Intellectual Property lawyers in Manila (AS)

Intellectual property lawyers in Manila typically offer the following services:

• Trademark registration and maintenance
• Patent application preparation and prosecution
• Copyright registration and enforcement
• IP litigation and dispute resolution
• IP portfolio management
• Technology licensing and agreements
• Trade secret protection strategies
• IP due diligence for business transactions

Most IP law firms in Manila are located in business districts like Makati, BGC, and Ortigas, with many offering consultations both in-person and virtually.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is located at the Intellectual Property Center, #28 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila. This office handles all trademark registrations, patent applications, and other IP filings in the Philippines. The IPOPHL headquarters is accessible from other parts of Metro Manila including Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City, with satellite offices also available in certain locations for basic IP services.

The cost of hiring a patent attorney in Manila varies based on several factors:

1. Complexity of the invention – typically ₱30,000-₱150,000 for drafting
2. Attorney experience level – junior attorneys charge ₱3,000-₱5,000/hour while senior attorneys charge ₱7,000-₱15,000/hour
3. Type of patent (utility, design, or PCT application)
4. Additional services needed (prior art searches, office action responses)

Most Manila patent attorneys offer initial consultations at reduced rates or free of charge to discuss your invention and provide a fee estimate.

Businesses should register trademarks in Manila because:

• The Philippines follows a first-to-file system, meaning whoever registers first gets legal rights
• Registration through IPOPHL in Manila provides nationwide protection across all 7,641 Philippine islands
• Registered trademarks are valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely
• Legal protection enables businesses to take action against counterfeiters in Manila’s markets like Greenhills or Divisoria
• Trademark registration creates valuable business assets that can be licensed or sold

Foreign businesses entering the Philippine market should prioritize trademark registration through a qualified attorney in Manila to prevent IP theft.

Startups in Bonifacio Global City should consult with an IP lawyer during these key phases:

1. Before company formation – to check if desired business name is available
2. During product development – to evaluate patentability of innovations
3. Before public disclosure – to file provisional patents or implement NDAs
4. Before website launch – to clear and register trademarks
5. When seeking investment – to document IP assets for due diligence
6. When entering partnerships – to draft proper IP ownership agreements

Many IP law firms in BGC offer startup packages specifically designed for the needs of the growing technology ecosystem in this Manila business district.

For creative professionals in Makati, copyright protection automatically applies to original works of authorship including literature, music, and art, provided they are fixed in a tangible form. Registration with the IPOPHL helps strengthen the claim and facilitates legal enforcement in cases of infringement. Creators can enforce their rights by issuing cease-and-desist letters against unauthorized use, and can pursue legal action if necessary. Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years in the Philippines, which is a crucial aspect for safeguarding their creative outputs.