Obhan & Associates > New Delhi, India > Firm Profile
Obhan & Associates Offices
N-94, Second Floor
Panchshila Park
NEW DELHI
110017
India
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Obhan & Associates > The Legal 500 Rankings
Intellectual property Tier 2
Headquartered in New Delhi, Obhan & Associates is headed by managing partner Essenese Obhan who is best known for his track record of guiding clients through the gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters such as infringements, passing off and copyright disputes. Other key contacts include Aparna Kareer, experienced in drafting and prosecution of patent applications, both within India and beyond it, Charul Yadav , who deals contentious mandates in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical spaces and Sneha Gandhi, who assists with global patent portfolios, including drafting, oppositions and prosecution. Sought out by an impressive client base of Fortune 500 companies, universities, start-ups, domestic and international clients looking for assistance with trademark prosecution, infringements and trademark portfolio management, Mehak Dhingra is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Essenese Obhan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Obhan and Associates have a very good Patent Professional team in the Technology space. They are well versed in both the legal aspects and the technical knowledge.’
‘Each individual has got a unique talent that makes them a preferred counsel for me.’
‘Obhan & Associates’ Intellectual Property team stands out for its exceptional expertise and dedication to client success. The team is comprised of highly skilled professionals who possess a deep understanding of both legal and technical aspects of intellectual property. This unique combination allows them to provide comprehensive and insightful advice, ensuring that our IP assets are well-protected and strategically managed.’
‘The team at Obhan & Associates stands out for their expertise, client-centric approach, and dedication. Their depth of expertise and up-to-date knowledge in IP law are unparalleled. They understand our business needs and provide customized, effective solutions. They explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. They anticipate challenges and offer preemptive solutions, enhancing our IP strategy. Their consistent high-quality work and dedication to our success make them trustworthy partners.’
Key clients
Pine Labs Private Limited
G4S Plc. and G4S Security Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd.
TATA Chemicals
AGFA Group of Companies
Aditya Birla Science & Technology Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Steer Group of Companies
The Doon School
MakeMyTrip (India) Private Limited
Bolt Technology OÜ
Vending Updates India Private Limited
CoinDCX
Akasa Air (SNV Aviation Private Limited)
Matra Mobili Private Limited
Promoshirt SM SA
Forest Essentials
Kohli Sports Pvt. Ltd.
M.K. Srinivasan
Wieden + Kennedy India
Acer Incorporate
Lanzatech Inc
Work highlights
- Representing Wieden + Kennedy India Private Limited in the enforcement of its copyright against Jindal Steel & Power Limited, that launched an ad campaign, “Steel of India”, using W+K’s copyrighted works. Obtained a favourable order before by the Delhi High Court.
- Representing G4S Plc., a leading security services company, before the High Court of Delhi in various disputes with third party infringers. Successfully prevented and obtained injunctions against various third parties from adopting identical or deceptively similar trademarks likely to cause brand dilution.
- Defending Matra Mobili Private Limited, which was sued by Madanpalle Retail Private Limited for allegedly using the trademark ‘Sunday’. Successfully vacated an ex-parte injunction that had been granted against our client by the District Court of Bangalore.
India > TMT Tier 3
Recommended for its ability to provide ‘very personal, focused attention’ to its clients and their issues, Obhan & Associates is active across a myriad of areas including crypto, publishing, data protection and tech litigation among its core streams of work. The practice is spearheaded by Essenese Obhan and Ashima Obhan; the former assists clients with the full gamut of IP issues and is capable of handling complex disputes, while the latter is particularly noted for their strengths in data protection and privacy and is active across the publishing and media industries.Practice head(s):
Essenese Obhan; Ashima Obhan
Testimonials
‘Very personal, focused attention from a team who really take the time to get to know your business.’
‘Ashima Obhan provides a very responsive, personal, focused services.’
‘The firm understands the approach and requirements of UK lawyers seeking local legal advice within India.’
‘Ashima Obhan is our main contact at the firm. She is always readily available to advise, including out of normal office hours on any urgent matters, and is a pleasure to deal with, giving very clear, concise and practical legal advice.’
Key clients
The Financial Times Limited
HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited
The British Broadcasting Corporation (“BBC”)
Neblio Technologies Private Limited (operating under the brand name “CoinDCX”)
Forest Essentials
Penguin Random House India Private Limited
Synergistic Financial Networks Private Limited
Delinian Limited (formerly known as Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC) (“Delinian”)
Dhoomimal Gallery
International Carbon Exchange Private Limited
Work highlights
- Representing two journalists in a criminal writ petition before the Supreme Court of India. The petition seeks to quash a police notice issued by the Crime Branch, Ahmedabad City to the two journalists calling them to appear in person in connection with a preliminary inquiry into an article pertaining to the Adani Group of Companies published by FT.
- Advising the British Broadcasting Corporation on the steps to be undertaken in order to rectify certain compliance issues with the BBC LO and to revive the dormant BBC LO, both with the BBC LO’s Authorised Dealer Bank and with the Reserve Bank of India.
- Undertook a legal read for Indrani Mukerjea’s memoir titled “Unbroken: The Untold Story”.
India > Corporate and M&A Tier 5
A team that possesses ‘deep expertise’, Obhan & Associates‘s transactional capabilities stem from its experience advising a litany of clients on corporate structures, investment strategies and IP licensing. ‘Extremely diligent and experienced’ Ashima Obhan heads up the group from New Delhi with her wide-ranging strengths in managing joint ventures, disputes and regulatory issues. Another name to note in the practice is Vrinda Patodia excels at handling cross-border investments across tech, manufacturing and financial services industries.Practice head(s):
Ashima Obhan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Obhan and Associates has deep expertise in corporate law.’
‘We find that they are consistently investing in new technologies which allows us better access to options available.’
‘Ashima Obhan is extremely diligent and experienced in the field of Corporate Law. We found Ashima to be someone that we can trust to look after our interests and ensure that we are meeting all the legal criteria on both Litigation and set-up of new companies in India and Overseas.’
‘Ashima Obhan’s advice is always precise and she has a great team to support her.’
‘Obhan & Associates has a very good M&A team, which is in tune with the requirements of the clients and is always available to discuss issues and problems.’
‘They have solutions available and also understand business elements.’
‘Ashima Obhan has a good business understanding and is proactive.’
Key clients
Forest Essentials (under the legal entity name Mountain Velly Springs India Private Limited)
GE India Industrial Private Limited
Chemical Construction International Group, Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Delinian Limited (formerly known as Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC)
Tip Tales Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Octillion Energy Holdings Inc.
Neblio Technologies Private Limited
Synergistic Financial Networks Private Limited
Homage Ventures LLP
Spectacom Global Private Limited
Flexing It Services Private Limited
Steer Engineering Private Limited
Homage Ventures LLP
Work highlights
- Represented Octillion as its lead counsel in India and advised on Indian law with respect to its Indian group company, Octillion Power Systems India Private Limited (“Octillion Power India”) for the proposed listing of Octillion on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Conducted a legal due diligence of Octillion Power India.
- Advised CCIS on the establishment of a joint venture company in Indonesia with Singapore-based Kaltimex Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd., in the heart of the highly competitive south-east Asian palm oil industry.
- Represented Delinian, a multinational entity with a portfolio of business-to-business information services brands, in the Indian leg of its global corporate restructuring and navigated the requirements of multiple stakeholders across different jurisdictions.
Obhan & Associates > Firm Profile
Firm overview:
Obhan & Associates is a reputed, skilled and professionally managed
law firm in India. The Firm is well recognized for its expertise in patent,
trade mark, copyright and design protection, and is a highly ranked
practice in the country. The Firm offers end to end services in the fields
of corporate law and intellectual property law with the goal of aiding
and assisting its clients at every stage, and is recognized as one of
India’s leading firms.
The Firm has a well-balanced domestic and international clientele
and represents a cross-section of industries, including fast-moving
consumer goods, mechanical engineering, hardware and electronics,
pharmaceuticals, software, apparel, packaging and retail, process
engineering, fashion brands, automobiles and parts, paints and
chemicals, magazines and publications and textiles. The Firm represents
some of India’s leading business houses.
The Firm is described as ‘meticulous and quick’ in its service and
advice. Our clients have described us as having a ‘committed team’
that ‘is willing to do what it takes to meet aggressive deadlines’. The
Firm prides itself on building meaningful and long-lasting relationships
with its clients and providing a responsive, tailored service that meets
the specific needs of each of its clients.
We pride ourselves on the diversity in our workplace and are committed
to building a happy, balanced and supportive work environment. The
Firm has been ranked as the Best Law Firm for Women in India (Vahura
Best Law Firms to Work Rankings, 2018 – 2022).
The Firm has been ranked as a respected practice in Chambers Asia since 2009 and Managing Intellectual Property since 2010. The Legal 500 for the year 2015 mentions the Firm as ‘a dynamic new-generation firm with prompt service and good knowledge.’ Our Managing Partner, Essenese Obhan, has been ranked by Chambers Asia as Asia’s Leading Lawyer for Business, 2018. The India Business Law Journal has listed Essenese Obhan and Ashima Obhan in its definitive list of the country’s top 100 private practice lawyers.
