United by common ideals and shared values, fifteen accomplished individuals founded Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia in 2013. Since then, fifteen new partners have risen to the challenge of leading the firm into the next generation. This partnership of seasoned practitioners is forged on a commitment to build a lasting legal institution that will carry on the values of professionalism, meritocracy, and mutual respect.

The firm is led by Avelino “Nonong” J. Cruz, Jr., Simeon “Sonny” V. Marcelo, and Joe Nathan P. Tenefrancia. Cruz previously served as the nation’s Secretary of National Defense and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, while Marcelo defended the public interest as the Ombudsman and Solicitor General. Tenefrancia represents the next generation of partners who will continue the legacy of professionalism and excellence.

The firm’s lawyers are highly regarded individuals whose counsel is sought by leaders of the nation, captains of industry, and the common person. With highly motivated lawyers working in teams and ably supported by the country’s best non-legal personnel, we bring together our collective expertise, skills, experience and networks to practice law as one firm. With committed advocacy and wise counsel as hallmarks of our practice, we are our clients’ reliable partners in achieving winning solutions. Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia provides exceptional legal representation in various fields of law as a fullservice firm.

Our core partnership values translate into our governance principles and are integral to ensuring that we provide our clients with top-notch, cost-effective legal services while emphasizing teamwork, creativity, and responsiveness.

Our IP lawyers are best known for their ability to provide excellent and effective legal services covering:

• Prosecution of applications for the registration of trademarks and patents (inventions, utility models, industrial designs) and applications for issuance of certificates of copyright deposit and registration;
• Protection of business models, trade secrets and undisclosed information;
• IP commercialization, providing comprehensive legal and business-oriented strategies in negotiating agreements for licensing and franchising;
• Domain name registration and dispute resolution;
• Registration of technology transfer agreements;
• Conduct of IP due diligence and audit of IP assets;
• Registration of food, cosmetics and drugs;
• Handling administrative, civil and criminal cases on infringement of copyright, patent and trademark; unfair competition; dispute settlement and mediation involving IP rights; and
• Anti-piracy programs and IP enforcement cases.

Network Memberships:
INTA, ECTA, AIPPI, LESI, AIPA, IR Global, Marques

Last updated 29th August 2018