The ‘collaborative and knowledgeable’ team at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is led by ‘exceptional’ Susan Villanueva, who specialises in patent litigation and enforcement cases. The practice covers the full spectrum of IP matters, from the protection of business models, trade secrets and undisclosed information to the registration of trademarks and patents. It is also recommended for its work relating to the safe deposit of copyrighted work. The team also excels in advising on the registration of technology transfer agreements, in addition to handling administrative, civil and criminal cases concerning food and drug safety laws. Patricia Bunye is noted for her expertise in licensing and franchising matters, while Divina Gracia Pedron focuses on brand protection, trademark and copyright enforcement cases. Head of the patent team, Rowanie Nakan, is another key figure.

Led by Vida Panganiban-Alindogan, the nimble team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan handles a myriad of mandates, from trademark, copyright and patent protection issues to IP portfolio management. It is also adept at advising on the enforcement and licensing of IP rights, in addition to matters concerning the transfer of technology. Other key areas of expertise include IP litigation and enforcement cases, as well as administrative proceedings before the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. Anthony Dee advises on the enforcement of IP rights.

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) handles the full gamut of IP mandates under the leadership of Bienvenido Somera. The IP litigation practice covers regular court and administrative litigation for both inter partes and IP rights violation cases, with demonstrable experience in trademark and patent prosecution matters. Other core areas of expertise for the practice include advising on the online protection of IP rights. Katrina Doble focuses on trademark prosecutions and IP commercialisation, while Antonio Miguel Lu, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, has experience in trademark and patent litigation.

With demonstrable experience acting for national and international clients on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of IP protection matters, Victor De Leon and Richmond Lee are at the helm of Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALaw)’s IP practice. The first-rate team is well-equipped to advise on a broad range of mandates, from licensing and franchising to IPR enforcement, civil remedies and opposition proceedings. Alex Ferdinand S. Fider acts for clients across the pharmaceutical, broadcasting, sportswear and cosmetic sectors on the protection and enforcement of IP rights in the Philippines.

Led by Oliver Baclay, the IP team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has notable expertise in the pharmaceutical sector and regularly assists foreign clients on trademark registrations, both locally and internationally. The practice is also skilled in handling patent portfolios for foreign clients, in addition to trademark infringement and unfair competition cases. Baclay advises on disputes concerning patent, copyright and trademark infringements, and associate Maria Isabelle Poblete is another key figure in the team.

Hechanova Bugay Vilchez & Andaya-Racadio houses of team of ‘second to none’ lawyers, licensed patent and trademark agents, as well as other professionals, who handle a broad range of patent and trademark prosecutions, in addition to issues concerning copyright and domain name protection. The practice also has considerable expertise in contentious IP matters, such as enforcement and border control issues. Editha Hechanova leads on numerous anti-counterfeiting initiatives for the firm’s roster of domestic and foreign clients and advises on the IP-related aspects of joint ventures and demergers, as well as licensing and franchising mandates. Brenda Rivera and Noemi Rivera are also key figures in the group.

Led by Kristine Bongcaron, who was promoted to partner in November 2021, the team at Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad assists its roster of clients on the protection, administration and maintenance of their IP rights. The practice routinely advises on trademark and patent searches, in addition to trademark infringement litigation. Other key areas of expertise include advising on the assignment, licensing, franchising and transfer of IP rights between foreign enterprises and their local counterparts. Shirley Alinea, who is an accredited arbitrator of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, and Manuel Gonzalez are also key contacts.

Lucas Niccolo Cauton and Micaela Kristina V. Galvez jointly lead the IP practice at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. The team handles an array of trademark registration and enforcement issues.

Led by 'dedicated' Kurt Glen T. Yeung, the team at Kua Sy & Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law) handles a range of trademark matters, from advising on the registrability of a proposed mark to assisting in the maintenance of trademarks. The group is also well-placed to prosecute cases for infringement, passing-off and unfair competition.