Maintaining a unique position in the market, Brigard Castro operates as a boutique IP firm, while also being closely aligned with major full-service firm Brigard Urrutia, which provides clients with comprehensive coverage of IP law and complementary issues, including advisory, corporate support and litigation. Managing partner Juan Pablo Cadena is widely acknowledged as a market leader for IP law, where he stands out for his broad expertise that spans copyrights, patents, trade marks, regulatory work and dispute resolution, among other areas. Cadena recently represented Target Brands in trade mark opposition proceedings filed by Marcentur. Martín Torres fronts the trade mark prosecution practice and specialises in advising domestic and multinational clients in trade mark portfolio management and litigation. In a notable mandate, Torres is advising Google on its trade mark applications for the Google Wallet in Classes 9, 36, and 42, which were denied at first instance due to a conflict with Apple’s previous wallet mark. The department additionally benefits from a strong second line of non-partners, including director Catalina Gómez, who leads the trade marks and oppositions team; senior associate Laura Angel Jaramillo, who has a focus on IP litigation and strategic advisory work; and junior associate Valerie Villar, whose practice spans IP, personal data and commercial law.

According to some, Cavelier possesses ‘one of the best and most complete IP teams in LatAm’. The IP-focused firm has maintained its position at the forefront of IP law in Colombia since its foundation over 70 years ago and its ongoing success is evidenced by its continuing growth, with the team adding nine new clients to its roster during 2023/24. Names to note include senior partner Jorge Chávarro, who is a seasoned IP veteran with a pioneering track record in the geographical indications sphere. Andrés Rincón heads the patents and life sciences department and contributes broad multidisciplinary experience in drafting, prosecution. litigation and freedom to operate (FTO) matters; he recently represented Excelec International in a landmark patent infringement case before the Andean Court of Justice discussing the doctrine of equivalents. Eduardo Varela leads the trade marks, copyright and entertainment group and successfully represented luxury shoe brand, Christian Louboutin, in achieving protection in Colombia of the “red-soled shoe” trade mark. A strong band of associates includes senior Johanna Raffo, who co-ordinates the trade mark practice; senior Eliana Portilla, who specialises in IP-related administrative and judicial proceedings; and semi-senior Melissa Soto, who has a focus on copyright, trade marks and domain names. Former director of regulatory affairs, Lina Caamaño, left to go freelance in October 2023.

Intellectual property is a key pillar of Lloreda Camacho & Co.’s firm-wide offering, with the practice widely recognised as a leader across the full spectrum of advisory and contentious trade mark, copyright and patent work. In particular, it is admired by many for its premier life sciences department, where it specialises in representing major multinational corporations, including F Hoffman-la Roche and Gilead Sciences, in patent portfolio management. High-profile expert Alicia Lloreda spearheads the IP group, where she specialises in advising on a comprehensive scope of trade mark, copyright, patent, unfair competition and dispute resolution-related matters. During 2023/24, Lloreda successfully represented several clients before the Trademark Office in filing, and defending, opposition proceedings. The deep bench additionally benefits from the senior experience of Ana Maria Castro, who heads the patents and life sciences unit and advises on patent portfolio management — with a focus on multinational technology companies — as well as patent litigation cases; and Natalia Franco Onofre, who has an emphasis on trade mark work. At junior level, intermediate associate Gabriela Rubiano provides dedicated IP support. Former director María José Lamus left the firm to become an independent consultant in October 2023.

An IP monolith in Colombia and the wider region, OlarteMoure ‘always seeks effective solutions for problems’, with clients especially lauding its expertise in in pharmaceutical-related work ‘where it is among the best in LatAm’. Possessing one of the most sizeable teams in the market, spread between five offices across Colombia and a platform in Japan, the deep bench draws on 11 specialist partners and fields standalone offerings in patents, trade marks, copyright and entertainment, litigation, and anticounterfeiting, among other areas. Key contacts include co-founding partner Carlos Olarte, who is a go-to specialist for patent matters; Juan Moure, who heads the trade mark section; Alexander Agudelo, who leads the patent department and recently paired up with Olarte to represent Ericsson in landmark standard essential patent (SEP) infringement litigation against Apple; and Juan Felipe Acosta, who fronts the litigation and ADR unit. The team also saw a clutch of senior-level promotions in October 2023: trade mark director María Alejandra Pava, patent director Mónica Guevara and Cali office head Isabella Herrera were all elevated to the partnership. A deep pool of non-partners includes director Liliana Galindo Díaz, who heads the patent litigation practice, and Valeria Jaramillo, who serves as the director of the innovation, protection and technology-transfer team.

