During the last PWS session, Sharmistha Sarkar, Associate, hosted a discussion on “Does digital mob behavior amplified by public polarization pose a genuine threat to creative expression?” The participants examined whether artistic liberty should be conceded to appease public sentiment. The session also talked about how stand-ups are becoming hostage to public sensitivity. The discussion further explored that making performative art subject to the scrutiny of mob culture should be avoided. The session highlighted that given the subjective and fluid nature of morality, equating artistic output with objective offense and subjecting it to public policing causes threat to free expression.

A ‘Legal Issues Seminar- General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Shivanshi Gupta, Associate, on Whether Registrar’s Opinion Is Mandatory Before Police Officer Conduct Search And Seizure?”. The session discussed the requirement of obtaining the Registrar’s opinion prior to the initiation of search and seizure actions by the police. Through key judicial precedents, the session examined how Courts have interpreted this requirement, whether as a mandatory precondition or a procedural safeguard. The discussion highlighted varying judicial views, with some judgements emphasizing the necessity of prior approval to prevent misuse of enforcement powers, while others treated it as a procedural formality aimed at ensuring fairness and accountability. The session concluded with the observation that a balanced interpretation, viewing the requirement as procedural rather than mandatory, aligns with legislative intent and ensures both efficiency in enforcement and protection against arbitrary action.

The Presentation can be accessed here.

Intern – Sparsh Choudhary has commenced his General IP Internship with the firm’s law practice.

We hope his stay in the firm during the 4 week period of his internship will be mutually enriching and that the firm and he will learn exciting things from each other!

Sheja Ehtesham, Managing Partner, will represent ALG at the Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group (PTMG) Annual Meeting 2025 in Budapest, Hungary, from 8–11 October 2025.
 
The meeting brings together IP practitioners, in-house counsel, and industry leaders to discuss the future of pharmaceutical trademarks and regulatory strategy.
 
With extensive expertise advising leading pharmaceutical and life sciences companies on brand strategy, enforcement, and cross-border disputes, ALG looks forward to engaging with global peers and exploring the evolving landscape of IP, innovation, and brand protection in the global pharmaceutical industry.

During the last PWS session, Nivrati Gupta, Associate, hosted a discussion on “Does the Rise of Digital Media Branding Threaten the Value of Well-Known Trademarks?” The participants examined whether statutory recognition of well-known marks, long considered the pinnacle of brand protection, still provides the same strategic advantage in a digital marketplace shaped by algorithms, search rankings, and consumer engagement. The session explored how IP frameworks might adapt to protect brands in an environment where “brand spikes” and viral trends create significant equity outside of traditional, long-term use. It also addressed how brand narratives are increasingly shaped by user-generated content and social media, prompting questions about the strategies brands can adopt to maintain value beyond formal legal recognition. The discussion emphasized that while statutory protection remains crucial for enforcement, digital consumer recognition has become equally vital to a brand’s survival and growth.