Intellectual property in Venezuela

Antequera Parilli & Rodríguez

Antequera Parilli & Rodríguez continues to extend its IP practice into areas including advertising, marketing, regulatory and franchise law, as well as data privacy, in addition to its traditional strengths in the management and protection of clients’ trade mark, patent and copyright portfolios. The firm also provides IP support to The Wave Tech Hub, which is designed to foster the growth of startups within the tech sector. Managing partner Ricardo Alberto Antequera is active in all aspects of IP law, including litigation and the IP aspects of transactions, while also acting as the IP ambassador for Venezuela to the ICC. Of counsel Ricardo Enrique Antequera‘s practice includes advising on freedom-to-operate investigations, patent applications and technology transfers. He coordinates the firm’s cross-border work and serves on the Trademark Reporter Committee of the International Trademark Association. Founding partner Manuel Antonio Rodríguez focuses on the implementation of anti-counterfeiting and prevention programmes against all forms of IP rights infringements, while María Rusé Ruggiero oversees the trade mark prosecution team and Mariana Montiel specialises in advising European clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ricardo Alberto Antequera


Les références

‘A strong, diverse team, staffing appropriately to task. ’

‘Ricardo Alberto Antequera has delivered strong results.’

Principaux clients

Chanel


Shein


Aston Martin Lagonda


Under Armour


Kraft Heinz Foods Company


Yummy


Diageo


Beiersdorf


Prada


Inditex


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Crocs in criminal complaints against the sale of counterfeit footwear, following the restarting of its operations in the three main shopping centres in the city of Caracas.
  • Advised Eurobuilding International in a case involving passing off and forging of documents, among other unfair and illegal conducts.
  • Advised Telearte Florida, as the rightful owner of the SONOGRAFICA trade mark, in a case encompassing a series of unfair competition practices and criminal conduct, including passing off and forging of documents.

Bolet & Terrero

Pioneering IP firm Bolet & Terrero has a wealth of experience in filing and prosecuting trade mark applications, acting both for international clients wishing to do business in Venezuela and as a hub for firms looking to protect their trade mark rights in the Latin American region. The team also stands out for its expertise in patent and copyright law, and its strong media and entertainment, advertising and regulatory practice. In addition, the firm has a thriving infringement and anti-counterfeiting practice, led by associate Guillermo López. Rafael Ortín and Luis Henríquez focus on the IP aspects of corporate transactions, while practice head Manuel Polanco is well versed in patent filing and prosecution, as well as handling high-profile enforcement actions for major global clients, and senior associate Annette Angulo is skilled in the full range of trade mark, patent, copyright and non-traditional IP matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Manuel Polanco


Les références

‘Very good team. One of the best in Venezuela.’

‘They are extraordinary lawyers and better people. I work with them without question because of their professional and personal values.’

‘I have the best opinion of this team.’

Principaux dossiers


Hoet & Partners

Dedicated IP firm Hoet & Partners covers the full spectrum of IP and related matters, ranging from trade marks, patents, copyright and domain names to anti-piracy and infringements, IP litigation and data protection. The team has particular strong suits in the life sciences and healthcare, media, sports and entertainment sectors, and also boasts a practice focused on assisting start-ups. US-based Patricia Hoet Limbourg is highly regarded for her IP expertise, and has served as an expert witness in trade mark cases across Latin America and holds a membership at the Bulletins Committee of the International Trademark Association. Alicia Molero Morán is particularly active in administrative proceedings, and Joaquín Núñez Landáez leads the litigation department, focusing on the defence of trade marks, patents, copyright, personal data, trade secrets and new technologies rights. Associates Alessandra Bruttini and Unai Berecibar assist both the trade marks department and the administrative contentious department. Hugo Bazzani Aronne is another key figure in the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Patricia Hoet Limbourg; Alicia Molero Morán; Joaquín Núñez Landáez


Principaux clients

Sol Caballero & Asociados


ExxonMobil Corporation


Lane IP


Dinsmore & Shohl


Marval Lat


Pepsico


Flor de Pelo Producciones


Sanofi


Authentic Brands


Holland & Hart


Viering, Jentschura & Partner


Ungria International


AA Thornton IP


Clark & Elbing


Berggren


Shearn Delamore & Co


3M Innovative Properties Company


Travel + Leisure


Eurofarma


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Dinsmore & Shohl in actions relating to the infringement of the WALMART trade mark.
  • Assisted Lane IP in actions against the unauthorised use of the LONSDALE trade mark on products sold by Mundo Total.
  • Assisted with PepsiCo’s regional strategy to overcome the opposition filed by BBI and Bimbo against its applications for a trade mark for DORITOS DINAMITA FLAMIN’ HOT.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.‘s intellectual property team is led by associate Laura Rada, who has a strong record of advising major international clients on the management of their trade marks, patents and copyright. The team acts for an impressive roster of global clients from the pharmaceuticals, hospitality, food and beverages, and consumer goods sectors, providing support in matters ranging from trade mark and patent registrations (including abroad) to licensing agreements, technology transfers, and anti-counterfeiting and enforcement actions. Associate Indira García focus on trade mark and patent prosecution before the Venezuelan Patent and Trade mark Office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Rada


Autres avocats clés:

Indira García


Les références

‘Superb responsiveness, which is what I most value in a foreign counterpart. In addition to that, they provide crystal-clear communication and practical advice. This is even more remarkable because they do so amidst an uncertain legal system.’

