Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) is pleased to announce its inclusion once again in the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 2026 rankings, one of the world’s definitive guides to leading trademark practices and practitioners. This recognition reflects the Firm’s strong reputation for excellence in trademark law, brand protection, enforcement, and litigation in the Philippines.
The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on the trademark field, identifying firms and professionals with demonstrated expertise across prosecution, enforcement, litigation, portfolio strategy, and anti-counterfeiting work. CMT’s inclusion in the Gold tier confirms its position among the top firms serving both local and international brand owners.
Firm Recognition — Gold Tier
WTR’s research highlights CMT as one of the most respected legal practices in the Philippines, providing full-spectrum trademark services, from clearance searches and prosecution, portfolio management and licensing, to enforcement actions and courtroom litigation. The Firm’s IP team is praised for its depth of expertise and ability to handle sophisticated trademark matters for clients across diverse industries, including technology, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, retail, and telecommunications.
Recommended Individuals in WTR 1000 2026
In addition to the Firm’s Gold ranking, three CMT partners were identified as Recommended Individuals, a distinction recognizing professionals with notable depth of experience and client confidence in trademark practice:
• Susan D. Villanueva, Senior Partner
• Patricia A. O. Bunye, Managing Partner/Senior Partner
• Divina Gracia E. Pedron, Senior Partner
Their inclusion in the WTR 1000 reflects both peer recognition and positive market feedback on their contributions to trademark strategy, enforcement, and litigation.
About the Recommended Individuals
• Susan D. Villanueva leads CMT’s Intellectual Property Department and is widely acknowledged for her litigation expertise. She has appeared before the Supreme Court in landmark IP cases and is instrumental in shaping the Firm’s enforcement strategy for complex trademark disputes.
• Patricia A. O. Bunye is recognized for her strategic insight in trademark portfolio management, licensing, and transactional IP matters, drawing on extensive experience in brand protection and commercial advisory.
• Divina Gracia E. Pedron is noted for her specialized work in brand protection and trademark and copyright enforcement, helping clients defend and strengthen their rights in contentious and preventive contexts.
Why This Recognition Matters
The WTR 1000 recognition is based on meticulous independent research, including client feedback and peer review, making it a respected benchmark for trademark capability worldwide. CMT’s inclusion in the Gold tier and the identification of its partners as Recommended Individuals reinforce the Firm’s standing as a trusted adviser in brand protection and intellectual property law in the Philippines and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Read more at: https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/rankings/wtr-1000/profile/firm/cruz-marcelo-tenefrancia#wtr-research
For more about CMT’s Intellectual Property practice and how we help clients protect and maximise the value of their brands, visit: www.cruzmarcelo.com
