Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia‘s group is highly regarded for its ’vast experience’ in IP. Its workload includes representing its international clientele on trademark registration applications; protection of trade secrets and business models; and matters involving anti-piracy and enforcement. Advising on regulatory compliance and product liability in line with the FDA regulations is another area of expertise of the team. Susan D. Villanueva oversees the practice and is a specialist in litigation and enforcement work. Patricia Bunye is a key practitioner equipped to handle licensing, franchising and regulatory cases, Divina Gracia E. Pedron has experience in brand protection, and Rowanie Nakan leads the firm’s patent group. Bunye is considered a ‘standout name’ alongside Carlo Valerio.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia not only knows IP laws in theory but also provides practical solutions which manage expectations of IP clients and guides their further decision-making.'
'The firm has vast experience in IP.'
- 'One thing that I admire about CMT, especially with registration of new trademarks, is their immediate provision of options and procedures because they know such matters are time-sensitive.’
‘Patricia Bunye and Carlo Valerio are standout names.'
- 'What makes the individuals standout and different from competitors is their efficiency and responsiveness.'
‘Very knowledgeable and good customer service.’
‘Good work ethic.'
'Aside from their very collaborative efforts, they are also very organised, and you wouldn't be left hanging on things you would like to know about a case.'
Key clients
- University of the Philippines
- Philippine Department of Science and Technology
- Technological Institute of the Philippines
- Green Cross, Inc.
- Oceanic Empire Limited
- The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company
- Vice Cosmetics Group, Inc. (VCGI)
- In-N-Out Burgers
- Fundacion Sanso
- Zalora SEA
Work highlights
- Represented Green Cross, Inc., a leading Filipino company in the personal care, health, and hygiene industry in defending its right over its corporate and trade name “GREEN CROSS”.
- Represented VCGI in defending the latter’s trademark application against an opposition filed by popular celebrity Jose Marie Viceral who is also known as “Vice Ganda” on the ground that VCGI supposedly used the “VICE COSMETICS” mark without his consent.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Carlo Valerio
Practice head
Susan D. Villanueva
Other key lawyers
Patricia Bunye; Rowanie Nakan; Divina Gracia E. Pedron; Carlo Valerio