Lawyers in the IP practice at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. are ‘always willing to find solutions and alternatives to the complex problems that in-house lawyers face’. The group covers all facets of contentious and non-contentious IP law, with particularly prominent offerings in IP enforcement, and domestic and cross-border trade mark portfolio management. Department head Juan Pablo Concha Delgado brings to bear extensive expertise in IP enforcement and IP portfolio management; he recently advised McDonald’s on trade mark infringement matters. Yuliana Salamanca was promoted to partner in July 2023 and has a focus on trade mark and copyright law, including AI and digital media-related issues; she recently advised Asocolflores on registering its trade mark, “FLOWERS OF COLOMBIA”, in the United States. The team also includes newly promoted (July 2023) criminal law litigator Bibiana Cala, who is noted for the development of anti-counterfeiting strategies; and senior associate Julián David Ruiz Rondan, who leads the copyright team and currently serves as president of the Colombian Copyright Center (CECOLDA).

A ‘very reliable’ IP boutique, Castellanos & Co scores highly for its ‘clarity and assertiveness in responses’. Founded in 1960, the long-established firm enjoys strong relationships with domestic and multinational clients, as well as international law firms, and has recently undertaken matters for Alpen Pharma, American Airlines and Interra Energy. Among its practice sweet spots, the group is primarily recognised for its focus on patent and trade mark prosecution — where it is well versed in search and opinion work and administrative litigation — and can draw on the support of four patent engineers. Managing partner Ximena Castellanos heads the trade mark prosecution team and provides ‘prompt and efficient attention’; she successfully represented Corporación Habanos in protecting the “HABANOS” mark in opposition proceedings. Margarita Castellanos leads the patent and legal departments and is noted for her expertise in Colombian patent prosecution law; she also has a strong record in administrative litigation concerning trade marks and other distinctive signs.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ IP practice is distinguished by its strong local client base and also by its ability to plug into the wider firm’s global IP platform, which makes it an attractive option for foreign clients looking for local — and regional — advice as well as Colombian companies looking to expand abroad. The team’s diverse skill set spans the full scope of IP law, with a focus on trade marks, copyrights and litigation. Leading light Luz Helena Adarve stands out for her ‘unmatched experience’; she advises Colombina on the management of its global trade mark portfolio. Juanita Acosta is also highly regarded for her broad knowledge in the trade mark, technology, privacy, consumer protection and advertising spheres; she has recently undertaken work for Avianca and Microsoft, among others. In September 2023, the department was boosted at top level by the hire of life sciences and IP partner Mónica Bonnett, who joined from Posse Herrera Ruiz. Also noted are senior associates Ana María Ruiz, who brings over 25 years’ of experience, and Rocío Ruíz, who specialises in IP and technology.

Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA)’s IP practice ‘always looks for ways to contribute to the achievement of the client’s objectives’, according to satisfied clients. With a focus on the financial services, life sciences, TMT, education, and food-and-beverage sectors, the group handles an array of patent and trade mark prosecution, IP portfolio management matters, copyright-related issues and IP litigation. Department co-head Juanita Pérez is a ‘great leader’ with a focus on the international management and administration of IP portfolios; she recently represented Grupo Éxito in obtaining a trade mark for its “SURTIMAX” brand. Fellow co-head Mauricio Jaramillo additionally leads the competition practice; he recently advised TIS Productions Colombia and Walt Disney on IP matters. The team further benefits from a sizable band of senior associates, including Catalina Arango, who supports on advisory and litigation work; Valentina Manrique Gómez, whose practice spans IP, competition and consumer protection; and Juan Pablo Chaparro Torres, who sits in both the competition and IP teams.

An ‘innovative firm for intellectual property issues’, ClarkeModet Colombia stands out for its record across Latin America, where it fields teams across 11 countries — it also has platforms in Spain and Portugal. The group is a strong performer in patent prosecutions, with statistics from the Colombia Patent Office marking it as one of the most prolific patent agents in the country, with 346 patent applicants published in 2023. That being said, the group’s filing experience extends to trade mark, copyright, domains and designs, while it also handles IP portfolio management and litigation. The department is co-led by country manager Silvia Patiño; director Juliana Gonzalez, who advises on patents, utility models, industrial designs and plant varieties; and director of the trade marks practice, Miguel Rujana.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s IP team strikes the right note with sources for its ‘technical level and ability to stay close to the client’. A popular choice for cross-border matters due to its ability to lean on the international network of associate firm Uría Menéndez, as well as its own offices in Chile and Peru, the team handles a mix of IP portfolio management, enforcement and litigation work. The department is co-led by Mauricio Patiño, whose practice spans competition, IP, dispute resolution and TMT-related matters; up-and-coming IP and life sciences specialist Gerardo Flórez; and director Camilo Suárez, who ‘provides close and high-level support’.

