“Issues like the protection of AI-generated works, enforcement of digital copyrights, and tokenization of intellectual property assets on blockchain are becoming increasingly relevant.”
Q. 1 Please share your journey in the legal field, from your early days at Amarjit & Associates to becoming the Managing Partner at Intellect Juris Law Offices?
A. 1 My legal journey began at Amarjit & Associates, where I gained a solid foundation in intellectual property law and litigation. During my tenure, I worked extensively on contentious IP matters, including trade mark infringements and copyright disputes. This early exposure allowed me to develop a keen interest in intellectual property law, particularly the intricacies of protecting and enforcing IP rights.
I later transitioned to Dubey & Partners, where I headed the IPR Department and managed a team of lawyers. This experience not only deepened my expertise but also helped me refine my leadership skills and understand the dynamics of running a legal practice.
Eventually, Intellect Juris Law Offices was established with a vision to create a client-focused law firm that provides innovative and effective solutions in intellectual property law. Today, as the Managing Partner, I lead a team of dedicated professionals, balancing strategic leadership with active involvement in high-stakes IP litigation and advisory work.
Q. 2 What motivated you to specialise in intellectual property law, and how has your understanding of this field evolved over the years?
A. 2 My motivation to specialise in intellectual property law stems from my passion for creativity and innovation. I was drawn to the idea of helping individuals and businesses protect their unique ideas, inventions, and works of art.
Over the years, my understanding of the field has evolved significantly. My academic pursuits, including an LLM in Intellectual Property Laws from the University of Manchester, provided me with a global perspective and an in-depth understanding of IP law. Practically, handling a variety of cases from trade marks and copyrights to design and patent disputes has enriched my approach, enabling me to blend legal expertise with a strategic business mindset.
In the current digital era, where technology and innovation drive industries, I have adapted to new challenges like AI-generated content, digital copyrights, and cross-border IP enforcement, ensuring my clients receive comprehensive and future-ready legal counsel.
Q. 3 Your experience spans both small firms and large offices. How would you compare the work culture, challenges, and client expectations between these settings?
A. 3 Working in both small firms and large offices has been a transformative experience, each offering unique lessons and challenges. In small firms, the work culture is often more collaborative, with individuals wearing multiple hats. This fosters a holistic understanding of cases, as lawyers handle everything from client consultations to court appearances. However, the challenge lies in managing limited resources and balancing diverse responsibilities.
Large offices, on the other hand, operate with structured hierarchies and specialised roles. This set-up allows for deep expertise in specific areas but can sometimes limit broader exposure. The challenges here include navigating bureaucratic processes and managing large-scale operations.
Client expectations, however, remain consistent across both set-ups—they demand timely, practical and efficient solutions. My experience in both environments has equipped me to deliver high-quality services regardless of the firm’s size or structure.
Q. 4 As the Managing Partner at Intellect Juris Law Offices, what are the key challenges you face in balancing leadership responsibilities with your practice in IP law?
A. 4 Balancing leadership and active legal practice is undoubtedly one of the most demanding aspects of my role. As the Managing Partner, I am responsible for driving the firm’s strategic vision, managing a talented team of professionals, and ensuring operational efficiency.
Simultaneously, I remain deeply involved in complex IP cases, which require a hands-on approach. The key challenges include time management, maintaining a balance between administrative duties and client work, and ensuring that the firm remains adaptive to industry changes.
To address these challenges, I prioritise delegation, build a strong leadership team, and focus on setting clear goals for both myself and the firm. This enables me to lead effectively while continuing to deliver exceptional legal services to our clients.
Q. 5 You have an LLM in Intellectual Property Laws from the University of Manchester. How has your international education shaped your approach to IP law in India?
A. 5 Pursuing an LLM at the University of Manchester was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons. It provided me with a global perspective on intellectual property law and a deeper understanding of comparative legal systems.
This education enhanced my ability to address cross-border IP issues and strengthened my knowledge of international IP treaties, licensing frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. In the Indian context, it has allowed me to bring global best practices to local cases, ensuring that my clients’ IP rights are protected not just in India but also internationally.
Additionally, this exposure has helped me navigate the nuances of cultural and jurisdictional differences in IP matters, making me a more effective advisor and litigator.
Q. 6 Can you share some of the most challenging or interesting intellectual property cases you have worked on, and what strategies you employed to navigate them?
