Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) contributed the Philippine chapter of the Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guide on Patent Litigation 2025, a comprehensive guide featuring the latest information on patent litigation in various jurisdictions.
The chapter is divided into two (2) sections namely: 1) Law and Practice; and 2) Trends and Developments.
In the Law and Practice section, Senior Partners Susan D. Villanueva, Patricia A. O. Bunye, Rowanie A. Nakan, and Senior Associate Ritz Angelica R. Alejandro discuss the current Philippine legal and regulatory framework for patent, utility model, and industrial design prosecution, including the grant procedure, timeline, and relevant costs for each. The chapter also presents the post-grant proceedings available to patent owners in case of infringement, as well as the processes for the revocation and cancellation of patent, utility model or industrial design registrations. The discussion extends to appeal procedures and alternative modes of dispute resolution. Finally, the section explores the requirements and procedures associated with patent licensing and assignment.
In the Trends and Development section, Susan D. Villanueva, Patricia A. O. Bunye, Rowanie A. Nakan, and Junior Associate John Patrick M. Santos discuss the trends and developments in patent litigation and intellectual property law in the Philippines. In particular, the chapter highlights the initiatives taken by various government agencies to create an ideal landscape for IP owners and investors in the country. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (“IPO”) leads these efforts, having recently released the Philippine Intellectual Property Strategy for 2025-2030 which focuses on increasing IP awareness in the Philippines and the IPO’s support for smaller businesses and local partnerships. The section also discusses the recent jurisprudential and legislative developments, such as the landmark case of Phillips Seafood Philippines Corporation v. Tuna Processors, Inc., G.R. No 214148 (06 February 2023), and the new Internet Transactions Act of 2023. Finally, the section outlines the various and increasingly efficient avenues for the enforcement of IP rights in the Philippines through numerous government offices working closely with the IPO.
Chambers and Partners is an independent legal research company providing highly trusted rankings of the most exceptional law firms and lawyers across 200 jurisdictions. Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guides offer expert legal commentary on the main practice areas in key jurisdictions worldwide by focusing on practical legal issues affecting businesses. Chambers has ranked CMT’s Intellectual Property department in Band 1 in its Asia-Pacific rankings for six (6) years since 2016. Susan D. Villanueva, Patricia A. O. Bunye, Divina Gracia E. Pedron, and Rowanie Nakan, have all been recognized in Chambers’ Asia-Pacific rankings, with Patricia A. O. Bunye also being ranked as a Band 1 lawyer in its Global rankings.
Chambers Practice Guides for Patent Litigation may be accessed online for free. The chapter on the Philippines is available at this link.