Ashima, Senior Partner at Obhan & Associates, ranks among India’s leading firms. She heads the Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice and co-chairs the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) practice. She is ranked Band 1 for TMT: Media & Entertainment by Chambers Asia-Pacific and has also been recognised by Asian Legal Business as “one of India’s top TMT / Fintech Lawyers.”
Our practice areas include:
Intellectual Property –
The IP team comprises professionals from diverse technical backgrounds, all of whom combine excellence in their areas of specialization with a strong understanding of Indian IP Law, placing the team at the forefront of some key IP matters in the country. We provide comprehensive IP and legal services, encompassing the preparation, filing, and prosecution of all forms of IP applications, including patents, designs, trademarks, and copyright applications in India and overseas. Additionally, we offer expert advice and management for IP transactions and handle IP litigations, dispute resolution, and enforcement of IP rights at all forums in India and globally. Besides, we extend services in patent portfolio management, global patent prosecution management, and other supportive services.
Corporate Law (M&A) –
The Firm’s highly experienced corporate team provides legal services at all phases of a business cycle, right from the inception of an entity to general corporate mattes. A broad range of transactional and advisory services are provided to institutions, entrepreneurs, as well as public and private companies. The team specializes in advising clients across different sectors on their M&A transactions, commercial contracts, and providing corporate advisory support. With a deep understanding of various industries, we ensure that our clients receive tailored solutions that meet their specific needs and objectives. Whether navigating complex mergers and acquisitions, negotiating critical commercial agreements, or providing strategic guidance, the team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and value to clients. The team prides itself on building personal relationships with its clients and providing a responsive, tailored service that will meet the specific needs of each of its clients. We provide our clients with end to end solutions and support on drafting contracts, addressing employment issues, advising on different funding rounds, or tackling regulatory and compliance issues.
Litigation –
The litigation team specializes in offering comprehensive litigation services tailored to the unique needs of clients concerning corporate and commercial disputes. The team of experienced litigators combines legal expertise with extensive knowledge to provide strategic solutions and attain favorable outcomes for our clients, whether involving litigation avoidance, settlement negotiation, or assertive courtroom advocacy. The Firm has a proven track record of success in handling high-stakes IP litigation matters for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. The Firm is also known for its success in representing leading publishing houses in disputes regarding defamation and is well-positioned to achieve optimal outcomes in even the most complex arbitration proceedings.
Other Practices –
Our adept lawyers also provide guidance and representation in areas such as data protection, privacy laws, cybersecurity, media & entertainment, and advertisement.
The Firm is described as ‘meticulous and quick’ in its service and advice. The Firm prides itself on building meaningful and long lasting relationships with its clients and providing a responsive, tailored service that meets the specific needs of each of its clients.
The Firm has a well-balanced domestic and international clientele and represents a cross-section of industries, including fast-moving consumer goods, mechanical engineering, hardware and electronics, pharmaceuticals, software, apparel, packaging and retail, process engineering, fashion brands, automobiles and parts, paints and chemicals, media, packaging, magazines and publications and textiles. The Firm represents some of India’s leading business houses. Besides courts, the Firm represents its clients before various regulatory authorities.
Specialties
Intellectual Property Practice – Patent, Trademark, Copyright, IP Litigation, Designs, Biotechnology, Bioscience, Plant Variety Protection, Computers and Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Border Enforcement, Enforcement & Infringement actions, Pharma, and Chemistry
Corporate Practice: General Corporate & Company Advice, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Funds, Joint Ventures, Dispute Resolution, Publishing, Media, Licensing Transactions, Commercial Contracts, Private Client Practice, Employment, Real Estate & Property, Banking and Finance, and Litigation & Arbitration
Managing partner: Essenese Obhan
Number of partners: 7
Number of lawyers: 45
Languages: English
Offices: New Delhi, Bengaluru and Pune
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intellectual Property | Essenese Obhan | [email protected] | +91 11 40200200 |
| Corporate Law | Ashima Obhan | [email protected] | +91 11 40200200 |
| Litigation | Ashima Obhan | [email protected] | +91 11 40200200 |
| Licensing Matters | Ashima Obhan | [email protected] | +91 11 40200200 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ms Akanksha Dua | Partner; Corporate Law | View Profile |
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Ms Sneha Gandhi | Partner; Patent, Design, Plant Variety Protection and Biological Diversity | View Profile |
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Ms Aparna Kareer | Partner; Patent, Design, Plant Variety Protection and Biological Diversity | View Profile |
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Mr Essenese Obhan | Managing Partner; Patent, Trademark, Copyright, Design, Plant Variety Protection and Litigation | View Profile |
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Ms Ashima Obhan | Senior Partner, Corporate Law, M&A and TMT (Technology, Media and Telecom) | View Profile |
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Ms Vrinda Patodia | Partner | View Profile |
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Ms Charul Yadav | Partner; Patent and Plant Variety Protection and Biological Diversity | View Profile |
Languages
EnglishMemberships
International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI) Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) International Trademarks Association (INTA) German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (GRUR) International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property(AIPPI) The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA) MARQUESNotable Cases
- Matra Mobili Private Limited – Madanapalle Retail Private Limited v. Matra Mobili Private Limited.; The firm is defending Matra Mobili Private Limited, which was sued by Madanpalle Retail Private Limited for allegedly using the trademark ‘Sunday’ in Class 20 in Class 24. The firm successfully vacated an ex-parte injunction that had been granted against our client by the District Court of Bangalore by filing an appeal against the injunction order at the Karnataka High Court.
