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Intellectual Property

Protect what you have built

Trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and brand misuse. We act for owners enforcing their rights and for businesses accused of infringement.

  • Trade Marks Act, 1999
  • Copyright Act, 1957
  • Patents Act, 1970
  • Designs Act, 2000

What this covers

Your name, work and ideas have legal protection

A brand, a creative work, an invention or a design can each be protected by a different law. Many owners lose rights because they register late, keep poor records or wait too long to act.

We advise on protection, send notices, seek injunctions and defend claims, so that your rights are enforced in the right forum and in good time.

Trade mark search, registration and renewal
Opposition and rectification before the Registry
Infringement and passing off suits
Copyright infringement, licensing and assignment
Patent and design disputes
Domain name and online brand misuse
Cease and desist notices and replies
Interim injunctions and urgent relief
Takedown of fake listings and copied content
Defending businesses accused of infringement

What we handle

What is your IP issue?

Tell us your situation

This is only a starting point. The right step depends on what you own, how long you have used it and what the other side is doing, so please talk to us.

Trade Mark Infringement & Passing Off

Trade Marks Act, 1999
What it covers
Use of an identical or confusingly similar name, logo or get-up
Key point
Passing off protects an unregistered brand, while registration gives stronger and simpler rights
Where it is decided
District Court or High Court
How we help
Notice, evidence of use, and an injunction where needed

Trade Mark Registration

Trade Marks Act, 1999
What it covers
Search, filing, objections and renewal
Key point
Registration is class-wise, so the right goods and services must be chosen
Where it is decided
Trade Marks Registry
How we help
Search, filing and replying to examination reports

Opposition & Rectification

Trade Marks Act, 1999
What it covers
Opposing a rival’s application or removing a wrongly registered mark
Key point
Opposition must be filed within the time allowed after advertisement
Where it is decided
Registry, then the High Court on appeal
How we help
Notice of opposition, evidence and hearings

Copyright

Copyright Act, 1957
What it covers
Literary, artistic, music, film and software works
Key point
Copyright arises on creation, but the author is not always the owner, for example in employment
Where it is decided
Court; criminal complaint also possible
How we help
Notices, suits, licences and assignments

Patents

Patents Act, 1970
What it covers
Inventions that are new and capable of industrial use
Key point
Filing early matters, because public disclosure before filing can harm the claim
Where it is decided
Patent Office, High Court
How we help
Opinions, infringement and revocation disputes

Industrial Designs

Designs Act, 2000
What it covers
The shape, pattern and look of a product
Key point
A design must be registered to be protected under this Act, so records matter
Where it is decided
Controller of Designs, High Court
How we help
Registration and enforcement against copies

Domain Names & Online Misuse

Trade Marks Act, 1999; IT Act, 2000
What it covers
Cybersquatting, fake websites and marketplace listings
Key point
Domain disputes can often be resolved faster through the domain dispute process than in court
Where it is decided
Domain dispute process or court
How we help
Complaints, takedowns and platform notices

Trade Secrets & Confidentiality

Contract Act, 1872; general law
What it covers
Leaks by employees, vendors and partners
Key point
There is no single trade secrets statute, so contracts and confidentiality terms are central
Where it is decided
Civil Court
How we help
NDAs, injunctions and recovery of damages

Defending Infringement Claims

Relevant IP statutes
What it covers
Businesses that receive notices or suits
Key point
Early, careful replies often decide how the dispute goes
Where it is decided
Court or Registry
How we help
Reviewing the claim, replying and defending

Where IP cases go

Which court hears what

IP disputes are usually commercial disputes. The right forum depends on the right and the relief you need.

Trade marks & copyright

Suits for infringement and passing off go to the District Court or the High Court, depending on the value and the local rules. Urgent injunctions are often the first step.

Patents & designs

Infringement suits are heard by the High Court or District Court. Revocation is generally decided by the High Court.

Registry & appeals

Oppositions and applications go to the Trade Marks Registry or Patent Office. Appeals from their orders now lie to the High Court.

Protect your brand

Six steps to take early

A brand is easier to protect before a dispute than after one. These steps help in most cases.

Search the register before choosing a name or logo
Register the trade mark for the goods and services you sell
Keep proof of first use: invoices, dated ads and screenshots
Use written agreements with designers, developers and employees about who owns what
Watch the market and the register for copycats
Act quickly when you see misuse, because delay can weaken an injunction

How it works

From notice to result

  1. Review the right

    We check what you own, how long you have used it and any registration.

  2. Collect proof

    We gather evidence of use, copying and loss.

  3. Send a notice

    We send a notice, or reply to one, setting out the position.

  4. Go to the forum

    We approach the Registry or court, and seek urgent relief if needed.

  5. Settle or decide

    We negotiate where it helps you, or argue the case to a decision.

What we usually ask for

Bring what you have. Commonly needed:

  • Registration certificates or application details
  • Proof of first and continuous use: invoices, ads, screenshots
  • Samples or photographs of the copied product, mark or content
  • Agreements with designers, developers and employees
  • Notices sent or received
  • Details of the other party and where they operate

After the order

Winning on paper is not the end. Typical follow-up:

  • Complying with injunction terms and reporting breaches
  • Recording licences and assignments properly
  • Renewing registrations before they lapse
  • Filing for related marks, classes or designs
  • Monitoring the market for repeat misuse
  • Settling and documenting any coexistence terms

Questions we are often asked

Frequently asked questions

Is registration compulsory to protect my brand?

No. An unregistered brand can be protected by a passing off action if it has goodwill. Registration gives stronger, simpler rights and is strongly advised.

How long does a trade mark last?

A registered trade mark is valid for ten years and can be renewed. We help track renewal dates.

Can I stop a copycat quickly?

Courts can grant interim injunctions in suitable cases. Prompt action and good evidence help, because delay can count against you.

Does copyright need registration?

Copyright arises when a work is created. Registration is not required, but it gives useful proof of ownership in a dispute.

I got a legal notice for infringement. What should I do?

Do not ignore it and do not reply in haste. Send it to us with your records, and we will assess the claim and reply.

Can you help with an overseas infringer?

Often yes, through takedown requests to platforms and domain processes. Enforcing a court order abroad is harder, and we advise on the practical options.

Is someone using what is yours?

Bring your brand, work or product details. We will explain your position and your options. Your first conversation is private.

Related services

This page is for general information and is not legal advice or an advertisement or solicitation. Laws, time limits and procedures change, so please take advice on your own papers before acting.