Legal Insights

Understanding Unfair Competition in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Case

A look at unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, explained through a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar products.

Unfair Competition and Trade Name Confusion: The Paperone Ruling

The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate name can amount to unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, even without trademark infringement.

Liberal Interpretation of Procedural Rules in Intellectual Property Appeals

Supreme Court rules that administrative tribunals like the IPO may liberally apply procedural rules, allowing substantial compliance with certification requirements.

Patent Revival and Due Diligence: The Consequences of Negligence in Intellectual Property Rights

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that negligence by a patent applicant's counsel binds the client, and revival of abandoned applications may be barred by third-party rights and public interest.

Freedom of the Press and Electoral Integrity: Rappler's Right to Live Stream Debates

The Supreme Court ruled that media entities may live stream COMELEC debates, subject to copyright conditions under the Intellectual Property Code.

Challenging Evidence in IP Cases: When Can You Question a Search?

Learn when courts allow motions to suppress evidence in intellectual property cases, and the procedural traps that can sink a challenge.

Unfair Competition Probable Cause: Supreme Court on Counterfeit Goods Evidence

Supreme Court rules on probable cause for unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, reversing dismissal of counterfeit goods case.

Patent Rights AND Forum Shopping Understanding THE Limits OF Intellectual Property Protection

Dismissal OF Extortion Complaint Upholding Attorneys Actions IN Intellectual Property Case

Upholding Search Warrants IN Intellectual Property Cases THE Importance OF Probable Cause AND Specificity

Trademark Rights vs Registration: Resolving Unfair Competition Claims

The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark registration and actual use affect unfair competition claims under the Intellectual Property Code.

Intellectual Property Rights and the Scope of Search Warrants in Trademark Infringement Cases

Learn how the Supreme Court defined the proper scope of search warrants in trademark infringement cases involving intellectual property rights.

Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling

The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.

Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.

Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.

Upholding Intellectual Property Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Jurisdiction and Special Courts

The Supreme Court affirms RTC jurisdiction over IP violations and the validity of administrative orders designating special intellectual property courts.

Trademark Infringement Courts Retain Jurisdiction Despite Pending Trademark Cancellation Proceedings

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts can hear trademark infringement cases even while cancellation proceedings are pending before the intellectual property office.

Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.

Protecting Brand Identity: Jurisdiction Over Unfair Competition Cases

The Supreme Court clarifies which court hears unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code, settling a jurisdictional question.

Unfair Competition VS Parallel Importation Balancing Intellectual Property Rights AND Free Trade

Search Warrants and Intellectual Property: The Imperative of a Specific Offense

A search warrant must be anchored on a specific existing offense. When the crime is repealed, the warrant falls.

Search Warrants in IP Cases: Probable Cause and Specificity Rules

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause and specificity requirements for search warrants in intellectual property infringement cases.