The IP spin-off from full-service law firm Quasha Ancheta Peña & Nolasco, Zobella & Co is led by seasoned practitioner Alonzo Ancheta, who had previously worked for and remains close to IPOPhil. The firm is handling the IP affairs of Bata Brands as it seeks to re-establish its right in the Philippines to the well-known trade mark Bata for shoes. The case raises questions over the protection offered to owners of well-known marks. Although the case had previously been decided unfavourably against Bata Brands in the Supreme Court, new local and international legislation expanded new legal grounds and renewed fights on ownership. "It is vested in achieving a result satisfactory for its clients," says one lawyer familiar with the firm. "It is knowledgeable of the intricacies in the Philippines trade mark law and follows through tight timetables without getting anything wrong."
In another notable case, Zobella & Co is acting for Burberry in its defence against Blackberry's trade mark claims that prevented Burberry from diversifying its product sales in various outlets, especially in the category of telephones, mobile telephones and mobile electronic devices. Other projects include trade mark work for AstraZeneca and patent filings for Abbott Laboratories. "The team offered excellent service at the highest level of competency and professionalism," says a local client.