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.
- ‘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.’
- ‘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.’
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.
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