Infante & Pérez Almillano

Intellectual Property, Copyright Law, Civil and Criminal Law

Lawyer

With more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property and civil litigation, Ernesto Nicolau is widely recognized for his effectiveness in protecting trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and copyrights in Panama. He has led investigations in the Colón Free Zone, ports, and border areas, achieving the seizure of counterfeit goods and the recovery of economic damages on behalf of his clients. 

His track record includes representation in over 300 cases resulting in criminal and civil convictions, as well as the successful resolution of more than 500 disputes through out-of-court settlements, consolidating his reputation as a leading practitioner in intellectual property in the region. 

He has been distinguished on several occasions by Chambers Global as an “Associate to Watch”, “Leading Lawyer in Intellectual Property”, and for his “high negotiation skills.” 

PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES

Author of academic articles on intellectual property, civil liability, and procedural law (2018–2025).

Speaker at ASIPI congresses and seminars organized by WIPO, the University of Panama, and the Judicial School of Panama. 

Contributor to Revista La Antigua and proceedings of international intellectual property congresses.

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Spanish

Doctorate in Law (Ph.D. candidate), University of Panama (2025). 

LL.M. in Criminal Law, University of Panama (2022). 

LL.M. in Procedural Law, Interamerican University of Panama (2016). 

Master’s in Higher Education, ULACIT (2013). 

LL.M. in Law with emphasis in Private Law, University of Panama (2001). 

Bachelor of Laws and Political Science (LL.B.), University of Panama (1998). 

Specialized courses in Copyright Law, Industrial Property, and the Adversarial Criminal System in Panama, the United States, and Latin America.

He currently serves as a professor at the Universidad Santa María La Antigua (USMA), where he coordinates the Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property and teaches courses in Civil Law, Contracts, Property, Intellectual Property, and Civil Procedure. He is also a lecturer at the University of Panama (CRUSAM), teaching Civil and Commercial Law.