Yolanda Álvarez, Ph.D.

Yolanda Álvarez, Co Founder and Lead Partner.

As the co-founding and lead partner at Álvarez Legal, Yolanda is the driving force behind our firm. Her groundbreaking approach and willingness to challenge established norms have shaped our working philosophy.

Yolanda Álvarez is a dedicated, innovative, and passionate attorney. With a successful career in intellectual property, civil and commercial litigation, and entertainment law, she has demonstrated her ability to represent clients in intricate legal matters at both the local and federal levels.

She is a prominent advocate for animal rights. As president of FePA (Federación Protectora de Animales de Puerto Rico), she is a tireless proponent of laws and policies that safeguard animals and promote their well-being. Yolanda is a co-author of Law 154-2008, known as the Law on the Welfare and Protection of Animals, one of the most progressive legislations for animal protection in the world.

At Álvarez Legal, we embrace Yolanda’s disruptive and courageous approach. We take pride in offering our clients exceptional service, prompt responses, and innovative solutions that embody our commitment to legal excellence.

Trust Yolanda Álvarez and Álvarez Legal to protect your interests with unparalleled dedication and expertise.

“Yolanda Alvarez is held in high esteem by her peers for her work in the IP arena. She is recognised for her expertise in both contentious and advisory matters…”

  • Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
  • United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
  • US Supreme Court
  • Ph.D. in History – 2023
  • Thesis: Cockfighting: The Representation of Masculine Violence in Puerto Rico (XVIII-XX)
  • University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Faculty of Humanities
  • Juris Doctor – 2005
    University of Puerto Rico School of Law
  • Courses pertaining to the Doctoral Degree in International Business- 2001
    University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Faculty of Business Administration
  • Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Management and Budgeting) -2000
    Thesis: The Press Oversight to the Government: Analysis of the weekly La Estrella de Puerto Rico
    University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication & Information – 1993
    University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, School of Communication

2013-present – ÁLVAREZ LEGAL LLC- Attorney at Law

Focusing on contracts and licensing, trademark and copyright prosecution, litigation of Intellectual Property and Entertainment matters, as well as other civil subjects including Communication Law, Animal Law & Commercial Litigation.

2011-2022- The University of Puerto Rico, School of Law

Served as an adjunct professor teaching Special Topics in Public Law, specially focusing on Animal Law.

2017-2021 – Puerto Rico Trademark and Commercial Names Registry

Served as the examining attorney, responsible for adjudicating opposition and cancellation proceedings.

2014-2018 – The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society International.

Served as the Puerto Rico Director.

  • Álvarez, Yolanda, R. Andrew Patty, and Eric P. Raciti. “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW.” Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal 50, no. 2 (2015): 469–98.
  • Raciti, Eric P., Yolanda Álvarez, and R. Andrew Patty. “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW.” Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal 51, no. 2 (2016): 517–42.
  • Raciti, Eric P., Yolanda Álvarez, and R. Andrew Patty. “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW.” Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal 52, no. 2 (2017): 507–30.

Puerto Rico:

  • Effective Management of the Media
  • How to Promote your Business
  • Intellectual Property
  • Entertainment Law
  • Music Law
  • Intellectual Property & the Film Industry

US and Abroad:

  • Animal Law –Virtual Congress on Animal Law, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Law and the States of the Art – American Bar Association, Chicago, USA
  • How to Approach the Government – Humane Society International, Louisiana, USA
  • The Inconsistencies of Animal Law in Puerto Rico – Institute of Animal Wellbeing, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Valentina’s Award – For the Enact of Act 154-2008 (2008)
  • Commission of the Year – Animal Law Commission- Puerto Rico Bar Association (2009)
  • SME Top Management Award – Quality of Life Enrique Marti Coll (2016)
  • Puerto Rico Bar Association
    Founder of the Animal Law Special Commission
    Intellectual Property Law Commission
  • American Bar Association (ABA)
    Litigation
    Intellectual Property
    Forum of the Entertainment & Sports Industry
    Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (“TIPS”)
  • Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Committee 2010-2013
  • Chair of International Issues – Animal Law Committee – 2010-2016
  • Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI, for its acronym in Spanish)
    Entertainment Committee
  • President, Board of Directors – Puerto Rico Federation for Animal Protection (FePA, for its acronym in Spanish)
  • Member, Board of Directors – The Film Foundation
  • Member, Board of Directors – Special Olympics of Puerto Rico
  • Member – SME Puerto Rico
  • President, Student Council – Public Communication School, UPR
  • Member, Golden Key Honor Society
  • President, DECA Club, San Sebastián
  • President, High School, Class of 1988
  • Member, United States Achievement Academy
  • Volleyball Player, First Category, Vega Baja; Second Category, San Sebastián
  • Member, Puerto Rico Journalist Association
  • Member, Puerto Rico Public Relations Professionals Association
  • Member, Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, Overseas Press Club
  • Member, Student Council, School of Law, UPR