Lerma, Benjamin Z.

Benjamin Z. Lerma, a partner, is the vice chair of the Intellectual Property department. His practice focuses on intellectual property, corporate law, and real estate.

Benjie handles various patent and trademark applications in the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for various multinational companies. He enforces intellectual property rights and manages intellectual property portfolios. He also provides advice regarding intellectual property laws that affect the products or services of a client.

Benjie advises domestic and foreign corporations on general corporate matters, particularly in identifying the proper corporate vehicle and ownership structure to set up and operate in the Philippines and drafting the necessary documents for the proper operation of the business. He also assists in major real estate transactions as well as the enforcement of Philippine environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

Benjie was involved in various mergers and acquisitions, representing either the acquiring entity or the target entity. He was responsible for assisting the client on formulating the project structure, drafting documentation, and negotiating with the other contracting party. He has participated as well in various loan transactions as counsel for the borrower, lender, financial adviser, or arranger. He has advised clients in major infrastructure and natural resource projects.

Benjie has been a faculty member of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law since 2001. He was a consultant of the Asian Development Bank from 2001-2007.

Benjie received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Legal Management from the De La Salle University in 1992 and his juris doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1996. He was admitted to the Philippine bar in 1997 and joined the firm in the same year.