Weekly (IP)DATE

Recent DOI Trademark Notices in Nepal: What Applicants and Brand Owners Need to Know

Recent civil unrest in Nepal, coupled with a series of consecutive notices issued by the Department of Industry (DOI) regarding pending and registered trademarks has created uncertainty for trademark applicants and brand owners. Questions around applicable deadlines, documentation requirements and…


India’s Proposed Changes to Design Law: What You Should Know

India is considering major amendments to its design law under the Designs Act, 2000. These changes reflect India’s attempt to modernise its legal framework, address digital innovation, and align with international design systems. For applicants & IP lawyers, these reforms will directly impact…


DPIIT’s proposed One Nation – One License – One Payment policy: What does it mean for the content creators & Artists?

In view of recent AI developments and increasing concerns around the use of copyrighted works for AI training, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) formed a committee to examine how India’s copyright framework should respond. Accordingly, DPIIT recently released a…


3D shape marks can now attain ‘Well-known’ status in India: Does your brand qualify for the enhanced protection?

The recent Delhi High Court ruling by Justice Tejas Karia in Hermes International & Anr. vs Macky Lifestyle Private Limited & Anr (Cs(Comm) 716/2021 & I.A. 17569/2021) granting well-known trademark status to the 3D shape of Birkin bags marks a significant development in Indian trademark…


Protecting Identity in an Era of AI

Artificial intelligence has advanced to the point where synthesized voices are no longer only a fantastical novelty, but practical tools carrying commercial value in entertainment, news, advertising and accessibility solutions. With only a few minutes of recorded audio, today’s AI systems can…


India Accepts Its First Smell Mark – Can Your Brand Register One?

We bring to you a recent significant development in Indian trademark law, which may be helpful to enhance protection for your brands in India. The Indian Trade Marks Registry has, for the first time, accepted a smell trademark for a rose-scented tyre filed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., which…


Maldives Enacts Modern Trademark Regime: What Rights Holders Need to Know About the New Trademarks Act

The Maldives has taken a major step toward strengthening its intellectual-property framework with the introduction of the Trademarks Act (Law No. 2/2019, implemented in 2025) (“The Act”). For the first time, the country will operate a comprehensive, statutory trademark registration system,…


FAQs - Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 & Rules, 2025

Data Protection has become a critical priority for businesses and individuals alike. With the recent developments and updates in how personal digital data can be collected, stored and safeguarded, we have answered the most common questions to help you navigate data protection. For Businesses (also…


Intellectual Property and Caste-Based Atrocities

Introduction: The Supreme Court recently upheld the Bombay High Court's decision in the case of Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra and Anr. v. Kshipra Kamlesh Uke & Ors., involving compensation for intellectual property loss under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes…


Delhi High Court Orders Amazon to Pay Rs. 339 Crore Damages: A Wake-Up Call for E-Commerce Giants on Counterfeit Goods

In a landmark ruling on February 25, 2025, the Delhi High court ordered Amazon to pay a hefty Rs. 339.25 crore in compensatory damages for the sale of counterfeit Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) goods on its platform. This case highlights the intersection of trademark law and e-commerce regulation,…