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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Franchise Trademark License in the Philippines: How It Works Under the IP Code
A franchise trademark license in the Philippines is a technology transfer arrangement registrable with the IPO. Learn how the IP Code governs it.
Vessel Arrest and Maritime Liens in the Philippines: What Shipowners and Creditors Should Know
Vessel arrest and maritime liens in the Philippines explained: how creditors secure claims against ships and what Philippine law says about admiralty jurisdiction.
Trademark Registration in the Philippines for Franchise Networks
Register your franchise trademark in the Philippines with the IPO: file under the Intellectual Property Code, secure your mark, and license it to franchisees.
IP Licensing Agreement Philippines: How to Draft One That Holds Up
An IP licensing agreement in the Philippines must be registered with the IPO if it is a technology transfer arrangement. Here is how the rules work.
Copyright Registration in the Philippines: How Protection Works Under RA 8293
Copyright registration in the Philippines is optional — protection attaches from creation under RA 8293. Learn how registration and deposit with the IPO work.
Trademark Registration in the Philippines: The Full Process Under RA 8293
Learn the trademark registration Philippines process under RA 8293 — from filing with the IPO Bureau of Trademarks to examination, publication, and certificate issuance.
Understanding the Real Estate Service Act Integration Ruling: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court upheld the IRR defining the AIPO for real estate practitioners. Learn what this landmark ruling means for RESPs.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Equipoise Rule in Illegal Dismissal Cases: When Doubt Favors the Employee
The Supreme Court clarifies the equipoise rule in illegal dismissal cases, holding that when evidence is balanced, doubt must favor the employee.
Mental Health at Sea: Employer Liability for a Seafarer's Bipolar Disorder
A Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's bipolar disorder is compensable under the POEA contract and what employers must prove to avoid liability.
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.
Acts of Lasciviousness, Consent, and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits in Angeles v. People, clarifying consent, lewdness, and the equipoise rule in acts of lasciviousness cases.
When Testimony Fails the Test: Acquittal in Forcible Abduction with Rape
The Supreme Court acquits a man of forcible abduction with rape, showing how inconsistent victim testimony and the equipoise rule shape criminal convictions.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Probable Cause vs Equipoise Rule: Safeguarding Against Unjust Arrest in Arson Cases
When prosecutors flip-flop on probable cause, courts hold the line. Flores v. Gonzalez clarifies the equipoise rule and judicial independence.
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.
When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.
When Limited Liability Doesnt Shield a Shipowner: The Aboitiz Shipping Ruling
Explaining when a shipowner's limited liability defense fails, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Aboitiz Shipping v. New India Assurance.
Limited Liability in Maritime Law: When Can a Shipowner Avoid Full Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the limited liability doctrine applies to shipowners and when they must pay full damages for lost cargo.
Protecting Seafarers: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process Rights in Maritime Employment
When can a shipowner dismiss a Filipino seafarer? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause and due process rules for maritime employment.
When a Gunshot Is Not Murder: Conspiracy, Intent, and the Equipoise Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies when simultaneous gunfire is not conspiracy and how the equipoise rule can lead to acquittal.
Shipowner Liability for Captain's Negligence in Time Charters: San Miguel v. Heirs of Inguito
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a shipowner—not the charterer—is liable for a captain's negligence at sea.
Accretion vs. Avulsion: How River Course Changes Affect Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats land gained or lost through river shifts—accretion, avulsion, and erosion explained with the Bagaipo case.
Shipowner's Limited Liability Rule in Philippine Maritime Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limited liability rule for shipowners in the Philippines, clarifying how the doctrine applies when vessels sink.