Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) is pleased to make available its contribution to the Chambers Global Practice Guide: Franchising 2025 – Philippines, a comprehensive resource addressing the legal and regulatory framework governing franchising in the Philippines.
Authored by Patricia A. O. Bunye, Anica Angela G. Gomez, Angel Rae N. Balbin, and Bianca Marie J. Angela M. Rañola, the guide provides practical insights for franchisors, franchisees, investors, and legal practitioners seeking to understand the opportunities and regulatory considerations involved in establishing and operating franchise businesses in the Philippines.
The Philippines remains one of the most dynamic franchising markets in Asia, supported by a growing consumer base, strong brand recognition culture, and increasing interest from both domestic and international businesses. While the country does not have a single comprehensive franchise law, franchising is governed by a combination of contractual, intellectual property, competition, corporate, tax, labor, and consumer protection laws. Understanding how these various legal regimes interact is critical to the successful establishment and operation of a franchise system.
The guide examines key aspects of Philippine franchise law and practice, including:
• The legal framework governing franchising arrangements;
• Franchise disclosure considerations and due diligence practices;
• Registration and intellectual property requirements;
• Technology transfer and licensing regulations;
• Structuring franchise agreements;
• Renewal and termination provisions;
• Competition law considerations;
• Intellectual property protection and enforcement; and
• Recent developments affecting franchise operations and brand owners.
In addition to its discussion of the legal framework, the guide explores emerging developments affecting franchise businesses in the Philippines, including recent intellectual property reforms, the protection of well-known marks, and developments in copyright law that may affect commercial establishments and brand owners. These developments underscore the increasing importance of intellectual property protection as a core component of franchise growth and brand management.
As a full-service law firm with a leading intellectual property practice, CMT regularly advises local and international clients on franchise structuring, licensing arrangements, trademark protection, technology transfer agreements, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach enables it to provide practical, business-oriented advice tailored to the commercial objectives of franchisors and franchisees alike.
This publication is made available as part of CMT’s continuing commitment to sharing legal knowledge and providing accessible resources on significant developments in Philippine law and business.
Authors
Patricia A. O. Bunye, Managing Partner of Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, is a recognized authority on intellectual property commercialization, licensing, and franchising. She has served as President of the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), becoming the first Filipino and first Southeast Asian to hold the position, and is widely recognized for her contributions to the field of intellectual property and technology transfer.
Anica Angela G. Gomez, Angel Rae N. Balbin, and Bianca Marie J. Angela M. Rañola are members of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. Their practice includes intellectual property commercialization, trademark protection, licensing, franchising, regulatory compliance, and related advisory work for local and international clients.
Download the full guide below.