Manila, Philippines, 17 July 2023 - Quisumbing Torres announces the appointment of Divina Ilas-Panganiban, CIPM as the new head of the firm's Intellectual Property, Data, and Technology (IPDT) Practice Group effective July 2023. Vina succeeds Bienvenido Marquez III, who has led the group to significant success over the past years.
Vina brings to the role a wealth of experience and leadership in the intellectual property field, having co-headed the Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Industry Group and participated actively in initiatives of Baker & McKenzie International, of which Quisumbing Torres is a member firm.
"Quisumbing Torres' commitment to providing leading-edge legal services is reflected in our decision to appoint Divina as head of the IPDT Practice Group," states Quisumbing Torres Managing Partner Ramon J. Quisumbing. "Her wide range of expertise, from IP litigation cases to data privacy and cybersecurity matters, ensures we are well-positioned to navigate the evolving legal landscape."
Vina has represented clients in landmark cases, including acting on behalf of Mang Inasal Philippines. Her successful representation led to a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of the Philippines, protecting the client's famous mark against a confusingly similar trademark of a local company.
Alongside her new role as IPDT head, Vina was also recently appointed to the Advisory Council for Intellectual Property (ACIP) of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). She has just concluded her term as the chair of the Unreal Campaign of the International Trademarks Association (INTA) for East Asia and the Pacific and is now part of the Data Protection Committee of INTA.
Her leadership roles extend to serving as the vice-president and director of the Philippine Chapter of the Licensing Executives Society International, the regional vice-chairperson of the LESI's Education Committee, the co-chairperson of the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the chairperson of the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights of the European Chamber of Commerce.
"Vina's appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our IPDT Practice Group," says Quisumbing. "I am confident that under Vina's capable leadership, the group will continue to grow and excel, all while maintaining our commitment to excellence in serving our clients."
Vina is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law (J.D.) and Lund University in Sweden (LLM), and her expertise and dedication have been recognized by several prestigious accolades. Most notably, she has been named a Leading Individual for Intellectual Property by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific from 2017 to 2023, and as a Leading Individual for TMT in the same platform from 2016 to 2023. Additionally, she has been recognized as an IP Expert by Asia IP from 2019 to 2023, and as a Litigation Star for Intellectual Property by Benchmark Litigation from 2021 to 2023.
Her aptitude in patents has earned her recognition as a Recommended Individual by IAM Patent 1000 from 2017 to 2021, which then elevated to Highly Recommended Individual from 2022 to 2023. She was also named the Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year by the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards from 2021 to 2022, and Privacy & Data Protection Lawyer of the Year by Euromoney Asia Women in Business Law Awards in 2022.
Her commitment to educating future legal professionals is reflected in her receiving the 2021 Elite IP Award for Excellence in Teaching and Educating IP and the Best Lecturers for the 2022 training programs of the IP Academy by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and the Client Choice Awards for Trademark by Lexology in the same year. Her expertise as a Certified Information Privacy Manager by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) will ensure the firm's continued growth and innovative approach to intellectual property and data privacy law.
About Quisumbing Torres' Intellectual Property, Data and Technology Practice Group
With groundbreaking tools and systems specially designed for IP portfolio management, our Intellectual Property, Data and Technology Practice Group can help ensure effective registration and protection of your trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other IP rights. Calling on extensive experience in IP rights enforcement, we help our clients obtain successful results — and make cost-efficient decisions — in even the most complex IP disputes. Our lawyers deliver proficient and legally practicable advice in licensing and franchising, technology transfer, IP prosecution, IP litigation, border control measures, and enforcement actions.
We also handle emerging issues involving data privacy, data security, and cybercrime. Moreover, we help companies preserve a competitive edge as they use technology innovations as a strategy to reach new markets and deliver solutions to customers. We help clients manage risks and protect business interests arising from changes brought about by technology. We assist clients with technology-related contracts and transactions. Our team stays abreast of the regulators' initiatives, which may impact our client’s operations and enable us to pursue the appropriate remedies before the authorities.
About Quisumbing Torres
Quisumbing Torres offers clients integrated solutions to complex legal challenges.
Our culture, developed nearly 60 years as a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International, enables us to collaborate across borders and practice areas. We provide seamless advice underpinned by local market knowledge and deep sector expertise so that business leaders can feel confident in driving growth that is both sustainable and inclusive.