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Intellectual Property Excellence

Protecting Innovation Across Borders

Aswal Associates is a premier IP law firm based in New Delhi, providing comprehensive patent, trademark, and copyright services across India, South East Asia, ASEAN, USA, and Europe. Established in 2005, we combine deep technical expertise with strategic legal counsel.

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India Patent Attorney ASEAN IP Law Europe Unitary Patent USPTO India Trademark Registration
20+ Years Experience
50+ Countries Covered
1000+ Patents Filed
5000+ Trademarks Registered
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About Us

Strategic IP Counsel for Global Markets

Founded in 2005, Aswal Associates has established itself as a leading intellectual property law firm in India's capital. Our practice spans the full spectrum of IP rights—from patent prosecution and trademark registration to complex IP litigation and cross-border licensing.

We serve clients ranging from individual inventors and startups to multinational corporations across diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Our international reach extends through strategic partnerships with leading IP firms in South East Asia, ASEAN nations, the United States, and Europe.

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Technical Excellence

Our team includes attorneys with advanced degrees in engineering, life sciences, and chemistry, enabling deep understanding of complex innovations.

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Global Reach

Seamless IP protection across India, ASEAN (Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines), USA, and Europe through our network.

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Strategic Counsel

Beyond filings, we provide portfolio management, freedom-to-operate analyses, due diligence for M&A, and IP monetization strategies.

AA
Est. 2005

Aswal Associates
Advocates & IP Attorneys

New Delhi, India
IAM Strategy 300
Recognised
Practice Areas

Comprehensive IP Services

01 📋

Patent Services

Patent drafting, filing, and prosecution in India (IPO), USA (USPTO), Europe (EPO), and PCT applications. Specialization in pharmaceutical, biotech, software, and mechanical patents.

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02 ™️

Trademark Protection

Comprehensive trademark services including clearance searches, registration, opposition proceedings, and enforcement across India, ASEAN, EU (EUIPO), and USA.

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03 ©️

Copyright & Designs

Registration and enforcement of copyright for literary, artistic, and software works. Industrial design protection in India and international jurisdictions.

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04 ⚔️

IP Litigation

Representation in patent, trademark, and copyright infringement disputes before Indian courts, IPAB, and opposition boards. Cross-border enforcement strategies.

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05 🤝

Licensing & Transactions

Drafting and negotiation of licensing agreements, technology transfer, franchising, and IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

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06 🔍

IP Strategy & Analytics

Portfolio management, freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability opinions, competitive intelligence, and IP valuation for business decisions.

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Our Team

Experienced IP Professionals

SK

Sudhir Kumar

Managing Partner

Advocate & Patent attorney with 20+ years experience in Software, Life-science, pharmaceutical and chemical patents. IAM Strategy 300 recognised practitioner with over 20 years of experience in intellectual property law. Sudhir leads the firm's Patents, Trademarks and Designs practice with expertise spanning prosecution, litigation, opposition, and IP strategy.

Patents Trademarks Designs IAM300
SP

Sachin Parashar

Senior Partner - Litigation

Advocate & Patent attorney with 20+ years experience in Chemicals and Bio-technology. Specializes in civil and criminal litigation, and enforcement across India and ASEAN markets.

Litigation Patents
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Deepak Kunwar

Senior Partner

Senior Partner at Aswal Associates with extensive experience in contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Deepak advises domestic and international clients on patent prosecution, infringement disputes, and portfolio management across India and abroad. Domain expert in Higher Education in India

Litigation Arbitration
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Madhuri Rawat

Managing Associate

Specialises in trademark prosecution, opposition proceedings, and brand protection strategies for clients across India and international jurisdictions including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Trusted by clients for both contentious and non-contentious trademark matters.

Trademarks Designs
SAP

Saurabh Panwar

Senior Associate

Experienced IP attorney handling Trademark, Design and Copyright prosecution, Opposition/ Rectification and infringement actions. Saurabh manages matters before the Designs Office, Trademark Registry, and various courts including Delhi High Court.

Trademarks Designs
GN

Gaytri Negi

Associate

Legal Associate with a diverse background in intellectual property and civil law. Prior to joining Aswal Associates, Gaytri gained experience at several law firms and legal consultancies. She handles trademark and design filing and prosecution, legal research, and advisory work across IP matters.

Trademarks Designs
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Sunil Aswal

Director Business Development

Leads the firm's business development and client relations. Sunil holds a B.Sc (Hons) in Physics from Delhi University and an MBA from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, bringing a strong commercial and scientific perspective to the firm's growth strategy.

Business Development Client Relations
PR

Pooja Rawat

Head Accounts & Marketing

Heads the firm's accounts and marketing functions. Pooja holds a Bachelor's degree from Delhi University and brings multi-sector experience from roles at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Total Solutions Group, and a chartered accountant firm. She manages client outreach, firm operations, and financial oversight.