Principaux clients

Abbott


Chanel


McDonald’s Corporation


Regent (La Senza)


Bristol-Myers Squibb Company


Eli Lilly and Company


Estee Lauder Companies


Batmark


Rappi


3M Company


Six Continents


Marriott Worldwide Corporation


Industria Alimenticia Nacional de Cereales y Harinas


Unilever


Bath & Body Works


General Motors


L’Oréal


Guerlain


Parfums Christian Dior


LVMH


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Marriott Worldwide Corporation in updating the entire Marriott brand portfolio and related companies’ addresses at the Venezuelan Patent and Trade mark Office.
  • Assisting RAPPI in the prosecution of its trade marks in Venezuela.
  • Assisting 3M Company in the prosecution of its trade marks in Venezuela.

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz

IP boutique TEHAR, an affiliate of Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz, is experienced in tackling intellectual property matters for a host of well-known domestic and international companies, covering sectors such as consumer products, tobacco and manufacturing. The team advises on the management of trade mark portfolios in Venezuela, covering everything from registration to enforcement, and also assists with licensing strategies and filing trade marks abroad. Karen Incera De Bilbao leads the team and is well versed in matters involving trade marks, patents, copyright and technology transfers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Karen Incera De Bilbao


Les références

‘They are professional and very effective.’

‘They stand out for their delivery and immediate responses.’

Principaux clients

Colgate Palmolive Company


Loma Cadena De Tiendas


Destileros Ancestrales


Mario Hernandez


Fundicion Pacifico


Made in Japan


Clover Internacional


FDLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Sent cease and desist letters on behalf of Loma Cadena De Tiendas to a direct competitor and started the process of suing said competitor for trade mark infringement.
  • Advised Destileros Ancestrales on the possibility of registering its trade mark in the European Community.
  • Advised on the process of registering trade marks for two new skincare lines for Colgate Palmolive Company.

Continental IP, S.C.

Specialist boutique Continental IP, S.C. not only advises on trade mark and patent registrations, but also copyright, licensing agreements, technology transfers and IP litigation, acting for both domestic and international clients. Experienced IP practitioner Luis Manuel Ruiz Torres leads the team alongside Isabel Manrique Rojas, who joined the firm from Moreau, González & Asociados in November 2023, bringing expertise in IP matters in Latin America, the US and Europe. Associate Nathalie Llanes Fernandez provides key support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luis Manuel Ruiz Torres; Isabel Manrique Rojas


Les références

‘Continental IP is distinguished, among other things, by having an interesting combination of experience and dynamism, together with knowledge about the complexities of the intellectual property system in the Venezuelan jurisdiction, and solid principles. This is a firm that, when compared to others, maintains an unpretentious approach, in which the interests of the client and the team’s duties towards them guide its practice. Its members exhibit commitment to clients and counterparts, providing a timely and efficient response to service requests and queries.’

‘Luis Ruiz stands out for his knowledge, efficiency and in general for his experience, particularly in the trade mark area. His approach to client care and his practice in general is influenced by his experience.’

‘Isabel Manrique Rojas knows the particularities inherent to interactions with the Venezuelan Patent and Trade mark Office. Combined with her academic background and her willingness to solve problems, the result is an outstanding professional.’

Principaux clients

Laboratorios Portugal


Huawei Technologies


Latam Freedom & Development Foundation


Vivo Mobile Communication


Rizobacter Argentina


DKT de México


Segway Inc.


Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia. assists both national and international clients with a variety of IP issues, including the registration of trade marks, IP litigation and due diligence on the IP aspects of M&A transactions. Esteban Palacios leads the team alongside Luisa Lepervanche, who has additional expertise in consumer protection and price regulation issues, while Francisco Alemán Planchart adds experience in IP due diligence processes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Esteban Palacios; Luisa Lepervanche


Principaux clients

Miranda Capital Partners


Grupo Bios


Sorelle Pharma


Via Lattea


Cervecería Independiente


Laboratorios Elmor


Principaux dossiers


  • Processing the registration of several trade marks for clients including Grupo Bios, which is starting operations in Venezuela.
  • Advising Miranda Capital Partners on IP due diligence process for a major acquisition.
  • Assisting companies such has Cervecería Independiente, Via Lattea and Sorelle Pharma with trade mark registrations.

Moreau, González & Asociados

Led by the experienced Jacqueline Moreau Aymard, whose areas of expertise span trade marks, copyright, patents, industrial designs and domain names, the team at Moreau, González & Asociados is well versed in IP matters from trade mark registrations to anti-counterfeiting and infringement actions. Its clients include companies from the food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, banking and media sectors. Associate Yismar García Barreto is also a key contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jacqueline Moreau Aymard


Les références

‘They know the practice and management of the Venezuelan Patent and Trade mark Office inside out.’

‘Jacqueline Moreau has great expertise in the field of trade marks and always looks for strategies to promote and advance clients’ cases, despite the difficulties in the sector.’

Principaux dossiers