OUR REPUTATION
The World Trademark Review‘s 2022 listing of the world’s leading trademark professionals describes the firm: “Characterised by one patron as “setting itself apart based on integrity, quality, and professionalism”, the IP practice at Benita Cabilao Casuela Sarmiento is the epitome of quality, responsiveness and value-added service. An instant choice for multinationals seeking IP counsel in the Philippines, the outfit is widely considered to be one of the most active players in the trademark sphere and actively files and manages international registrations via the Madrid System. From the IP and trademark team at Baker McKenzie’s Manila office, named partners Andre Philippe Betita, John Cabilao, Joseph Sarmiento and Pericles Casuela form the backbone of the group. Admitted to the Philippines Bar in 1993 and rising to prominence as one of the leading IP lawyers in the country, Betita continues his leading role in BCCS Law and draws on his extensive IP enforcement and transactions experience to provide top-notch commercial and practical guidance. Cabilao has a flair for multi-jurisdictional trademark portfolio management and administrative enforcement cases for infringement and unfair competition. An all-round IP practitioner with extensive experience in contentious trademark matters, Sarmiento receives fulsome acclaim from patrons: “Joseph cares for the client, he is passionate about what he does and that speaks for the firm as well. These qualities translate into the type of work he provides and that is much appreciated and valued.” A trademark prosecution and licensing maven, Casuela offers special insights into e-commerce and technology, media and telecoms (TMT) licensing matters.”
Legal 500 also lists the firm as a tier-2 recommended firm for Intellectual Property in the Philippines. In its listing for 2022, Legal 500 describes the firm: “Betita Cabilao Casuela Sarmiento has particular expertise in trademarks, advising a number of Fortune 500 companies in the sports, food, entertainment, and clothing industries. Practice head Andre Betita has a strong track record of successfully litigating precedent-setting cases on copyright infringement and trademark infringement before the Philippine Supreme Court. With the recent adoption of the Philippine Data Privacy Law, Pericles Casuela has been advising clients on data privacy protection and compliance requirements. The firm is also very active in the enforcement of IP rights and regularly conducts criminal search and seizure actions on behalf of its clients. The firm is the Philippine partner of REACT, a not-for-profit organization with over 30 years of experience in fighting the counterfeit trade.”