Obhan & Associates is a five-partner firm with strengths in corporate and M&A, IP, and media and entertainment. The corporate practice specialises in joint ventures, acquisitions, foreign direct investment, regulatory compliance and contracts, among other areas, and its private-equity workflow is steadily increasing. The firm provides end-to-end legal services to a diverse clientele that includes both domestic businesses and international corporations. It has built a strong reputation for handling complex legal issues across industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, consumer goods, fashion, media, and manufacturing. It has an impressive client roster of international publishers and media houses. As data protection and GDPR compliance take centre stage for many corporates, the firm has been active advising clients on this front.
The firm is particularly well-regarded for its work in intellectual property laws. Its services include patent drafting, prosecution, litigation, and portfolio management. It handles trademarks, copyrights, design laws, and plant variety protection, making it a one-stop shop for companies aiming to protect and monetize their IP assets. The team has also gained recognition for advising on licensing transactions and providing strategic counsel on intellectual property commercialization. The litigation team is experienced in resolving disputes related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs, representing clients in courts across India. A marquee example of the team’s prowess was in its representation of Nuziveedu Seeds in a landmark patent dispute with Monsanto Technology, which has had significant implications for IP law in India.
On the corporate side, the firm’s services include mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, regulatory compliance, and general corporate advisories. It is known for structuring investments, facilitating divestments, and drafting commercial contracts. The firm also assists with employment law, real estate matters, data privacy, and banking and finance, demonstrating its ability to handle a variety of legal needs for businesses.
The firm has also been at the forefront of advising on regulatory developments, including recent changes in India’s gaming laws and evolving standards for contracts and force majeure clauses. Its blog serves as a resource for businesses to navigate these legal shifts, offering insights into matters like shareholder agreements, patent hearings, and IP litigation strategies.
Obhan & Associates has made significant strides in client engagement and legal representation. The firm has advised on various technology and telecommunications agreements, including SaaS and platform development contracts for clients such as Mountain Valley Springs and International Carbon Exchange. In the realm of investment transactions, the firm assisted Homage Ventures with substantial investments aimed at enhancing India's position in the electric mobility sector. Additionally, the firm successfully represented clients in high-stakes disputes, including patent challenges and negotiations with major corporations like Honeywell and Tata Chemicals.
The firm is led by a team of distinguished professionals, each bringing a wealth of expertise across various practice areas. Managing partner Essenese Obhan specialises in intellectual property, dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, and corporate law. He is also a well-known patent attorney with a mechanical engineering background, making him a leading expert in patent-related matters, particularly in the fields of mechanical, chemical, software, and telecommunications. Senior partner Ashima Obhan focuses on corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, media and entertainment, and TMT.
Work highlights
Successfully represented clients in their post-grant opposition against a patent which was granted to Innoviti Payment Solutions. This matter focused on the validity of the patent related to Unified Payment Interface (UPI) technology.
Represented a US-based advertising agency in enforcing its copyright against Jindal Steel & Power. The case involved an ad campaign that the client’s copyrighted works without permission. The firm achieved favourable outcomes in the Delhi High Court, reinforcing the importance of protecting creative rights.
Work highlights
Advised a global book publisher in its negotiation with Mebiogo Labs for the licensing of rights in audiobooks, facilitating the expansion of the client’s publishing catalogue.
Conducted a pre-publication legal review for a leading publisher on a manuscript. The review aimed to identify and mitigate potential legal risks associated with the publication, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against possible defamation claims.
Representing a leading book publisher in a defamation suit filed against it, addressing allegations related to the publication of a book.
Work highlights
Represented a major power systems business in ongoing negotiations and drafting a supply agreement with Honeywell International for the manufacture and strategic supply of battery energy storage systems for electric vehicles.
Advised a domestic personal products manufacturer in drafting and finalizing an SaaS agreement with Intero Software, ensuring that all legal and commercial interests were well-protected.
