THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) announced on Tuesday the appointment of Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz as its new director general.
“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve the country together with the men and women of IPOPHL,” Ms. Da Costa-Villaluz said in a statement.
“We will continue the close work with IP rights holders to elevate the use of the intellectual property system towards creativity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity,” she added.
Ms. Da Costa-Villaluz, founder of BDCV Law and a partner at Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices, has worked on trademark, patent, copyright, and commercial law cases.
“Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her expertise in IP law, earning accolades such as being named a Trademark Star by Managing IP in 2021 and 2022, as well as being featured in Asia IP Informed Analysis IP Expert in 2023 and 2024,” IPOPHL said.
“She has also been commended by Legal 500 for her exceptional work in IP prosecution,” it added.
Admitted to the bar in 1997, Ms. Da Costa-Villaluz is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law and the University of the Philippines School of Economics.
Prior to her appointment, the Department of Trade and Industry had designated IPOPHL Deputy Director General for Policy, Legal, and External Relations Nathaniel S. Arevalo as the officer-in-charge for the IP body.
Former Director General Rowel S. Barba’s term expired on Dec. 31. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
