Jan Abigail Ponce
jponce@poncelaw.com.ph
Jan Abigail Ponce is an attorney-at-law and the managing partner of J. PONCE LAW. She obtained her Juris Doctor from the Ateneo de Manila School of Law. For nearly two decades since, she has built a strong portfolio of wins, successfully handling oppositions, petitions for cancellations, infringement and unfair competition cases involving trademarks, patents and copyright, all before the Intellectual Property Office while also handling appeals with the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Specializing in trademark prosecution, trademark maintenance and renewals, and IP litigation, she has represented a wide variety of corporate clients: from leaders in personal care to titans of automobile, from top software brands to iconic apparel companies, her range is testament to her rich experience. Pushing the boundaries of IP on a global scale, she is an active member of INTA and participates regularly in international conferences.
Asteria I. Mercado
asteriamercado@poncelaw.com.ph
Asteria I. Mercado is a licensed chemical engineer, registered patent attorney, and a co-founder of J. PONCE LAW. Her journey as a seasoned IP practitioner began as a patent researcher at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), where she covered various technical fields. She was later promoted to patent examiner then as division chief of the Chemical Technology Examining Division of the Bureau of Patents within IPOPHL. During that period, she often participated in local and international IP conferences as a lecturer or speaker. Her expertise also led to her involvement in IPOPHL dissemination campaigns and training for new patent researchers and examiners. Later on, she joined a leading IP firm in the Philippines as head of its patent department, holding that position for over 15 years. Her IP expertise includes drafting of patent specification, prosecution of patent application, handling third party observation, conducting and evaluating comprehensive and freedom to market searches, preparation of infringement opinion and patent valuation, analysis––among others.
Loreto A. Madarang
loretomadarang@poncelaw.com.ph
Loreto A. Madarang is a registered patent attorney, licensed chemical engineer, and a co-founder of J. PONCE LAW. She spent her formative years at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, working there for five years, first as a patent researcher then as a patent examiner at the Bureau of Patents. Having laid the groundwork for what would be a fruitful career, she spent the next 25 years lending her acumen to two leading IP firms, working as the lead patent agent responsible for handling patent and design application for high-profile clients. With her extensive experience, she has conducted lectures on Philippine patent practice and procedures in various international conferences.