Mariano Santos is a Partner in the Intellectual Property department at Bird & Bird’s Madrid office, bringing over 20 years of experience in the field of intellectual and industrial property. He leads the firm’s brand management and prosecution team in Spain and is actively involved in coordinating matters across Latin America, advising clients on international protection strategies.
As an experienced IP attorney, Mariano specialises in trademarks, designs, patents, copyright and advertising law, with a particular focus on trademark-related matters. Over the course of his career, he has handled numerous proceedings before the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and various Latin American authorities.
He has developed extensive expertise in the design and implementation of pan-European prosecution and enforcement strategies for trademarks, patents and designs. His practice also includes customs actions and tackling parallel import issues, particularly in Latin American markets.
Throughout his professional career, Mariano has advised national and international companies on intellectual property consultancy projects and the comprehensive management of trademark portfolios. His experience extends to providing legal advice on franchising and licensing, as well as defining and implementing internal IP policies within organisations, covering areas such as R&D, marketing activities and employee inventions. He has also conducted in-depth analysis, audits and reorganisation of IP portfolios.
In addition to his legal practice, Mariano is actively involved in academia. He regularly teaches at both public and private institutions, including the Institute for the Analysis of Intangible Assets and ISDE Law School. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of LES Spain and Portugal.
