MICHAEL Z. UNTALAN received his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 1992. He obtained his degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1987.

Before joining BNU as a partner, he was a senior associate at the Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose Law Offices and worked with the firm's litigation department and intellectual property practice group. He was also involved in the firm's general corporate and commercial practice where he provided legal assistance to clients in various business transactions.

Mr. Untalan advised both local and international clients including leading multinational pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies, foreign law firms and professional groups in all relevant areas of intellectual property and information technology. While his practice focused on intellectual property matters, particularly registration and enforcement, he also represented clients in various kinds of legal dispute at all stages of litigation.

He regularly attends seminars and conferences on intellectual property and is active in international organizations such as the International Trademark Association (INTA) and Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA). He has firmly established professional relationships with overseas intellectual property practitioners as well as the Philippine Intellectual Property Office. He is a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines.