Legal Insights

Trademark Confusion in Skin Care: Dermaline, Inc. v. Myra Pharmaceuticals

The Supreme Court affirmed the rejection of the DERMALINE mark for being confusingly similar to the registered DERMALIN mark in this skin care trademark case.

When "NANNY" Infringes "NAN": The Dominancy Test in Philippine Trademark Law

Philippine Supreme Court explains when a similar-sounding mark like NANNY infringes a registered trademark like NAN, applying the dominancy test.

Trademark Rights in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration Explained

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether trademark rights come from prior use or registration, and why distributors cannot own the marks they sell.

LPG Refilling and Trademark Protection: Delineating Criminal Liability in Corporate Actions

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers face criminal liability for trademark infringement in LPG refilling operations.

When Can a Generic Term Like "Ginebra" Be Protected as a Trademark?

The Supreme Court clarifies when a generic word like "Ginebra" may acquire trademark protection through secondary meaning, and why preliminary injunctions demand a clear right.

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 License Revocation: When Unauthorized Use Justifies Termination

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trademark owner may validly revoke a license for unauthorized use beyond the agreed scope.

Well-Known Foreign Trademarks Protected in the Philippines Even Without Local Registration

Philippine Supreme Court affirms protection for well-known foreign trademarks like IN-N-OUT Burger, even without local registration or local business presence.

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.

Dominance Prevails Understanding Trademark Confusing Similarity IN THE Philippines

Trademark Territoriality and Bad Faith Registration in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies territoriality principle and bad faith in trademark registration under R.A. 166 in Shangri-La case.

Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Why Prior Use Beats Registration Alone

The Supreme Court explains why actual use in commerce, not mere registration, determines trademark ownership under Philippine law.

Protecting Trademarks: The Balance Between Brand Identity and Business Operations

The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue in trademark cases, balancing brand protection against business disruption.

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.

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.

Trademark Protection Prior USE Trumps Registration IN Trademark Disputes

Trademark Protection for Well-Known Marks Extends to Unrelated Goods Under IP Code

The Supreme Court clarifies how Section 123.1(f) of the IP Code protects well-known marks like Rolex even against use on unrelated goods or services.

Prior Use of a Brand Name Prevails Over Copyright or Patent Claims

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why trademark rights based on prior use trump copyright or patent registrations in brand name disputes.

Protecting Trademarks: Infringement and Damages for Similar Designs

Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement rules, damages, and copyright cancellation for similar arcuate designs on jeans.

Trademark Infringement: How the Dominancy Test Protects Brand Recognition

The Supreme Court explains why the dominancy test, not the holistic test, governs confusing similarity in trademark infringement cases.

Prior Use and Confusing Similarity in Trademark Cancellation Cases

Philippine Supreme Court explains prior use, confusing similarity, and the Paris Convention in trademark cancellation disputes.