Tobacco industry looking to consolidate markets

By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados

Tobacco industry looking to consolidate markets
Nicaragua´s tobacco industry celebrated its “4th Puro Sabor Festival Del Tabaco”, were tobacco producers and cigar manufacturers concluded they must consolidate their product in African, Asian and Middle East markets such as Morocco, China and Dubai. “Several members of the association are interested in increasing the market in China”, explained Néstor Plasencia, president of the Nicaraguan Tobacco Growers Association, to El Nuevo Diario newspaper.

The idea is to gradually increase planting acres in the country. Currently more than 17.000 acres are used for tobacco plantations, particulary in the Department of Estelí, where the majority of cigar factories have settled, producing many of the best and most awarded brands of cigars. Nicaraguan Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado was named 2014's best cigar after receiving a
rating of 96 (out of 100) from Cigar Aficionado magazine.

In the last decade Nicaragua has become one of the leading manufacturers of cigar countries worldwide, with presence in 79 countries and creating nearly 84.000 jobs in the country. The industry annually invests about U$S 36 million and national banking credits for tobacco companies have reached U$S 50 million. Econoy studies forecast exports growth of 5% for Nicaraguan cigars in 2015.  
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados

GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.

The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.

Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.

We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.

Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.

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