The ‘outstanding' IP practice at boutique firm Estudio Benedetti is renowned for the depth and breadth of its offering, covering the full scope of trade mark, patent and copyright-related work. Acting for an enviable roster of multinationals from the entertainment, aviation, fashion, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages sectors, the five-partner-strong team advises on a high volume of IP prosecutions in Panama (overseen by Ramón Benedetti V), as well as renewals, recordals and foreign filings (led by Ramón Benedetti Alemán), and has an equally robust practice on the contentious side, handling anti-counterfeiting litigation (headed by Audrey Williams) and opposition, cancellation and nullity actions (led by Diana Leandro). The deep bench also includes Julissa Farah, who was promoted to partner in January 2024 and specialises in renewals and recordals, associate Fernando Reyes, an expert in complex infringement cases, and patent agent Jeane Johnson.

Hailed for its ‘great technical ability, excellent business sense and impeccable service', Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez's comprehensive IP practice handles the gamut of trade mark, patent and copyright matters, from prosecution through to litigation. The team has a particular strong suit in contentious IP matters, acting in a steady stream of trade mark opposition, cancellation and nullity actions, in addition to copyright-related disputes. Assisting with advertising and labelling compliance for pharmaceutical, cosmetics, agrochemical, medical and food products also forms a key pillar of the practice. Monique Ferrer, who is praised for her ‘great availability and responsiveness', leads the practice, handling IP prosecution and enforcement as well as regulatory and compliance matters. The talented associate team includes Marycarmen González and Nicole López.

Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán fields a diverse IP practice which offers ‘prompt, thoughtful, and practical' advice to prominent multinationals from the fashion, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods sectors, among others. The team advises on the full life cycle of trade marks, patents and copyrights, with a thriving IP litigation practice that spans opposition, nullity and cancellation proceedings, and anti-counterfeiting investigations and criminal complaints. In addition, the firm boasts growing expertise in the data privacy space – where Mariela de la Guardia is the key contact – strengthened by its membership of the global PrivacyRules alliance. ‘Great adviser' Gabriela Tejada de Britton leads the team, while Moisés Rivera and associate Fernando González-Ruiz are also recommended for their expertise in IP litigation, brand protection and anti-counterfeiting.

IP is the signature strength of Cedeño & Méndez, which advises a host of multinational companies on the management of their IP portfolios in Panama and throughout Central America, drawing on the support of its network of offices in the region. Demonstrating particular expertise in the food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and fashion industries, the ‘fantastic' team is prolific in the prosecution of trade marks and patents, and is also active in opposition, cancellation and nullity actions. ‘Spectacular’ managing partner Roberto Gómez Cedeño, whose practice encompasses trade mark and patent registrations, IP litigation and the IP aspects of M&A and licensing agreements, leads the team. Clients also benefit from the firm’s customised trade mark software, which provides live updates on the registration process.

The IP practice at Fabrega Molino garners strong praise for its ‘perfect combination of solid legal experience and exceptional interpersonal skills', with a broad offering that strikes a balance between advisory work and disputes. The firm assists large multinationals from the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, food and beverages, textiles and tech sectors with the prosecution of trade marks, patents, utility models and industrial designs, and has an excellent record in IP litigation. ‘Excellent' practice head Farah Molino has ‘extensive knowledge' across all areas of IP law, with notable expertise in the copyright field, including acting for the collective management organisations.

Morgan & Morgan‘s ‘reliable and efficient' IP team draws on its close connections with international firms to advise key players in the automotive, luxury goods, food and beverages and retail sectors on the management of their IP portfolios in Panama, handling the registration of a high volume of trade marks. The team also assists with the IP aspects of M&A transactions, often joining forces with the firm’s busy corporate department, overseen by Francisco Arias. Senior associate Allan Candanedo has ‘vast experience' in the field of IP law, including in litigation, while associate María Eugenia Brenes is well versed in IP issues in the health sector.