Julius & Creasy > Colombo, Sri Lanka > Firm Profile

Julius & Creasy Offices

Julius & Creasy
No. 371, R. A. de Mel Mawatha
PO BOX 154
COLOMBO 03
Sri Lanka
Visit website 94 11 242 2601-5 94 11 244 6663

Julius & Creasy > The Legal 500 Rankings

Sri Lanka > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Corporate law specialists Amila Fernando and Anandhiy Gunawardhana co-head the practice at Julius & Creasy. The team has a particularly strong reputation for advising on the gamut of corporate and M&A matters, in both domestic and international contexts. The group's workload includes assisting with the regulatory and due diligence aspects of key transactions, fundraising matters, and agreements. The department is also noted for its expertise in handling transactions involving insurance and reinsurance companies. Shane Silva is well versed in advising on corporate restructurings. Diluka Rodrigo is another key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Amila Fernando; Anandhiy Gunawardhana

Other key lawyers:

Diluka Rodrigo; Shane Silva

Key clients

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd

Curtin University

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC

Sika Lanka (Private) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd on its investment in John Keells Holdings PLC by way of a private placement.
  • Advised Curtin University on a possible rebranding of its services in Sri Lanka via the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.
  • Advised the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC on a multi-million debenture issuance.

Sri Lanka > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Sri Lanka > Banking and finance Tier 2

Sri Lanka > Private client, wills and probate Tier 2

Sri Lanka > Shipping Tier 2

Julius & Creasy‘s maritime practice in Colombo, led by senior partner Sakeen Cader, acts for domestic and international clients in a range of shipping cases. The group’s workload includes towage claims, alleged wrongful salvage of vessels and alleged wrongful arrests. Upeksha Weerasinghe is a key practitioner, with a specialist focus in maritime and admiralty law, and has a solid track record in representing charterers, salvors and ship managers. Associate Sumudu Dissanayake is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Sakeen Cader

Other key lawyers:

Upeksha Weerasinghe; Sumudu Dissanayake

Sri Lanka > Intellectual property Tier 3

The IP offering at Julius & Creasy is led by Anomi Wanigasekera, who is very experienced in advising on enforcement, management and transactional IP-related matters. The department is noted for its strength in representing clients before the National Intellectual Property Office in cases involving infringements, injunctions, and search and seizure order cases.

Practice head(s):

Anomi Wanigasekera

Key clients

Honda Motor Company

Suzuki Motor Corporation

Bajaj Auto Ltd

Unilever PLC

Takeda Vaccines Incl

Victoria’s Secret Stores Brand Management Inc

Japan Tobacco Inc

Axiata Group Berhad

Apple Inc

Abbott Laboratories

Work highlights

  • Advised International Cricket Council on IP rights-related matters.
  • Assisted Apple Inc with trademark opposition matters.
  • Acted for Hayleys PLC on contentious IP matters.

Sri Lanka > Tax Tier 3

At Julius & Creasy, practice co-heads Anandhiy Gunawardhana and insurance and tax expert Diluka Rodrigo are key names to note. Rodrigo has an excellent reputation for her track record in advising on tax issues relating to sales and leases, employee laws, M&A deals, and company takeovers. International tax matters are also prominent in the group's workload.

Practice head(s):

Anandhiy Gunawardhana; Diluka Rodrigo

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Anomi Wanigasekera photo Mrs Anomi Wanigasekera Partner View Profile

International Capabilities


Memberships

  • Council Member – Asia Patent Attorneys Association
  • Trademark Committee Member – Asia Patent Attorneys Association
  • Joint Secretary – Asia Patent Attorneys Association, Sri Lanka Group
  • Member – International Trademark Association (INTA)
  • Member – Institute of Trademark Attorneys, UK (ITMA)
  • Member – American Chamber of Commerce
  • IPR Committee Member – American Chamber of Commerce
  • Life Member – Bar Association of Sri Lanka
  • Life Member – Colombo Law Society
  • Examiner Sr Lanka Law College

Publications

  • Parallel Imports and some aspects of Trademark Law (co-authored) 2008 BASLJ p.49
  • Trademark Conflict on the Internet
  • Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Sri Lanka
  • Comparison of Hague-Visby and Hamburg Rules
  • Women in Intellectual Property Law
  • Patent Protection in Sri Lanka
  • Comparison of Hague-Visby and Hamburg Rules

2020

Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous

Intellectual property, Asialaw Profiles, Anomi Wanigasekera, Julius & Creasy
Best overall firm by aggregate score, Asialaw Profiles, Julius & Creasy
Asia’s top women in law, Asia Business Law Journal, Anomi Wanigasekera

2019

Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous

Winner – Sri Lanka – Patents 2019, Asia IP Awards, Anomi Wanigasekera

Law Firm of the Year, Sri Lanka, Corporate LiveWire 2019 Global Awards –

Leading Adviser Awards – Leading Intellectual Property Attorney of the Year, Sri Lanka Acquisition International, Anomi Wanigasekera

Intellectual Property Law firm of the Year in Sri Lanka, Global Law Experts Annual Awards – 2019, Anomi Wanigasekera

Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in: Full Service Law, Advisory Excellence, Anomi Wanigasekera

2018

Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous

Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in: Intellectual Property Law Advisory Excellence, Anomi Wanigasekera

Excellence in IP Law Services CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2018, Anomi Wanigasekera

