Antequera Parilli & Rodríguez

Antequera Parilli & Rodríguez is a pre-eminent IP powerhouse in Venezuela, distinguished by its sophisticated capacity to handle complex multi-jurisdictional mandates and entrenched administrative challenges. The Caracas-based team is a primary choice for global market leaders in the fashion, automotive and spirits sectors, particularly for resolving high-stakes trademark blockages and securing regional protection. The practice is noted for its ability to navigate stagnant administrative hurdles, recently resolving a trademark registration stalemate for a major retail group that had persisted for two decades. Enforcement remains a core pillar, with the team coordinating with national authorities on criminal trademark complaints and on-site inspections to dismantle counterfeit distribution networks. Managing partner Ricardo Alberto Antequera serves as Venezuela’s delegate to the ICC Intellectual Property Commission and directs the nation’s only IP master’s programme, recently handling complex administrative unblocking and criminal enforcement for Crocs. Ricardo Enrique Antequera serves as of counsel and heads the cross-border department, acting as the primary strategist for regional portfolio consolidation and high-profile oppositions for multinational development banks and luxury automotive manufacturers in Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador. Manuel Antonio Rodríguez leads the enforcement and anti-counterfeiting practice, handling litigation for global sportswear and luxury entities such as Nike and Chanel. The firm’s international reach is anchored by US desk leader María Rusé Ruggiero, who heads the trademark prosecution department, and European desk leader Mariana Montiel, who focuses on denominations of origin (DOPs) and regulatory clearance for marketing campaigns in protected national territories. Semi-senior associate Esther Bergel leads the Asian desk and provides vital technical support for regional strategies across Latin America, including recent mandates for development banks and spirits brands.