Intellectual Property/Information Technology
Protecting Identity, Promoting Innovation

Stepped-up enforcement of intellectual property rights is helping to make the Philippines increasingly attractive to global technology and other IP-intensive investors. Authorities are raiding software facilities, retail stores and other producers of counterfeit goods. Special courts are leading to quicker resolution of IP claims. The tougher stance has prompted the US government to remove the Philippines from its priority watch list for IP violations.

Quisumbing Torres, a member firm of Baker & McKenzie in the Philippines, recognizes the value of identity and innovation. Global industry leaders rely on us to help them anticipate the risks, exploit the opportunities and successfully manage the IP challenges critical to doing business in the Philippines – including copyright infringement, software and media piracy, and parallel importation.

We can get you off the ground and take advantage of a market eager for new technology. We have helped major foreign companies in broadcasting, telecommunications, software and hardware set up growing ventures in the country.

Quisumbing Torres also provides legal support to trade groups and authorities conducting raids, helping to reduce IP piracy in the country. Independent legal directories list our practice as one of the leaders in the field. Our large and diverse client base includes companies in digital consumer goods, software, apparel, luxury items and pharmaceuticals.

How We Can Help

• Intellectual property – We help companies obtain and exploit intellectual property rights, and register copyrights, trademarks and patents. We use a state-of-the-art online reporting system for filing and maintaining trademarks.
  
• Enforcement – We help conduct anti-piracy initiatives and secure government support to combat counterfeiting.
  
• Technology transfer – We help prepare, review and enforce technology contracts, equipment supply arrangements and software license agreements.
  
• Telecommunications – We help companies comply with regulatory requirements for telecommunications, broadcasting and IT-based services.
  
• Technology tools – Our IP management tools include the Global IP Manager, where you can view and update your IP portfolio in one central location, and Borderwatch, an online resource with IP and customs-related information, updates, forms and procedures for more than 50 countries.
  
• Other areas – We also handle pharmaceutical/food product registration, electronic commerce, entertainment and franchising.