Gierbolini Law Practice
Our vast experience includes complex mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and the creation of special purpose entities. We also deal with matters pertaining to corporate strategy, negotiations and interpretation of contracts, and general corporate law, including shareholder and partnership agreements.
Corporate department
We provide day-to-day advice on matters of corporate governance, legal opinions, contracts, financing and project development.
Merges, Acquisitions and Reorganizations
Lawyers from the Corporate and Banking Law Department work directly with our clients in structuring corporate entities, including: start-ups, assistance in mergers with or acquiring related and unrelated entities and in corporate reorganizations. We also provide counseling in the areas of corporate governance, consolidations, spin-offs, contracts and obligations, and general corporate law.
Starting a new business in Puerto Rico
Starting a new business or developing an existing one is of particular interest. Our attorneys work closely with clients in their process to establish new business entities, from determining what type of structure it should use to filing for and obtaining the various permits and licenses necessary to conduct operations in Puerto Rico.
Due diligence
As part of it’s transactional work this department also has experience in conducting due diligence which includes: permits, employment-related auditing, environmental licensing, environmental condition and compliance, real estate maters and others. The Corporate Group also works closely with members of the Firm’s Tax Law Department in these matters.
Real estate and land use
Due to their highly technical nature, most transactions require that deeds, contracts and other recordable documents be drafted to conform with particular conventions in order to gain access to public registries. Land use is another integral factor in today’s real estate transactions. Members of this practice group also offer advice in Puerto Rico’s complex land use, planning and governing laws and regulations. In addition to these services, we also secure licenses, permits and authorization from the Department of Health, the P.R. Fire Department, the P.R. Regulations and Permit Administration, the P.R. Planning Board and other relevant governmental entities.
Intelectual property
This department handles the filing in the Puerto Rico State Department’s Office of Trademarks, service marks and copyrights, including the filing and recording of mark applications, affidavits of use, assignments, deposits of federal registrations and other recordings to maintain and protect our client’s recorded rights, using a sophisticated specially designed software. It also assists its clients in protecting intellectual property rights as issues arise relating to copyright infringement, unfair competition and trademark/trade dress infringement. We have alliances with other intellectual property groups in other parts of the world to assist common clients in this area.
Daco matters
Daco matters
Our Firm’s Corporate and Banking Department assists clients in matters relating to the various regulations issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs (commonly referred to as DACO). DACO regulates, among others:
- Misleading practices in advertising
- Contests and sweepstakes
- Rain checks
- In-store pricing labels other required store signage
- Automobile warranties
- Real estate brokerage
- Residential real estate development
- New condominium registrations
- Condominium law violations
- Construction vices and other construction related services
- Gasoline retail prices
This Department makes sure that DACO required documentation is properly drafted in compliance with the law and DACO regulations. It also represents clients in DACO hearings, defending clients against alleged violations, either imposed by DACO as part of its regulatory enforcing procedures, or as a result of a consumer complaint.
Civil & commercial litigation Puerto Rico civil and commercial litigation and trials practice group
Since courtroom practice in Puerto Rico is unique, our trial lawyers provide skilled representation in the judicial system in both Spanish and English.
The type of civil and commercial litigation and trials that the practice group handles are straightforward and complex matters, including breach of civil and commercial contracts, distribution and franchising contracts under the Dealers contract Act of Puerto Rico (Law 75) and the Sales Representative contract Act of Puerto Rico (Law 21), antitrust and unfair trade practices, construction contract, directors’ and officers’ liability, products liability, lender liability, insurance medical malpractice, aviation, trademark infringement, UCC disputes, breach of contract, defense of discrimination, covenants not to compete and employment disputes.