The Intellectual Property group advises on all aspects of Intellectual Property ranging from patent, trademark, copyright, design domain names, Unfair Competition in diverse fields such as biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, computers, software, media and entertainment. Our clients represent numerous multinational companies, which include a majority of the Fortune 500 companies. We also act for several leading Sri Lankan conglomerates. We are regularly instructed by some of the leading Trademark Agents in the UK, USA, EC, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and India.
We undertake the full range of enforcement, management and transactional matters. Our enforcement work includes advising, prosecuting and defending our clients’ IP rights in courts, as well as Customs Authorities, National Intellectual Property Office and Consumer Affairs Authority, Excise Department and NMRA.
We advise foreign and local clients on the registration, clearance, protection and exploitation of IP rights, as well as manage and co-ordinate our clients’ IP portfolios in Sri Lanka. We represent clients before the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO) in respect of any objections regarding registrability of trademarks to overcome objections. We act for clients in opposition proceedings and in Appeals to the High Court and Supreme Court from any decision of the Director General of Intellectual Property. We regularly liaise with the relevant authorities and keep clients appraised of the status of their applications. We also undertake IP audits and due diligence exercises.
Our team handles technology and communication matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts, assisting in negotiations and advising on regulatory compliance as well as drafting patents. The areas we cover include IT, internet and e-commerce, telecommunications, research and development, franchising, technology transfers and IP licensing.
Our partners are also members of the International Trademark Association (INTA), the Institute of Trade Mark Agents (London) (ITMA) and the Asia Patent Attorneys Association (APAA). Dr. J. M. Swaminathan of our Firm is the Chairman of the Intellectual Property Advisory Commission appointed in terms of the Intellectual Property Act.