During last week’s Practice Work Shop (PWS) session, Hardik Choudhary, Associate, led a discussion on “Can Co-Branding of Trademarks have Adverse Effects on Brand Awareness?”. The discussion explored various examples of co-branding and whether the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for co-branding. The discussion also delved into the advantages and disadvantages of co-branding for brand awareness, and the reasons thereof. The session concluded with some interesting exchange of views on consumers’ perspective on co-branding.

A ‘Special Legal Issues Seminar-General IP’ (SLIS-GIP) was conducted by Samreen Iboo Sait, Associate, on “Scope For and Limits of Combining Contract-based Causes of Action in IP Law Suits”. The seminar delved into the concept of joinder of causes of action and the points of consideration while making such a joinder. The discussion included the instances where the joinder could be refused by the courts of law. Reliance was placed on relevant judicial pronouncements to understand the current practice in India regarding the joinder of causes of action in IP lawsuits. The session concluded with an interesting discussion on the applicability of the limitation and requirements of joinder of causes of action in disputes arising out of contracts.

The presentation can be accessed here.

Patent Intern – Sandeep Kumar (Final Year) has commenced his Patent 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!

During last week’s Practice Work Shop (PWS) session, Sannidhi Mahapatra, Associate, led a discussion on “Can IP Law Firms be Set Up in the Metaverse?”. The session witnessed an engaging discussion on the possibility of establishing IP firms in the metaverse and the advantages and disadvantages thereof. The session also delved into the extent of technological development in India and the need for requisite infrastructure for carrying out work smoothly in the metaverse. The session concluded with some interesting exchange of views on whether the transition into metaverse will replace the brick and mortar set-up of IP law firms.

Recently, during a Practice Work Shop (PWS) Session, Harshit Parasher, Trainee Associate, led a discussion on “Are There Viable Reasons for the IPAB to be Reinstated?” The session followed an engaging discussion on the reasons behind having the IPAB disbanded and whether such step will prove advantageous for adjudication of IP disputes. The session also delved into the possible including financial constraints and long timelines, that may pose a threat to strengthening the IP portfolio of start-ups, in an entrepreneurial driven society. The session concluded with some interesting ideas on how the IPAB may be replicated in its functioning.