Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global intellectual property landscape, bringing both new opportunities and complex challenges for businesses and law firms alike. In the Philippines, these shifts intersect with persistent hurdles such as inconsistent enforcement of IP laws, lengthy litigation and the widespread sale of counterfeit goods, both online and offline.
In this evolving environment, Ancheta Attorneys stands out as a firm that not only anticipates these changes but proactively addresses them. With a strong focus on intellectual property protection and enforcement, the firm combines tactical strategies with proactive legal action, positioning itself as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of IP law.
A Noteworthy Journey
Ancheta Attorneys was founded in 2008 by Managing Partner Michael Ancheta, together with seasoned lawyers bringing expertise across diverse practice areas. From the outset, the firm carried a clear mission: to provide effective, practical and above all, ethical legal solutions tailored to client needs.
Furthermore, before stepping into active legal practice, many of the founding members had already built careers in corporate and business settings. This background equipped the firm to foster a strong understanding of real-world commercial challenges so as to shape their approach of blending legal solutions with business practicality.
The Firm’s IP Head and Senior Partner, Ferdinand O. Cruz, brings a particularly distinctive profile. Beyond his legal training, he is a licensed chemist in the Philippines and previously served as a forensic chemist at the National Bureau of Investigation. His technical expertise has proven invaluable in intellectual property practice, especially in patent-related matters and in the enforcement of IP rights.
This unique combination of legal and scientific knowledge strengthens the firm’s ability to tackle complex cases that sit at the intersection of law, technology and science. Over the years, the firm has represented both Philippine and major U.S. companies in high-stakes IP litigation, gaining recognition as a sought-after litigator.
Carving a Niche for Itself
A full-service law firm, Ancheta Attorneys has carved a distinct niche in intellectual property protection and enforcement. Its services extend across multiple practice areas, including litigation, commercial & corporate taxation, energy, water resources, human resources, labor relations and property law. This breadth allows the firm to address a wide spectrum of client needs while retaining a sharp focus on IP matters.
What differentiates the firm is not just the variety of services but the depth of its technical expertise. In a country where patent law practice remains relatively underdeveloped compared to other jurisdictions, the firm’s capability in handling patent-related issues stands out. Attorney Cruz’s background in chemistry gives the team an edge in understanding technical subject matter, enabling them to advise innovators with precision and credibility.
Our clients’ trust is the greatest recognition we could ever receive, and it remains our firm’s deepest source of pride
At the same time, the firm emphasizes a client-centric approach by nurturing long-term relationships and operates with the philosophy that a client’s business is also its business. By aligning legal strategies with the realities of a client’s operations and goals, the firm ensures that its advice is not only legally sound but also commercially practical.
Additionally, the firm is also heavily investing in artificial intelligence resources. Recognizing the growing role of AI in legal practice, the firm views technology as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency, accuracy and client service.
Client-Centric Approach
Ancheta Attorneys begins every engagement with a conflict check to ensure transparency. In the first consultation, clients define issues from their perspective, helping the firm fully understand their concerns. The team then collaborates closely, involving clients at every stage, fostering trust, clarity and alignment in crafting effective legal solutions.
Over the years, the firm has earned a reputation for fiercely protecting its client’s intellectual property, with notable strength in defending trade names. Among its proudest recognition is the trust it has received from members of the legal profession itself. The firm is privileged to represent lawyers and members of the judiciary in their personal and family legal matters, an endorsement that speaks volumes about its credibility and integrity.
“Our clients’ trust is the greatest recognition we could ever receive, and it remains our firm’s deepest source of pride”, states Attorney Cruz.
The Path Ahead
Looking forward, Ancheta Attorneys is committed to strengthening its trade name and litigation practice while building a more robust patent law practice. Patent protection presents a different set of legal and technical challenges compared to trade names, and the firm is preparing to expand its expertise in this area. By combining legal acumen, technical knowledge and innovation, the firm is positioning itself at the forefront of intellectual property law in the Philippines.
Atty. Ferdinand O. Cruz, IP Head & Senior Partner
Ferdinand O. Cruz is the IP Head and Senior Partner at Ancheta Attorneys who is also a licensed chemist and lawyer with expertise in procurement contracts, BPO compliance, labor relations, immigration and litigation. He holds a BS Chemistry from Ateneo and a JD from Lyceum with decades of experience in veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing, covering analytical chemistry, regulatory compliance, product registration, ISO QMS and forensic chemistry.
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