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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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 as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Foreign Investment and Unfair Competition: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of judicial review over Board of Investments registration decisions and the meaning of unfair competition claims.
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.
Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
When Can a Sale Be Rescinded: Abuse of Rights in Business Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on how a manufacturer's unfair competition against its own distributor can give rise to damages under the Civil Code.
Deceptive Imitation: Unfair Competition Claims Without Trademark Registration
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld an unfair competition claim against sellers of counterfeit medicated oil, even without trademark registration.
Unfair Competition Copying and Employee Recruitment As Unjust Business Practices
When does copying a rival's products and hiring its employees become unfair competition under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains.
Geographical Trademark AND Unfair Competition Protecting Business Identity IN Real Estate
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.
Trademark Infringement Search Warrants: Probable Cause in IP Cases Explained
Supreme Court clarifies the standard of probable cause for search warrants in trademark infringement and unfair competition cases under the IP Code.
Protecting Trademarks: Unauthorized Refilling Constitutes Infringement And Unfair Competition
Unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders bearing registered trademarks is trademark infringement and unfair competition, the Supreme Court ruled.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Cigarette Tax Classification and Uniformity
The Court upholds the constitutionality of the cigarette excise tax classification system under RA 9334, rejecting equal protection, uniformity, and unfair competition challenges.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Unfair Competition: Likelihood of Confusion vs. Actual Deception in Philippine Trademark Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unfair competition requires actual intent to deceive, not just confusing similarity, and explains the proper remedy for DOJ rulings.
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.
Can a Foreign Corporation Sue for Unfair Competition in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a foreign corporation not doing business locally can pursue unfair competition claims.
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.
Burger Battle: Protecting Trademarks and Preventing Unfair Competition in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement and unfair competition tests in the McDonald's "Big Mac" vs. "Big Mak" case.
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
Malicious Prosecution: Probable Cause and Legal Malice in Unfair Competition Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing unfair competition charges constitutes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of absent probable cause and legal malice.