Intellectual Property Law
Legal counsel for trademarks, patents, copyright, designs and IP ownership — for startups, businesses, creators and individuals.
Protecting Ideas, Brands and Creative Work
Businesses and individuals create intellectual property through brands, inventions, software, creative work, designs and other forms of original work.
Understanding ownership, protection, use and commercialisation of intellectual property is important when creating a new business, launching a product or entering into a commercial relationship.
Areas of Intellectual Property
Comprehensive legal services across trademarks, patents, copyright and industrial designs.
1. Trademark
Legal support relating to brand names, logos, marks, applications, objections, oppositions and trademark-related disputes.
2. Patent
Legal support relating to inventions and patent-related documentation, applications and associated legal matters.
3. Copyright
Legal support relating to original creative and digital works, ownership, licensing, assignment and copyright disputes.
4. Industrial Design
Legal information and support relating to the protection and commercial use of qualifying designs.
IP Support Across Different Businesses
Tailored intellectual property legal assistance for businesses, creators and individual rights holders.
Startups
Support with brand protection, founder IP, software, content and commercial IP arrangements.
MSMEs
Support with trademarks, business names, creative assets, licensing and IP-related commercial matters.
Creators
Support relating to ownership, licensing and protection of original creative work.
Technology Businesses
Support relating to software, digital products, technology agreements, confidentiality and intellectual property ownership.
Established Businesses
Support with trademark portfolios, licensing, assignments and IP-related commercial relationships.
Protecting a Business Brand
A trademark may help distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. Businesses often consider trademark protection when developing a new brand, product or service.
Key Trademark Areas Covered:
Protecting Inventions
Patent law relates to qualifying inventions and the rights associated with them. Patent matters often involve technical information, ownership and application-related documentation.
Key Patent Matters Covered:
Protecting Original Creative Work
Copyright relates to original creative and expressive works. Businesses and individuals should also consider ownership and licensing when content or software is created by employees, contractors or third parties.
Works Covered Under Copyright:
Who Owns the Intellectual Property?
Ownership questions frequently arise when intellectual property is created by different parties involved in a business or project, including founders, employees, consultants, freelancers, agencies, technology vendors, and business partners.
A 4-Step Process for Evaluating IP Ownership:
Identify the Work
Understand what intellectual property has been created (code, brand, design, invention or content).
Identify the Creator
Determine who created the work and in what relationship (employee, founder, freelancer or agency).
Review the Agreement
Check employment, consultancy, assignment or other contractual terms signed between the parties.
Document Ownership
Use appropriate documentation where ownership or rights need to be formally established or assigned.
Intellectual Property in Business Agreements
Intellectual property rights are commonly addressed in commercial contracts to establish ownership, usage rights, confidentiality and restrictions.
Common Contractual Provisions:
- IP Ownership & Pre-existing IP
- Licensing & Grant of Rights
- Scope of Usage Rights
- Confidentiality & Trade Secrets
- Assignment Provisions
- Usage Restrictions & Exclusions
- Third-Party Materials & Open Source
- Termination & Post-Termination Rights
Key Agreement Types:
- Employment Agreements
- Consultancy Agreements
- Software Development Agreements
- Technology & SaaS Contracts
- Licensing Agreements
- Vendor & Service Agreements
- Customer & Master Service Agreements
Intellectual Property for Startups
Startups often create intellectual property before formalising ownership arrangements. Brand names, software, designs, content and proprietary information may all raise ownership or protection questions.
Questions Businesses Often Face
Practical scenarios and legal considerations confronting founders, companies and creators.
Can I use this business name?
What should be considered before adopting a new brand name?
Who owns software created by a developer?
What agreements and working relationships should be reviewed?
Should a startup register its trademark?
When should a business consider protecting its brand?
Who owns content created by a freelancer?
What should the relevant agreement say about ownership and usage rights?
Can intellectual property be licensed?
What should businesses consider when allowing another party to use IP?
What happens when someone uses my brand?
What legal and factual issues should be reviewed when alleged infringement occurs?
Documents Relevant to Intellectual Property
The relevant documents depend on the type of intellectual property, the parties involved and the nature of the issue.
Practical Intellectual Property Guides
In-depth legal guides on trademark registration, brand protection, software copyright and startup IP.
How to Register a Trademark in India
Step-by-step workflow from search and application to examination objection and opposition handling.
Trademark vs Brand Name: What Is the Difference?
Understanding the legal distinctions between business names, trade names and registered trademarks.
Who Owns Copyright in Software Created for a Business?
Legal principles governing software ownership among founders, employees, and freelance developers.
What Should a Startup Know About Intellectual Property?
Essential IP considerations for early-stage companies, founders, technology products and investors.
Common Intellectual Property Questions
Factual answers to common legal questions regarding trademarks, patents, copyright and designs.
1. What intellectual property matters do you handle?
2. Do you assist with trademark matters?
3. Do you assist with patent-related matters?
4. Do you handle copyright matters?
5. Do you assist with design-related IP matters?
6. Do you help startups with intellectual property?
7. Who owns intellectual property created by an employee?
8. Who owns software created by a freelancer?
9. Can intellectual property be licensed?
10. What documents are useful in an IP dispute?
Other Areas Relevant to IP Matters
Explore complementary practice areas across corporate, business, employment and cyber law.
Discuss an Intellectual Property Matter
For professional enquiries relating to trademarks, patents, copyright, designs or other intellectual property matters, please use the contact page.
Contact Gyanendra Singh →The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Intellectual property rights and registration requirements depend on the specific facts, applicable law and relevant authority.