Varners’ intellectual property practice, led by Mahinda Haradasa and Surani Wickramaratna, advises domestic and international clients across the full IP spectrum. The team is active in both prosecution and enforcement, representing global brands such as Merck Sharp & Dohme and Crocodile International before the National Intellectual Property Office and the courts. Haradasa brings strong commercial and regulatory insight to the group, while Wickramaratna handles complex trademark and patent disputes. Achala Jayawardena and Trehani Wickramaratne provide further depth across design, franchising, and licensing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What stands out is the firm's consistency in delivering high-quality service advice and support in handling our IP portfolio. Their dependable communication, timely responses, and steady attention to detail gave us great confidence. ’
‘Surani Wickramaratna - we have great faith and confidence in her leading the team. Under her guidance, the team has consistently delivered high-quality intellectual property support to us.’
‘Varners is a distinguished law firm, consistently delivering reliable legal services, well-reasoned opinions and an impressive turnaround time. They have been professional, responsive, and committed to the utmost throughout the engagement. Their attention to detail and client-centric approach further reflect the firm’s strong work ethic.’
‘Surani Wickramaratna is a highly regarded professional, known for her legal acumen, clarity in communication, and practical approach. She works in alignment with the client’s needs and offers tailored, solution-oriented advice that adds real value.’
‘The team is responsive and pay attention to all the details.’
‘Surani Wickramaratna understands the clients' needs and concerns. She is very responsive and works fast when compared to other firms.’
Key clients
- Crocodile International Pte Ltd Vs. Lacoste
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Otto Clothing Private Limited
- Emerchemie NB (Ceylon) Limited
- Hero Investcorp Private Limited
- Carson Cumberbatch PLC
- Ministry Of Crab Pte Ltd
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH
- Spruson & Ferguson (Asia) Pte Ltd
- SSIZ International (Pvt) Ltd
Work highlights
Representing Crocodile International in a multi-jurisdictional trademark dispute against Lacoste, including successful opposition proceedings before Sri Lanka’s IP Office and ongoing appeals before the Supreme Court.
Advising Merck Sharp & Dohme on the protection, enforcement, and strategic management of its trademark portfolio in Sri Lanka.
Advising OTTO CLOTHING on trademark portfolio management and enforcement in Sri Lanka.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Trehani Wickramaratne
Practice head
Mahinda Haradasa; Surani Wickramaratna
Other key lawyers
Achala Jayawardena; Trehani Wickramaratne