Rohan Singh, Sriradha Rai Choudhuri and Mansi Mishra (Pre-Final Year) have successfully completed their Internship at ALG. At the end of their internship, they obliged us with their thoughts and ideas during the Sharing of Reflections (SoR) session. Their presence enriched the firm while they interned here. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

A ‘Legal Issues Seminar- General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Uroosa Shahzad, Trainee Associate, on “Whether including a geographical name automatically disqualifies a trademark for registration?”. The seminar analysed under which circumstances the use of geographical names as trademarks are capable of being considered as distinctive under the law. The members deconstructed the various decisions that have considered the conditions for geographical names to be granted trademark protection. The seminar also involved an interesting dialogue on the judicial interpretation of the acquired distinctiveness and the bona fide use of a geographical name as part of a trademark or as a trademark. The seminar concluded with outlining various circumstances wherein the courts have provided registration to the marks which contain geographical names.

The presentation can be accessed here.

During last week’s PWS Session, Yash Raj, Associate, led a discussion on “Would implementation of big data have an adverse effect on the professional ethics of law firms?” The session led with a discussion on how big data is gaining significance in the present times and the utilization of big data analytics by law firms. The members discussed and debated on how much importance should be attributed to big data analytics and what are the potential issues with respect to implementation of big data at IP law firms. The members delved into the various ethical and privacy concerns with the implementation of big data by law firms and the probable ways to address such concerns. The members also discussed the impact of adopting big data into the law firm structure and the way ahead.

May 17 is recognized as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Phobic behaviour towards queer individuals is deep rooted in the way society perceives them. Today, we draw attention to small but impactful steps we can take towards creating spaces which are more inclusive. Collectively, we may mitigate the struggles faced by queer individuals in a heteronormative society and create spaces they rightfully deserve.

This year’s theme for IDAHOBIT is “Together Always: United in Diversity”, and in solidarity with the queer community we’re waving our pride flags high up in the air. Are you?

During last week’s PWS Session, Priyanshi Rastogi (Trainee Associate) led a discussion on “Whether Transfer Pricing Manipulation of Intellectual Property is Detrimental to Rights of The IP Owner?”. The session commenced with a brief discussion on the applicable transfer pricing regulation and methods for valuation of IP in India. The members discussed and debated the incorporation of a tax (based on self-declared valuation of IP) at the time of registration as a means to offset the loss of tax revenues from IP-related tax base erosion and profit shifting. The members also discussed whether transfer pricing and valuation of intellectual property impacts a trademark owner’s legal claims in contentious matters and on a proprietor’s ability to commercialize its intellectual property.

The session concluded with members evaluating whether the introduction of self-declared IP valuation as a pre-requisite for IP registration could adequately address the issue of transfer pricing manipulation of IP for tax avoidance.