Esteemed by clients for its ‘extensive industry experience across various domains’, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has broad capabilities handling various IP matters across the consumer goods, government, education and pharma industries, amongst others. Susan D. Villanueva oversees the practice and brings expertise in IP litigation and enforcement cases. Lauded by clients for her ’accessibility, professionalism, and client-focused approach’, Patricia Bunye specialises in IP commercialisation and regulatory matters. Divina Gracia E. Pedron is engaged in brand protection, trade marks and copyright enforcement matters, while Rowanie Nakan is skilled at handling litigation and IP valuation issues. Other key team members include Carlo Valerio and Anica Angela G. Gomez, who frequently provide assistance on litigious matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘CMT's IP practice stands out for its combination of legal precision, technical fluency, and commercial insight. They advise us mainly on how to protect, enforce, and maximise the value of our trade marks.'
- ‘The IP lawyers of the firm were engaged as expert consultants in our office’s evaluation of government-funded tech licensing transactions. Their involvement was instrumental in providing strategic insights and actionable recommendations. Through their expertise, they helped ensure that government investments in research and development yield meaningful returns and broader societal impact.'
- 'Extensive and deep knowledge on intellectual property. The firm is highly professional and has a lot has great client servicing as well. CMT aligns with our values of integrity in so far as all the dealings that they have supported us with. I also appreciate that their lawyers have been with them for more than a decade. It gives us confidence that they know our interests and will always give us sound advise based on their long standing relationship with us.'
- ‘What sets Patricia Bunye apart is her exceptional client dedication. Despite her role as managing partner of a prominent law firm, she consistently makes time to meet with us whenever needed to discuss trade mark matters. She goes beyond the typical attorney-client relationship by taking the time to understand her clients personally and showing genuine attentiveness to their concerns and goals. Her accessibility, professionalism, and client-focused approach are truly commendable.'
- 'The law firm's key strengths are their deep IP law knowledge and full-service IP capabilities, ranging from prosecution and portfolio management to litigation, licensing, and global enforcement strategies.'
- 'The team is highly accommodating, delivers high-quality services, offers superb technical assistance and training services, often going above and beyond to respond to government invitations and consultancy requests.'
- ‘The IP lawyers we are directly working with at the Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia firm have consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication.'
Key clients
- University of the Philippines
- Philippine Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI)
- Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.)
- Green Cross, Inc.
- Oceanic Empire Limited
- Japan Tobacco, Inc.
- Vice Cosmetics Group, Inc.
- In-N-Out Burgers
- Fundacion Sanso
- Zalora SEA
- Metromart Technologies, Inc.
- DBDOYC, Inc. (doing business as Angkas Philippines)
Work highlights
Represented our client in a trade mark dispute involving its well-known brand “NAUTILUS,” which had been registered by Taft Property Group, Inc.
Represented the client in filing a Complaint for Trade mark Infringement, Unfair Competition, and Copyright Infringement with a Prayer for Damages and secured an injunction against Hard Discount Philippines, Inc. for its use of copycat/infringing marks and labels for its vinegar, soy sauce, catsup, sweet chili sauce, and cooking oil in-house brands.
Represented the client in opposing the trade mark application for the mark “HUMAN BY NATURE” filed by Givaudan SA, a global leader in fragrance and beauty products.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Anica Angela G. Gomez
Carlo Valerio
Practice head
Susan D. Villanueva
Other key lawyers
Patricia Bunye; Divina Gracia E. Pedron; Rowanie Nakan; Carlo Valerio; Anica Angela G. Gomez