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 →
⚖️
Jan Vishwas Act, 2026 — India's Patent Punishment Framework Reformed
Effective June 1, 2026: "Penalties" renamed "Punishments"; Section 118 gains discretionary relief for non-sensitive Section 39 violations; Section 119 register falsification offence removed — prosecution now under BNS.
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Delhi HC Dismisses BlackBerry Patent Appeal — 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). Inventive step also lacking.
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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.
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