India's Premier IP Practice · Since 2004

Protecting Innovation Across Borders

Full-spectrum intellectual property law counsel — from patent prosecution and trademark registration to complex IP litigation and international portfolio strategy across India, Maldives, ASEAN, China, Europe and 50+ countries.

Schedule Consultation Our Practice Areas
20+
Years of Practice
50+
Countries
12+
IP Specialists
IAM Strategy 300

Recognised in the IAM Strategy 300 — the global guide to the world's leading IP strategists.

What We Do

Comprehensive IP Legal Services

Every aspect of intellectual property law — handled with precision, commercial awareness, and global reach.

🇲🇻 Maldives · Critical Update June 2026

The Maldives IP Window is Open — File Your Cautionary Notice Now

The Trademark Act 2025 (Law No. 19/2025) opens for formal registration in November 2026. The transition deadline for prior rights holders is November 2027. Publish a cautionary notice today to establish priority. Foreign companies can register directly — no local incorporation required.

Full Maldives Guide →
Our Approach

From Briefing to Secured Rights

01

Consult & Assess

Initial evaluation of your IP assets, business goals, and target jurisdictions.

02

Search & Strategy

Prior art searches, clearance analysis, and a filing strategy optimised for your markets.

03

Draft & File

Precision drafting and timely filing at IPO, USPTO, EPO, EUIPO, ASEAN, and MIPO.

04

Prosecute & Maintain

Expert prosecution through to grant, plus post-grant annuity management and enforcement.

Global Coverage

IP Protection Across Key Jurisdictions

Client Voices

What Our Clients Say

"
★★★★★

Aswal Associates has been our trusted IP partner for patent prosecution across India and South East Asia. Their technical depth in life sciences is outstanding — they grasp complex pharmaceutical inventions quickly and draft claims with genuine strategic foresight. We have consistently secured strong patents in jurisdictions where others have failed.

Chief Executive Officer — Global Pharmaceutical Company
"
★★★★★

We appointed Aswal Associates to manage our India and ASEAN trademark portfolio after a challenging cross-border enforcement matter. Their responsiveness, deadline discipline, and multi-jurisdictional coordination consistently exceeded expectations. They treat our portfolio with the same care as if it were their own brand.

Vice President Legal — US Multinational Corporation
IP Intelligence

Latest Case Analyses

View All Articles →
📱
Delhi HC Dismisses BlackBerry Patent Appeal — GUI Colour-Coding Not Patentable
Justice Tejas Karia upholds refusal: domain-based colour coding of email recipients produces no hardware-level technical effect under Section 3(k).
📋
Form 27 Statement of Commercial Working — Deadline 30 September 2026
The triennial filing cycle under the 2024 Rules sets the first consolidated deadline. No condonation mechanism exists — act before 30 September 2026.
🇲🇻
Maldives Trademark Act 2025 — First Statutory IP Framework and MIPO
Law No. 19/2025 introduces formal registration, substantive examination, and civil enforcement. MIPO opens November 2026. Cautionary notices remain operative until then.
FAQs

Common Questions Answered

How long does trademark registration take in India?+
A straightforward Indian trademark registration takes 6–10 months: Filing → Examination → Publication in the Trade Marks Journal (4-month opposition period) → Certificate of Registration. Contested marks can take 2–5 years. Official fees: ₹4,500 per class (individuals/startups, online filing) or ₹9,000 per class (companies).
What are patent filing procedures in India?+
Indian patent prosecution: (1) Patentability search, (2) Draft provisional or complete specification, (3) File Form 1 & Form 2 at the Patent Office, (4) Publication after 18 months, (5) Request for Examination (Form 18) within 48 months, (6) Respond to First Examination Report, (7) Grant. Process: 3–5 years standard; 12–18 months under expedited examination for startups and DPIIT-recognised entities. Startups get 80% rebate on official fees.
Can I protect my trademark in the Maldives in 2026?+
Yes — and acting now is essential. Until MIPO's formal registration system opens (November 2026), publish a cautionary notice immediately in Maldivian newspapers to establish prior use. Once MIPO opens, file a formal application — the Maldives is first-to-file. Foreign companies can apply directly without local incorporation. Transition deadline for cautionary notice holders: November 11, 2027.
How can I protect my IP internationally?+
For patents, use the PCT (single application preserving priority in 157 countries for 30–31 months). For trademarks, use the Madrid Protocol (one application designating 130+ countries). The Maldives is not yet on either system — direct national filing at MIPO required. Aswal Associates handles filings in 50+ countries through its international associate network. See our Jurisdiction Guides for country-specific requirements.

Ready to Protect Your Intellectual Property?

Speak with our IP specialists for an initial assessment. Confidential, no-obligation consultation. Mon–Fri 10AM–6:30PM · Sat 11AM–3:30PM IST.

Schedule Consultation mail@aswal.in