Accounts Marketing
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Jyoti Rawat

Head-Renewals

Specializing in IP renewals and maintenance, ensuring timely protection of client IP assets across multiple jurisdictions.

IP Renewals Deadline Management
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Prahlad Singh

Legal Support

Providing essential legal support services, ensuring efficient case management and documentation processes.

Legal Support Documentation Case Management Administrative Support
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Vandana Rawat

IP Support

Specializing in IP support services, assisting with portfolio management and administrative IP functions.

IP Support Portfolio Assistance Administrative Support Client Communication
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Sanju Shukla

IP Support

Providing comprehensive IP support services, specializing in documentation management and client assistance.

IP Documentation Client Support Administrative Functions Portfolio Assistance
How We Work

Our Process

1

Consultation

Initial assessment of your IP assets, business objectives, and jurisdictional requirements across India, ASEAN, USA, or Europe.

2

Strategy & Search

Comprehensive prior art and trademark clearance searches. Development of filing strategy optimized for your markets.

3

Preparation & Filing

Drafting high-quality patent specifications and trademark applications. Filing with relevant offices (IPO, USPTO, EPO, ASEAN).

4

Prosecution & Grant

Managing examination reports, responding to objections, and securing grant. Post-grant maintenance and enforcement support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about intellectual property protection in India and international jurisdictions. Use our AI chatbot for personalized assistance.

How long does trademark registration take in India? ▼
A straightforward trademark registration in India typically takes 6-10 months. The process includes application filing, examination, publication in the Trade Marks Journal (4-month opposition period), and registration. Costs range from ₹4,500 for individuals/startups to ₹9,000 for companies (online filing). We recommend conducting a comprehensive search before filing to avoid conflicts.
What is the Unitary Patent system in Europe and how does it affect Indian applicants? ▼
The Unitary Patent system started on June 1, 2023, providing uniform patent protection across 18 EU member states with a single request. As of September 2024, participating states include Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, and others—representing 80% of EU GDP. For Indian applicants, this offers significant cost savings (approximately €4,000 less over 10 years) compared to validating European patents individually in each country. The system works alongside traditional European patents, giving applicants flexibility in protection strategies.
What are the patent filing procedures in India? ▼
Indian patent filing involves: (1) Patentability search and opinion, (2) Drafting patent specification (provisional or complete), (3) Filing Form 1 (Application) and Form 2 (Specification) with the Indian Patent Office, (4) Publication after 18 months (or early publication on request), (5) Request for examination (Form 18) within 48 months, (6) Responding to First Examination Report (FER) objections, and (7) Grant or refusal. The process typically takes 3-5 years. We recommend filing provisional applications to secure early priority dates while developing the invention further.
How can I protect my IP in ASEAN countries? ▼
ASEAN IP protection requires individual filings in each member state as there is no regional patent or trademark system yet (unlike EU). Key markets include Singapore (English-speaking, efficient IP system), Thailand (manufacturing hub), Vietnam (growing market), Indonesia (largest economy), and Malaysia. We coordinate filings through our network of associate firms, ensuring consistent quality and cost-effectiveness. For patents, consider PCT national phase entry at 30/31 months. For trademarks, early filing is crucial as most ASEAN jurisdictions follow first-to-file principles.
What is the cost of patent filing in India vs. USA? ▼
Indian patent filing is significantly more cost-effective than USPTO filing. For a standard mechanical invention: India—approximately ₹45,000-75,000 ($540-900) including professional fees; USA—$1,600-3,000+ in official fees plus attorney fees ($5,000-15,000). However, the US offers provisional applications ($300) and faster examination (Track One prioritized examination). We often recommend a strategy of Indian provisional filing → PCT application → national phase in USA and other target markets to optimize costs while securing global priority.
How do I handle patent infringement in India? ▼
Patent enforcement in India involves: (1) Cease and desist notice, (2) If unsuccessful, filing suit in District Court or High Court (depending on jurisdiction and value), (3) Seeking interim injunction (critical for pharmaceutical patents), (4) Discovery and evidence gathering, and (5) Trial and remedies (damages, permanent injunction, account of profits). India has specialized IP Division benches in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata High Courts. Recent trends show increasing damages awards and faster resolution (2-3 years in specialized courts). We also assist with customs recording to prevent import of infringing goods.
Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

"Aswal Associates managed our complex pharmaceutical patent portfolio across India and ASEAN with exceptional expertise. Their strategic counsel on patent term extensions and regulatory data protection has been invaluable for our market exclusivity strategy."

PG
Dr. P G Chen
CEO, Global Pharma Co.
★★★★★

"The team's understanding of both Indian and US patent law helped us navigate the Patent system seamlessly. Their technical expertise in mechanical Software related inventions and clear communication made the entire process smooth."

