José Luis Barzallo Sacoto

Meet José Luis:

José Luis has an outstanding professional career spanning three decades, with over 25 years dedicated to the fields of technology and intellectual property. His extensive knowledge in these areas has positioned him as a key figure in achieving strategic objectives and engaging with authorities and the private sectors, not only seeking solutions for his clients but also contributing to the development of the business sector and society as a whole.

His participation in trade and business organizations, along with his deep understanding of the technology market, has enabled him to develop a strategic vision that goes beyond the legal field. This perspective allows him to provide tangible value to his clients, ensuring legal security while driving measurable and sustainable achievements. 

With 20 years of experience as a university professor, he stays up to date with the latest technological innovations and their legal implications. This academic role has allowed him to train hundreds of students, many of whom are now prominent professionals in both the public and private sectors. His ability to integrate extensive legal knowledge with practical application makes him a recognized leader in digital law, technology law, telecommunications, and intellectual property.

Experience

• José Luis led the team that drafted the Electronic Commerce, Electronic Signature, and Data Messages Law. His contributions included advising the regulatory authority and both the Legislative and Executive branches during the approval process of this law.

• Between 2014 and 2017, he achieved regulatory acceptance of the simple electronic signature, an instrument whose validity had been previously unrecognized.

• He has been responsible for implementing electronic signature projects in various banks and insurance companies across the country.

• Represented a company in a judicial proceeding involving a complaint for abusive market practices, the decision of which was successfully set aside by an Administrative Tribunal.

• Won an arbitration in 2015 against a media outlet regarding intellectual property rights related to neighboring rights, representing a local association of phonogram producers.

Formation

• Lawyer, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE).

• Doctor in Jurisprudence, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, PUCE.

• Master’s Degree in Informatics and Law, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

• Specialization in Administrative Law, Universidad de Salamanca.

Memberships

• President of the Ecuadorian Association of IT and Telecommunications Law (AEDIT) (current).

• Vice President of the Ecuadorian Chamber of Innovation and Technology (CITEC).

• International member of: 

• Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI).

• International Trademark Association (INTA).

• International Media Lawyers Association.

• Alfa-Redi Community.

• Member of the Pichincha Bar Association.

• Partner and former president of the Ecuadorian-Colombian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAMECOL).

• Member of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce.

• Member of the Pichincha Chamber of Industries and Production.

Certifications/Other

•  Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar (UASB) – Specialization Course in Tax Law.

•  University of Oxford – Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy, Media Law Advocates Training Programme.

• Universidad de Salamanca – Course on Legal Aspects of Smart Contracts and Blockchain.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Course on Innovation and Technology: Digital Transformation, Technologies, and Their Practical Applications.
• Universidad de Salamanca – Course on Law and Artificial Intelligence.

• Author of the book “Intellectual Property on the Internet.” Ediciones Legales, 2006.

• Recognized by the Pichincha Bar Association for his publications.