales (MUSICARTES)


Walmart Centro América


Papelera Internacional


Wal-Mart de México


Laboratorios Siegfried


Royal SM


Alimentos Prosalud


Super de Alimentos


Feld Entertainment


La Danta Films/El Cadejo Blanco


Stanton


Bodegas Muga


Caribbean Development Company


Young Living Holdings


Pegamorteros de Guatemala


Ferretería de la Construcción


Grupo IDC


Intercorp Conectivity


HopeXchange Centro America


Grupo Portalis


Sumedica


Yara Guatemala


Work highlights


  • Advising Walmart on the management of its IP portfolio in Central America.
  • Advising Papelera Internacional (Painsa) on the management of its entire trademark and health registration portfolios in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
  • Advising Laboratorios Siegfried on the health registrations of its pharmaceutical and nutritional products before the Guatemalan Ministry of Health, and the management of its trademark portfolio.

Ideas Trademarks & Patents

Specialist IP firm Ideas Trademarks & Patents continued its expansion across Central America and the Caribbean with the launch of its Guatemala office, co-led by former CENTRAL LAW partner Gustavo Noyola. The firm has quickly built a robust practice in the country through the hires of associate Maria José Castellanos (also from CENTRAL LAW) and with a January 2023 association with Lexincorp which sees both practice co-head Gonzalo Menéndez González and experienced associate Ovidio Parra acting as members of both firms regarding IP matters. The team has considerable strength in the anti-counterfeiting field, representing a number of household-name international brands, and also advises on trademark prosecutions and oppositions, regional strategies for the management of clients’ IP portfolios, and related data protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Gustavo Noyola; Gonzalo Menéndez González


Testimonials

Quick and efficient responses. Organised, responsible and committed.’

‘Gustavo Noyola and Maria José Castellanos stand out.

Key clients

Apple


UL


Under Armour


Andes IP


Cedeño & Méndez


Specific IP


Distribuidora Liverpool


Equifax


Mendes & Cortes


Kearney & MuCulloch


Work highlights


  • Acting for Apple in anti-counterfeiting actions.
  • Assisting UL in infringement cases.
  • Acting for Under Armour in anti-counterfeiting actions.

Lex Atlas

Formed in October 2022 by former Sfera Legal managing partner Ignacio Andrade Aycinena and his team, Lex Atlas handles the full range of contentious and advisory IP matters, continuing a strategic alliance with IPE Americas. Advising on the management of clients’ trademark and health registration portfolios (both in Guatemala and internationally) is a mainstay for the team, which also takes on a steady stream of mandates relating to copyright and patents. In addition, the team has a strong presence in anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting litigation, with an emphasis on the entertainment industry, drawing on the sector expertise of experienced practice head Virginia Servent Palmieri.

Practice head(s):

Virginia Servent Palmieri


Testimonials

The team is highly specialised in piracy issues, particularly television signals, with extensive technical knowledge in this area in Guatemala. They are very client oriented and working with them gives us a lot of security. They are a small team but very specialised and highly results-oriented in their field of expertise.

The lawyers have a high level of technical ability and great experience. They are also very client-oriented and with great people skills. They are extremely attentive and always respond quickly, clearly and with a focus on the needs of their clients.

The service we receive from Virginia Servent is excellent.

Key clients

Uber Technologies


Qualcomm


ADM Animal Nutrition


Comunicaciones Celulares


Universidad Del Valle De Guatemala


Aprodica


Ivoclar Vivadent


Guatemala.Com


Nacion Sushi


Ole Distribution


Work highlights


  • Advised two well-known Guatemalan artists on the protection of their works.
  • Advising Media Company on the IP issues related to the audiovisual content to be broadcast on a new Guatemalan TV channel, known as guatemala.com TV.

Novales Abogados

Boutique firm Novales Abogados is best known for its experience in IP litigation, including unfair competition cases, but has a broad practice which also encompasses the monitoring of clients’ IP portfolios, the IP aspects of licensing and franchise agreements, and the transfer of IP assets. Director María Cristina Esteban leads the practice and has a notable skill set in litigation, with an emphasis on trademark matters. The experienced Javier Novales is also a name to note.