Powered by the firm’s regional strength, the intellectual property group at García & Bodán coordinates with its other locations in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to advise such major multinationals as PepsiCo, Mattel and Kraft Heinz on the management and protection of their international trade mark, copyright and patent portfolios. Bolstered by the April 2024 arrival of new IP head Edna López, who held the same role at Mayora & Mayora, S.C., the practice has an active client roster spanning sectors ranging from food and beverages, education, retail and telecoms to entertainment, fashion and apparel. Team leader López brings extensive experience in administrative litigation and matters involving anti-counterfeiting, copyright and patents. Seasoned litigator and regional IP head Julio Vargas, who was recently appointed as managing partner of the firm’s Costa Rica office, specialises in health registrations and domain names matters. Key support is provided by senior associate Fermina Bolaños Meardi, who displays strength in patent and trade mark management and regulatory issues related to chemical, veterinary and hygienic products, and associate Rodrigo Benítez, who manages complex data protection issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The customer service is incredible. The team is always attentive to any questions and is very organised. Additionally, they have very good attention to detail.'
  • 'The service offered is exceptional, which, together with the academic and technical preparation of the team, makes them the firm par excellence.'
  • 'Julio Vargas stands out as a partner in the IP practice.'
  • 'Julio Vargas is an excellent lawyer. He is intelligent, practical and always available.'
  • 'The speed of the practice as well as the technical ability demonstrated by the team makes it truly exceptional.'

Key clients

  • PepsiCo
  • The Kraft Heinz Foods Company
  • Grupo Televisa de México
  • Grupo Lala de México
  • Crocs
  • Sky/DirecTV
  • Converse/All Star
  • Mattel
  • PedidosYa (Delivery Hero)
  • Hurley

Work highlights

  • Advised Mattel on anti-piracy measures to enforce its rights against imports from China that infringe its copyright over the Barbie Doll and its trade mark over the UNO game.
  • Assisting PedidosYa with the registration of its trade mark portfolio in El Salvador and defending its brand from infringements through oppositions proceedings.
  • Represented Sky International in administrative trade mark litigation in defence of the SKY trade mark.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Edna López