VG
Vineet G
Vice President, US MNC
Legal Intelligence

Latest IP Updates

Insights, case analyses, and IP law developments authored by our team. Full articles available on our blog.

Latest · February 2026
Patents Delhi High Court India

Delhi High Court Clarifies Patent Revocation Rights: Expired Patents Can Be Revoked, Section 107 Defence Does Not Bar Revocation Petition

The Delhi High Court Division Bench held that patent revocation petitions under Section 64 of the Patents Act remain maintainable even after patent expiry, and that filing a Section 107 invalidity defence in an infringement suit does not preclude a separate revocation petition. The Court emphasised that revocation operates retrospectively and in rem, while Section 107 defence operates only in personam, making them fundamentally distinct remedies. Case: Macleods Pharmaceuticals v. Boehringer Ingelheim (Linagliptin / IN'243301).

By Aswal Associates Read Full Article →
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Trademark · Madras HC Feb 2026

Madras HC: Pandemic-Related Filing Difficulties Cannot Result in Deemed Abandonment of Trademark Application

An affidavit filed on time but unsigned due to COVID-19 lockdown must be treated as validly filed. Procedural rules cannot defeat substantive trademark rights — Registrar's abandonment order set aside (ACE Foods v. Modern Snacks).

Deemed Abandonment COVID-19 Rule 46(2) Madras HC
Read Article →
Designs · Policy Jan 2026

India Releases Comprehensive Concept Note on Proposed Amendments to the Designs Act, 2000

The CGPDTM published a landmark Concept Note proposing GUI and virtual design protection, a 12-month grace period, deferred publication, statutory damages up to ₹50 lakhs, a 5+5+5 protection term, and Hague Agreement integration.

Designs Act CGPDTM GUI Hague Agreement
Read Article →
Patents · China Dec 2025

China Unveils Major Amendments to Patent Examination Guidelines: AI, Biotechnology & Dual Filings — Effective January 1, 2026

CNIPA's revised Patent Examination Guidelines introduce stricter inventor disclosure, refined inventiveness standards, mandatory abandonment of utility models when invention patents are granted, and specialised criteria for AI and biotech inventions.

CNIPA AI Patents Dual Filing China
Read Article →
Trademark · Maldives Dec 2025

Key Features of the Maldives Trademark Act 2025 & New Intellectual Property Office

The Maldives enacted a new Trademark Act in 2025 and established a dedicated IP Office — introducing a formal registration system, examination, opposition, and civil enforcement framework for the first time in Maldivian IP law.

Maldives New TM Law IP Office South Asia
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Trademark · Delhi HC Nov 2025

Delhi HC: Trademark Proprietor Cannot Claim Monopoly Over Entire Class of Goods

In PRO-EASE v. PRUEASE, the Delhi High Court held that a Class 5 registration for sanitary products does not bar a competitor from using a similar mark for pharmaceutical preparations — only actual goods used are protected, not the entire class.

Delhi HC Trademark Scope Class 5 Monopoly
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Designs · Supreme Court Nov 2025

Supreme Court Formulates Two-Pronged Test to Determine Eligibility for Protection Under Designs Act

In Cryogas v. Inox India, the Supreme Court set out a two-pronged test to determine whether engineering drawings qualify as artistic works under copyright or as designs under the Designs Act, clarifying the Section 15(2) interface.

Supreme Court Section 15(2) Copyright vs Design
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Designs · Calcutta HC Nov 2025

Calcutta HC Appoints Amicus Curiae to Resolve GUI Registrability Under Designs Act

The Calcutta High Court appointed Adv. Adarsh Ramanujan as amicus curiae in Erbe Elektromedizin v. Controller to definitively settle whether Graphical User Interfaces are registrable as designs — IPO had repeatedly rejected GUI applications despite earlier judicial guidance.

GUI Calcutta HC Section 2(d) Locarno
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Trademark · India Nov 2025

First Olfactory (Smell) Trademark Accepted in India

India's Trademark Registry accepted the first olfactory trademark application — a landmark recognition of non-conventional marks under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, opening the door for fragrance and scent-based brand protection in India.

Smell Trademark Non-Conventional Mark TM Registry
Read Article →
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More articles on aswal.blogspot.com

Our blog covers patents, trademarks, copyright, designs, court judgements, and IP policy across India and internationally — authored by Sudhir Kumar and Adv. Gaytri Negi.

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Contact Us

Start Your IP Journey

Ready to protect your intellectual property? Contact us for a confidential consultation. Our team will assess your needs and provide tailored strategies for India, ASEAN, USA, Europe, or global protection.

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Address 59, Harmony Apartments, Pocket-1, Sector-4, Dwarka
New Delhi - 110078, India
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Phone +91-11-43046500
+91-11-45041400
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Email mail@aswal.in
info@aswal.com
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Office Hours Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM IST
Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM IST

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