A. 6 One of the notable cases that I remember is where I represented a US-based conglomerate in a matter involving trade mark infringement by its licensee based in India. The licensee had not only infringed on the licensed trade mark but also registered the trade mark under its own name and maintained that registration for over 25 years. This presented a unique challenge as the registered proprietor was protected under statutory rights. However, we successfully navigated these complexities and secured an interim order against the registered proprietor, which was a significant outcome. This case stood out for its intricate legal and procedural issues, as well as the strategic litigation approach it demanded.
Additionally, I was involved in a unique cross-border case that required the cross-examination of a witness from the USA via videoconferencing at the Indian Embassy in New York. The logistical challenges of coordinating across jurisdictions and adhering to international protocols required meticulous preparation and collaboration. My strategies in these cases centered on thorough legal research, innovative problem-solving, and ensuring that legal tactics align with the client’s business objectives, ultimately achieving favourable outcomes in even the most complex scenarios.
Q. 7 If you were to make an alternate career choice as a young adult yourself, what would it be?
A. 7 If I were to choose an alternate career, it would likely be in the creative industries, such as becoming a writer, art curator, or creative strategist. These fields resonate with my passion for creativity and innovation, values that also inspired my journey in intellectual property law.
As a writer, I would explore the power of storytelling to connect with audiences and inspire thought, while as an art curator, I would focus on preserving and showcasing the cultural richness of art forms. The creative industries play a pivotal role in shaping society and culture and being part of that would allow me to contribute to fostering originality and talent.
That said, my legal career has allowed me to integrate my passion for creativity with a sense of purpose, enabling me to protect and promote the very industries I would have loved to be a part of in an alternate career.
Q. 8 As an Intellectual Property Strategist with significant experience in diverse practice areas, how do you view the role and significance of legal research engines such as SCC OnLine in facilitating legal research and staying abreast of legal developments?
A. 8 Legal research engines like SCC OnLine have transformed the way legal professionals conduct research, offering unparalleled access to a wealth of judgments, precedents and legislative updates.
For an intellectual property strategist, the significance of such tools lies in their ability to streamline the research process, saving valuable time and ensuring accuracy in building arguments. They empower lawyers to access insights from the most recent legal developments and identify trends that are critical to crafting effective litigation and advisory strategies.
Additionally, these tools facilitate comparative analysis across different jurisdictions, an essential feature for handling cross-border IP matters. Their intuitive search capabilities allow professionals to quickly navigate complex legal frameworks and focus on the substance of cases. At Intellect Juris, we integrate legal research engines into our workflows to ensure that our clients receive solutions that are both legally sound and aligned with contemporary trends.
Q. 9 Can you share your thoughts on the importance of mentorship in the legal profession? How do you support the development of junior associates in your firm?
A. 9 Mentorship is an integral part of the legal profession, serving as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The fast-paced nature of law demands continuous learning, and mentors play a critical role in helping young lawyers navigate complex legal issues, develop their skills, and gain confidence.
At Intellect Juris, I view mentorship as a two-way process. While I guide junior associates in refining their research and litigation skills, I also encourage them to bring fresh perspectives to the table. I regularly conduct training sessions, organise case discussions, and provide constructive feedback on their work.
Moreover, I create opportunities for associates to take ownership of cases under supervision, allowing them to experience the practical aspects of client management and litigation strategy. By fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication, I aim to inspire the next generation of lawyers to be confident, competent, and innovative in their approach.
Q. 10 Looking ahead, what do you see as the future trends in intellectual property law, both globally and in India, and how is your firm preparing for these changes?
A. 10 The future of intellectual property law is being shaped by rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and evolving business models.
Globally, the rise of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital content platforms is presenting new challenges and opportunities in IP law. Issues like the protection of AI-generated works, enforcement of digital copyrights, and tokenisation of intellectual property assets on blockchain are becoming increasingly relevant.
In India, the growing start-up ecosystem, increased focus on innovation, and global collaborations are driving a surge in IP filings and enforcement actions. Additionally, the Government’s initiatives to modernise IP processes and promote innovation are paving the way for a more robust IP framework.
At Intellect Juris, we are actively preparing for these changes by investing in technology, expanding expertise, and keeping abreast of developments in emerging areas like AI, blockchain, and biotechnology and strengthening cross-border capabilities by building networks with global firms and professionals to better address international IP challenges. Our approach is to remain proactive, ensuring that we not only adapt to changes but also lead the way in shaping the future of intellectual property law in India and beyond.
1. Founder & Managing Partner, Intellect Juris Law Offices | Intellectual Property Strategist.
2. EBC-SCC Online Student Ambassador, Army Institute of Law, Mohali, Punjab.