Posse Herrera Ruiz impresses clients with its ability to ‘constantly propose options and ideas to develop a real strategy for protecting the client’s IP’. The team’s experience spans the full range of IP protection, enforcement, management and monetisation, with its recent work encompassing trade marks, patents and copyright-related matters, among others. High-profile sector specialist Helena Camargo handles a comprehensive spread of IP-related issues, with particular expertise in the management of international trade mark and patent portfolios. The group also includes IP and entertainment-focused senior associate Juan Sebastián González, who ‘provides excellent service in IP matters’. Former senior associates  Annabelle Angarita and Mónica Bonnett left the firm in April and September 2023, respectively.

BBGS Abogados’ IP group has a focus on the media and entertainment industry, which is reflected in its prominent copyright and trade mark offerings. The growing department is co-led by Felipe Rubio, who ‘excels in copyright issues’ — and also maintains a thriving trade mark practice; Myriam Montenegro, who provides comprehensive coverage of the audiovisual sphere, where she represents major domestic and multinational production clients; and Claudia Lozano, who joined from her own firm in March 2024. The team also includes dispute resolution head Lorenzo Pizarro, who was promoted to partner in March 2024, and senior associate Ludy Muñoz.

The internationally-oriented practice at CMS Rodríguez-Azuero sets out its stall as being a key partner to local and multinational clients looking for cross-border IP protection, due to its ability to leverage the wider CMS network. The team also stands out for its comprehensive coverage of IP law, with significant skill sets in trade marks, patents, plant breeder’s rights, copyright and corporate support work. The team is led jointly by Karl Mutter, who also fronts the life sciences and health practice; and Felipe Andrade, who additionally co-heads the dispute resolution group. Associate director Lola Kandelaft provides support.

IP lawyers at Medellín-based Contexto Legal S.A. are distinguished by their ‘availability, speed of attention and clarity’, according to sources. The group is well versed across all key pillars of IP law, with notable experience in IP prosecution, portfolio management and litigation. IP-focused partner Andrés Marquez steers the department together with associate director Maria Carolina Vieira, who has a focus on contentious work. Senior associate Carolina Monsalve is noted for trade mark-related matters.

The ‘efficient and effective’ IP practice at Cuesta Lawyers is equipped to handle the full range of trade mark, patent, copyright and litigation-related matters, with niche expertise in non-traditional trade marks, including sound marks, colour marks and holographic marks, among others. The team is led by IP specialist Diana Romero and also benefits from the  experience of senior partner Juan Carlos Cuesta, whose practice spans IP, corporate and financial law. In March 2023, the group was boosted by the hire of new IP litigation director, Estefania Chaves, who joined from Sterlington.

IP is a mainstay at Espinosa Olarte y Asociados Abogados, with the boutique firm noted for its specialist focus on entertainment law. The team covers a broad range of related matters but it is particularly recommended for its dominant offering in the copyright arena, where it acts for clients such as the the Colombian society of Audiovisual Directors and the Actores Sociedad Colombiana de Gestión, among others. Key contacts include Andrés Espinosa and Jorge Olarte Collazos, who are both well versed in copyright and trade mark matters, as well as Nathalia Acevedo, who leads the art and entertainment law areas.

Holland & Knight’s IP team is commended by sources for its ability to draw on different branches of law to provide a ‘holistic legal opinion that allows better decision-making’. The group’s capacity for cross-border IP management, where it can leverage its extensive international platform, is also a recurring theme among clients. Department head Danilo Romero Raad handles an array of advisory and contentious IP work and he is supported by associates Camila López (IP, competition, consumer protection and regulatory affairs) and Ana Sofía Cabrales (IP, competition, consumer protection and data protection).

Márquez-Robledo is differentiated by its niche focus on the media and entertainment industry, with the boutique firm specialising in copyrights, trade marks and corporate IP matters, including sponsorship agreements. According to sources, its lawyers ‘know the business and are practical’, with firm founder Santiago Márquez Robledo highly regarded for his extensive expertise in copyright, advertising and entertainment law matters. The group also includes senior associate María Alejandra Ahumada, who co-ordinates the entertainment law area; and associate Felipe Ortega, who has an emphasis on contentious work.

Triana, Uribe & Michelsen’s IP practice is valued for ‘the clarity, concreteness and effectiveness of its proposals’. The IP boutique is additionally differentiated by its ability to draw on specialist supplementary teams focusing on corporate law and franchising, dispute resolution and management consulting. Key names to note include department co-head Fernando Triana, who is highly regarded for IP litigation; fellow co-head Juan Carlos Uribe, who specialises in franchises, copyright and advertising law; and Sandra Ávila, who also focuses on contentious IP matters.

Niche IP outfit, Velasco Ordóñez, is ‘a boutique law office, which offers personalised legal services’, according to clients. The team is particularly valued for the direct attention provided by founding partner and department head Pablo Velasco Ordóñez, who advises a mix of domestic and foreign IP-owners on trade marks, copyrights, patents and litigation matters. The team also includes senior associate Santiago Andrés Ramírez Bonilla, who advises on the full life cycle of IP-related issues, with an emphasis on contentious work, including trade mark litigation.