Having ‘established itself as a leader in the field of intellectual property, thanks in large part to its exceptional team’, Estudio Benedetti specialises in IP matters, covering trademarks, trade names, slogans, oppositions, licensing agreements and international franchising agreements. Co-managing partner Ramón Benedetti V heads the IP prosecution practice and oversees the trademark and patent prosecution departments. Head of the anti-counterfeiting litigation practice Audrey Williams advises international companies on a number of services including the management of trademark portfolios, copyright matters, and distributorship and franchising issues. Diana Leandro leads the IP litigation practice and focuses on prosecuting oppositions, cancellations and nullity actions before courts affecting IP rights, and her expertise extends to negotiating agreements and trademark filings. Ramón Benedetti Alemán heads the IP renewals, recordation and foreign filings practice and regularly assists in assignment, franchising and licensing projects. Julissa Farah was promoted to partner in January 2024, and patent agent Jeane Johnson is also a key name.

The 'IP specialists' at Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez are noted for their 'extensive knowledge of the region'. The team advises a wide range of domestic and international clients on the gamut of legal matters related to the prosecution and defense of IP rights. Monique Ferrer leads the practice and represents clients in the prosecution of IP rights before the Ministry of Trade and Industries of Panama, as well as the protection and enforcement of rights before the Courts of Justice. Rodrigo Moreno Jr. advises on a range of IP services for clients engaged in a variety of sectors, including oil and energy, while associate Marycarmen González stands out for her broad practice covering trademark and patent prosecution, as well as trademark portfolio protection. Associate Nicole López specialises in a variety of IP services, including representing clients in the filing of trademark and design registrations, to defending their IP registration rights and providing support in IP litigation.

Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán provides a broad range of services dedicated to the protection of intellectual property, having aided in the registering of trademarks for a diverse client base, through to the management and enforcement of IP through a range of litigation procedures. This year, the firm secured the country’s first trademark declaration for its client Cerveceria Nacional, which has reinforced a number of brands against the misuse of the client's legacy and reputation. Gabriela Tejada de Britton leads the practice and served as the president of the Panamanian Association of Intellectual Property Law between 2020-2022 and aided in the creation of a document which set out proposals for amendments to the current Industrial Property Law. Moisés Rivera is experienced in trademark litigation, as well as civil and criminal proceedings relating to IP matters, and associate Fernando González-Ruiz is noted for his active practice covering a wide range of services including brand protection, anti-counterfeiting and trademark litigation.

Arias provides clients with a multi-jurisdictional practice in IP matters, spanning services ranging from the protection and enforcement of IP rights, registration of trademarks and unfair trade practices. In IP litigation, the firm has been active in trademark infringement and protection covering patents and copyrights. Morena Zavaleta, in El Salvador, and Yuri Moreno co-lead the practice, while senior associate Jorge Ortega leads the IP, immigration and health registration teams in Panama.

Fielding a ‘team with a deep knowledge of intellectual property matters', Cedeño & Méndez is active in trademark management, having successfully filed hundreds of trademarks for clients engaged in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals and fashion. Head of the IP practice Roberto Gómez Cedeño specialises in advising clients on IP, competition and consumer affairs, and is an active member of the International Trademark Association. Junior associate Isabella Paolo stands out for her active presence in matters relating to trademark registrations, administrative changes of trademarks and renewals, as well as copyright.

Fabrega Molino is active in the registration of trademarks and in IP litigation, with the team experienced in defending domestic and international trademark owners before the Panamanian courts. The team provides clients with a broad range of services related to litigation and consultancy, ranging from patents and industrial models to the copyright of publications, software and other literary works. Farah Molino leads the practice and is the key contact.

Intellectual property is the core practice at Guinard & Noriega and the firm has a full service offering in the sector, including trade marks, patents, copyright, image and entertainment law, licensing, distribution contracts and technology transfer, as well as consultancy for the implementation of franchise systems. The firm is also experienced in handling IP litigation and conflict resolution across a broad array of industries. The practice is led by Luis Guinard ('a renowned academic in the field', according to peers) who focuses on litigation and patents (his practice also takes in banking and commercial law). Fellow partner Vanessa Noriega leads the trade mark department and demonstrates notable experience in protection strategies; she also has particular niche expertise as regards franchising matters. Primary support is provided by María Noguera (trade mark portfolio management), María Gabriela Solís (international trade marks and health registrations) and Marta Almanza (IP litigation).

‘Multidisciplinary firm’ Morgan & Morgan advises clients on a wide range of services relating to intellectual property, including aiding clients in the filing and registration of trademarks, to representing clients in negotiations involving the assignment and licensing of their copyright for international and national protection. Francisco Arias heads the practice, and senior associate Allen Candanedo advises clients on oppositions, cancellations and nullity actions, as well as authors' rights related matters before customs and litigations in the criminal courts. Senior associate Maria Eugenia Brenes is noted for her handling of trademark portfolios and IP matters for healthcare clients.