Intellectual Property is a crucial area for the protection of creation and innovation rights. In an interview with Business magazine, Manuel Ferreira, Managing Partner of A.G. da Cunha Ferreira, highlighted the importance of registering Industrial Property rights, recommending active vigilance in protecting it. A. G. da Cunha Ferreira, recognized as Top Tier Prosecution in patents and trademarks, and PME Leader and Excellence, stands out for the service provided, coming from more than a century of experience in the area. Manuel Ferreira also addresses the need to raise awareness on the subject, not only in companies, but in society in general. With a vision of constant evolution, A.G. da Cunha Ferreira intends to continue to be a strategic partner in supporting entrepreneurship and creating value for its clients.
Read the full interview below.
A. G. da Cunha Ferreira is one of the oldest law firms, with 142 years of experience, operating in Europe in the area of Intellectual Property. For those who are not yet familiar with this area of activity, what can you tell us about the work you do?
First of all, it is useful to clarify what Intellectual Property is. This can be defined as the set of rights deriving from human creations and is divided into two major branches: the first, “Copyright and Neighbouring Rights”; and the second, “Industrial Property Rights”, relating to trademarks, patents, designs or models, among others. Although it is not compulsory to register these rights, it is extremely advisable to do so. Only then will they have at their disposal all the legal remedies available to them in the pursuit and protection of their rights. Taking the example of Industrial Property Rights, registration will allow holders of such exclusive rights to protect themselves against unauthorized use of their patents, trademarks and designs or models, and also to ensure that there are no creations identical or similar to theirs. In this way, we help our clients define the right path to take, based on a protection strategy tailored to their needs, both on the national and international scene. Finally, as the registration of a right is only one part of the process, we also actively monitor and protect our clients’; rights and investments.
The quality of your work has been recognized and you have already been distinguished as a Top Tier Prosecution company, in patents and trademarks, and as SME Leader and Excellence. What is the significance of these distinctions and what factors distinguish you in the marketplace?
It is the recognition of the excellence of the service we provide our clients. A service based on more than 143 years of know-how, which has enabled us to develop a group of highly specialized professionals, guided by integrity, rigor and commitment in the pursuit of their duties and also in the protection of our clients’; rights.
What is the firm’s role in protecting intellectual property and raising awareness of the impact of patents and copyrights on people’s lives?
In an era of globalization, where the power of Intellectual Property, be it trademarks, patents or otherwise, becomes ever stronger for business success, protecting it is essential. This applies to small, medium and large companies alike. As such, we have tried to make the market aware, not only of the existence of this type of rights, but also of their importance as a fundamental asset of a company and, consequently, of the need to register them. We have tried to reinforce that the registration of their rights is only the first step to take in their defense, since this defense must be constant and permanent.
With over a century of history, what is your vision of the future?
In general terms, we intend to continue to meet the needs and expectations of our customers, as we have done for over 143 years, always with the excellence and dedication to which we have accustomed them. To do this, we are constantly evolving, so that we can respond effectively and efficiently to the new challenges that arise, investing in a strong qualification of our employees, while we take advantage, to the benefit of our customers, of the technological transformations that are occurring daily. Thus, we intend to continue to cultivate our legacy of excellence, remaining the main strategic partner in supporting the entrepreneurship and talent that exists in Portugal, as well as a source of value creation for all our clients.
Rely on a strategic partner in entrepreneurship support, contact us.
11 July 2023