IP Lawyer of the Year 2018 – Sri Lanka IP Excellence Awards 2018, Anomi Wanigasekera

2017

Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous

Best IP Law Firm 2017 – Sri Lanka Acquisition International Excellence Awards 2017, Anomi Wanigasekera

Acquisition International Excellence Award 2017 Best IP Law 2017 – Sri Lanka, Anomi Wanigasekera

Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Sri Lanka 2017 CorporateINTL Global Awards 2017, Anomi Wanigasekera

2015

Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous

2015 Asia IP Awards Sri Lanka trademarks firm of the Year Sri Lanka copyright firm of the Year, Anomi Wanigasekera

Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Sri Lanka 2015 Corporate International Magazine Legal Award, Anomi Wanigasekera

Notable Cases


SC. Appeal 92/2019 – Unilever Sri Lanka Limited vs. Nature’s Beauty Creations Limited

We act on behalf of the Plaintiff-Appellant. We have filed action on behalf of our clients against the Defendant-Respondent for publishing / airing disparaging advertisements against our clients in contravention of Section 160 of the Intellectual Property act No. 36 of 2003. Although, the Hon. Commercial High Court made Order refusing the Interim Injunction prayed by us, The Supreme Court has granted leave to our clients in appeal of the said Order. Supreme Court further granted an Interim Order restraining the Defendant-Respondent from publishing / airing the three specific advertisements. The said Appeal has been fixed for Argument.

HC (Civil) 26/2019/IP – Watawala Tea Ceylon Limited vs. Harrisons (Colombo) Limited and International Cosmetics (Private) Limited

We represented the Defendants in this matter. The Plaintiff instituted action against our clients obtaining an Enjoining Order at the first instance, restraining our clients from using, packing, supplying, advertising, promoting, marketing and selling their “Apê Thê” brand of tea. However, we have successfully defended our clients which resulted in the Hon. Court vacating the Enjoining Order against the Defendants and further refusing the Interim Injunction prayed for by the Plaintiff. As a result, the Plaintiff withdrew the action. A separate action has been initiated by the defendants against the plaintiff claiming damages for the loss caused during the operation of Enjoining Order..

HC (Civil) 37/2019/IP – Maharaja Entertainments (Private) Limited vs. Independent Television Network Limited

We represent the Plaintiff in this matter. Our client holds the exclusive territorial license in respect of the film “ASTERIX: The Secret of the Magic Potion” for commercial exploitation in the territory of Sri Lanka. This action was instituted against a television channel based in Sri Lanka for wrongfully, unlawfully and without authorization from our clients, broadcasting the said film in Sri Lanka in violation of client’s copyright and related rights. This case is fixed for Interim Injunction Inquiry by way of Oral Submissions.

HC (Civil) 03/2020/IP – CONSTANCE CARROLL Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Spolka Komandytowa vs. British Cosmetics (Pvt) Ltd

We act on behalf of the Plaintiff – a Polish company who are the owners of the “CONSTANCE CARROLL” mark, used in relation to its world famous cosmetic products. We have instituted action on behalf of our clients against the former local distributor of the said products for engaging in Unfair Competition and violating our client’s rights under Section 144 of the Intellectual Property act No. 36 of 2003. We also represent our client in connected inquiries against the defendants at the National Intellectual Property Office and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.

HC (Civil) 06/2020/IP – Minor International Public Company Limited and MHG IP Holding (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. vs. Dr. Anoma Jayasinghe and Mr. Rohan Jayasinghe

We represent the Plaintiffs who operate several hotels and resorts worldwide under the name and style of “AVANI”. We have filed action on behalf of our clients against the owners of boutique hotel carrying on business under the name and style of “ARVANI” VILLA. We have pleaded that the said act amounts to Unfair Competition in terms of Section 160 and trademark infringement under Section 121 of the Intellectual Property act No. 36 of 2003.

Interviews

Anomi Wanigasekera, Partner

Anomi heads the Intellectual Property division at Julius & Creasy.

What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional and personal capability?

My greatest achievement would be balancing the role of being a mother and a successful lawyer in a country that has set gender roles that are not conducive to the career development of women. More specifically, being able to give off my time and attention to the role of the mother that I play in my family as well as the role of the career woman whilst staying current in the ever evolving society.

What do you do differently from your peers in the industry?

What sets me apart from my peers is patience and professionalism in which I handle both clients and circumstances. In an industry/ profession that is increasingly becoming competitive many professionals are seen going out of their way to secure clients and opportunities, at times resorting to unethical and unprofessional practices. I have always believed in doing the right thing and sending out good, positive vibes out, which has been well rewarded.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to expect the unexpected and stay positive.

Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business?

Unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic situation has affected the global community and has had a drastic impact on the national as well as international trade and economy. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, we all got to work hard and be prepared to assist and support clients in responding to the economic slowdown due to the pandemic situation. We all have to be strong and positive in these difficult times and do everything possible to maintain good relationships with clients.

Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months?

I always advice and encourage clients to protect their brands, new designs and inventions by registering with the authorities. As Intellectual Property is an intangible asset which can fetch a high value to product/service as well as the business A subsidiary of Hayleys Group of companies registered their brand names, Designs and Patents in Sr Lanka as well as in foreign jurisdictions and was successful in enforcing their rights in Sri Lanka as well as in other jurisdictions such as India, UK. USA.