- Promoshirt SM S.A. – Armasuisse v. M/S Promoshirt SM S.A. & Anr.; The firm has successfully defended the preliminary objection pertaining to maintainability of the letters patent appeal challenging the single judge’s judgement. The Hon’ble High Court held that Letters Patent Appeal can be filed before a division bench against a judgement passed by a single-judge in an appeal against an order of the Registrar of Trademarks. The matter will now proceed to be argued on its merits, that is registrability of the trademarks “SWISS MILITARY” wordmark and device mark.
- AGFA NV – Agfva NV & Anr. v. The Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs.; The firm represented Agfa NV in an appeal challenging the impugned order passed by the Controller of Patents and Design and was successful in setting aside the order passed by the Patent Office.
- Mountain Valley Springs India Private Limited – Mountain Valley Springs India Private Limited v. Baby Forest Ayurveda Private Limited (Formerly Known as M/S Landsmill Healthcare Private Limited) & Ors.; The firm is representing Mountain Valley Springs India Private Limited in a trademark infringement suit. Validity of the trademarks registered by Baby Forest Ayurveda Private Limited has also been challenged by way of rectification petitions. The firm was successful in obtaining an interim injunction, wherein the Baby Forest Ayurveda Private Limited has been restrained from using marks “SAUNDARYA” and “BABY ESSENTIALS”.
- Pine Labs Private Limited – Innoviti Payment Solutions Private Limited Vs Pine Labs Private Limited,: The firm is representing Pine Labs in a patent infringement suit in the FinTech space before the Karnataka High Court and was able to successfully obtain a vacation of an ad-interim injunction that was passed against Pine Labs by the District Court.
- M.K Srinivasan Systems Pvt. Ltd. – M.K. Srinivasan & Anr. v. Magesh Jayaraman & Ors.,: The firm has filed the infringement suit on behalf of M.K. Srinivasan against Mr. Magesh Jayaraman, Transgrid Test and Measurement LLP and Motwane Manufacturing Company Private Limited for infringing and using M.K. Srinivasan’s registered patent. An ad interim- injunction was granted in favour of our Client for patent and copyright infringement by the Delhi High Court.
- G4S Plc. (formerly known as Group 4 Securicor Plc.),: The Firm is representing G4S Plc., a leading security services company, before the High Court of Delhi in various disputes with third party infringers. The Firm through focussed investigations and targeted civil actions has successfully prevented and obtained injunctions against various third parties from adopting identical or deceptively similar trademarks likely to cause brand dilution.
- The Financial Times Limited – Benjamin Nicholas Brooke Parkin & Anr. Vs. State of Gujarat & Anr.; The firm is representing two journalists of The Financial Times in a criminal writ petition before the Supreme Court of India. The petition seeks to quash a police notice issued by the Crime Branch, Ahmedabad to the two journalists calling them to appear in person before the crime branch to inquire into a preliminary inquiry being conducted on an article published by The Financial Times. The said article pertains to the Adani Group of Companies. This matter carries noteworthy implications for freedom of speech and expression of media professionals in India. The Firm was successful in securing an interim relief for the two journalists. This case is presently active and under review before the Supreme Court of India.
- HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited – Gurjit Kaur Vs. HarperCollins & Anr.; Manpreet Singh Vs. HarperCollins & Anr.; Hockey India Vs. HarperCollins & Anr.: The book “Will Power”, published by HarperCollins, is written by the former coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, Sjoerd Marijne. Prior to its release, Gurjit Kaur, a player mentioned in the Book, filed a suit for permanent injunction against HarperCollins and the author for breach of confidentiality. While the Single Judge declined to pass the ad-interim order, an interim injunction was granted in appeal. Subsequently, an Indian hockey men’s team player, Manpreet Singh filed a defamation suit with respect to the Book. Further, Hockey India also filed a copyright infringement and breach of contract suit. The Firm was successful in negotiating and finalizing the settlement agreement executed between the parties on July 11, 2023, to settle all three suits. The High Court of Delhi decreed the suits on September 20, 2023.
Diversity
Obhan & Associates strongly believes in diversity in the team and recognizes the efficacy and strength inherent in a more diverse team. The firm has actively promoted hiring of women employees and the team has always had at least 50% women employees. Obhan & Associates not only believes in hiring women but also ensures that they reach their full potential, which is indicative from the fact that 6 out of 7 partners at the firm are women. We have flexible work policies for all our employees, not just women, that include work from home options and options to work on specific projects for a defined period. Consequently, the Firm was awarded with the Best Law Firm for Women in 2018, award by the Vahura – Best Law Firms to Work Rankings in their 1st edition (2018) and 2nd edition (2022).
In addition to their focus on gender equality, Obhan & Associates and its partners, especially Essenese Obhan, periodically dedicate time and resources on pro bono matters. The firm has provided legal aid to those with a meagre sources of income and has also taken initiative to work with students from IIT, Delhi including drafting and filing their trademark and patent applications as well as drafting and negotiating the commercial agreements that they propose to enter into with third parties. Furthermore, the firm is the lead sponsor for a patent drafting course (FICPI-SEAD course) and encourages knowledge building, training exercises as well as sessions for individual inventors and start-ups through its Think Wings Initiative. Obhan & Associates has also taken an initiative in promoting local art/artists as a recognition of their value addition to the society.
Obhan & Associates is led by open-minded leaders, Ms. Ashima Obhan in particular. She ensures her team’s success and to keep the motivation alive, she provides flexible work policies to the team concerning working hours, office timings, etc. She has been promoting the culture of working from home in cases of a family crisis or health issues. She has encouraged female team members to have flexible hours, in order to sync work schedules with childcare responsibilities, without compromising on work quality.
Obhan & Associates has always been committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. The firm remains committed to recruiting and supporting diverse candidates and promoting diversity.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Mr. Satish Padmanabhan, Joint Managing Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Steer Engineering Private Limited
TESTIMONIAL: STEER has known Obhan & Associates for over 14 years. Essenese Obhan is a knowledgeable, thoughtful attorney with whom we have had numerous technical discussions, including various IP matters that have been valuable to us. Over the years, we have come to appreciate his insights and inputs in building our patent portfolio. On our Corporate law needs, STEER is ably supported by the team led by Ashima. Every time we call on the Obhans, they are prompt and help resolve our legal challenges with utmost care and diligence. STEER considers Obhan & Associates to be highly trustworthy and ethical, and would not hesitate to contact Obhan & Associates on legal matters. STEER deeply appreciates the support and great service from Team Obhans and wishes Team Obhans the very best.
CLIENT: Mr. Samrath Bedi, CEO and Co-Founder
COMPANY/FIRM: Mountain Valley Springs India Private Limited (Forest Essentials)
TESTIMONIAL: Obhan & Associates have, in the last 4 years, provided Forest Essentials with legal support and advice on the full spectrum of commercial needs including leases, contracts with its suppliers, distributors, employees, company law advice and HR policies. Ashima Obhan is a thorough professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and intuitively understands business concerns. The competent corporate practice team has handled our diverse legal requirements with expertise, and we highly recommend them.
CLIENT: Ms. Sudha Kannan, Head – Knowledge Centre & Patent Cell
COMPANY/FIRM: Aditya Birla Science & Technology Company Private Limited
TESTIMONIAL: I have been using Obhan & Associates’ services for more than a decade now for my organization. I have found the services to be excellent in nature and prompt. The team is dedicated and very supportive in case of urgent matters and helping the scientists in patent related matters. I have found the team to be always available and guiding us through in a resourceful manner. Best wishes to Obhan & Associates.
CLIENT: Mr. Ramesh Kumar Verma, Senior Manager – IPR
COMPANY/FIRM: Tata Chemicals Limited
TESTIMONIAL: Obhan & Associates is comprehensive and leads on the full range of IP services. They have been excellent in providing client specific solutions in the area of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Engineering. The key advantage of the team is the quality of work done and quick turn-around. Obhan & Associates has been instrumental in strategizing and supporting us in various FTO and infringement related challenges we encountered in the recent past. In nutshell you can blindly rely upon Obhan & Associates “opinion”.