Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Trade Name vs Trademark: Priority Rights and Protection Under the IP Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trade name can defeat a trademark registration, and the limits of priority rights under the IP Code.
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.
Unfair Competition in Trade Names: PAPER ONE vs. Paperone, Inc.
Supreme Court clarifies unfair competition rules when a corporate name closely mimics an established trademark, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Unregistered Trade Names Protected Under Philippine IP Law: Coffee Partners v. San Francisco Coffee
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered trade names are protected from infringement under RA 8293, requiring only prior use in commerce.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation Can Be Bound by Unauthorized Acts
Learn when courts may hold a corporation liable for acts done under a trade name, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ridgewood Estate, Inc. v. Belaos.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Sued Under Its Trade Name?
A single proprietorship can be sued under its trade name, but the owner remains personally liable. This article explains the rules on trade names and corporate liability.
When a Corporation Can Be Held Liable in Labor Disputes Even Without Being Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation may be held liable for labor claims even if only its trade name was impleaded.