Quevedo & Ponce

Trade Dress in Ecuador

Trade dress protects the visual identity of products and establishments, such as packaging, shapes, colors or store decorations that make them unique in the market. In Ecuador, its regulation seeks to safeguard business identity, promote innovation, and prevent unfair competition.

Certification of Direct Substitutes for Persons with Disabilities in Ecuador: A Step Toward Labor Inclusion and Social Protection

The certification of direct substitutes for persons with disabilities is a legal mechanism that ensures care, maintenance, and the protection of both labor and social rights. This regulation, issued by the Ministry of Labor on August 22, 2025, establishes who may act as substitutes, the requirements for obtaining certification, its validity, and the grounds for its termination. It constitutes a key step toward labor inclusion and legal security for families and businesses in Ecuador.

New Ministerial Agreement on Discrimination, Violence, and Workplace Harassment in Ecuador

Ministerial Agreement No. MDT-2025-102, issued on August 22, 2025, by the Ministry of Labor, establishes mandatory rules to prevent and address discrimination, violence, and workplace harassment in the private sector in Ecuador. The regulation requires employers to implement an Internal Protocol and psychosocial risk prevention programs, while employees must maintain a respectful environment and report inappropriate behavior. It also regulates the reporting procedure, victim protection, and sanctions, ensuring safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces for all employees.

Digital Piracy in Ecuador: A Legal Challenge in the Technological Era

Digital piracy is one of the greatest challenges for the protection of intellectual property in Ecuador. The use of illegal platforms to distribute content without authorization infringes the rights of authors and creators while exposing users to legal and technological risks. Despite the existing legal framework, it is necessary to promote a digital culture that respects copyright.

Metropolitan Ordinance No. 086-2024: Key Points and Challenges for Taxpayers

On December 26, 2024, Metropolitan Ordinance No. 086-2024 was enacted, modifying the patent tax and 1.5 tax on total assets. The regulation distinguishes obligations based on whether taxpayers are required to keep accounting records, and introduces benefits and exemptions in certain cases. It is essential to know these changes and deadlines to ensure compliance and optimize tax burdens. This article explains the key points that every taxpayer should know.

Intellectual Property, International Harmonization, and the Role of Customs: The Philco Case as a Warning for Export-Oriented Companies

The use of trademarks in cross-border manufacturing operations poses significant legal risks, as evidenced by the Philco case in Brazil. This article analyzes how the unauthorized use of a trademark during manufacturing — even when the products are intended for export — may activate judicial and customs actions. Focusing the impact of the territoriality principle and the need for an international legal strategy.