Established in 1904, Estudio Colmenares was characterised as a traditional family firm with cachet in IP circles, particularly in Europe where it has had a loyal client base for many years. Rivals emphasised the antiquity and good name of this specialist practice. "It has a lot of prestige in Peru," said one peer, while another competitor noted: "If you go to Europe you ask anyone about Colmenares, they will know the name." Clients include key industry players such as Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer, Ingelheim and EI Du Pont De Nemours & Company.
The firm has recently been modernising its brand. It has redesigned its offices and is working on a new logo and website. At the request of its European clients, it is also developing an online system that will allow clients to check the progress of their cases on its website.
The firm recently secured the confiscation of an imported batch of fake Barbie dolls on behalf of toy company Mattel, based on claims of copyright infringement. It also successfully represented sportswear brand Puma in opposing a proposed trade mark featuring the figure of a jumping cat in connection with the name Forever Five.
Legal manager Maria del Carmen Arana teaches a master's programme at the Catholic University of Peru, assists the Peruvian Bench Academy and takes part in international Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations as representative of the private sector.