Practice Area

Intellectual Property Rights

Registration, protection and enforcement of trademarks, copyrights and designs.

Overview

The Practice

M/s. RRN Legal advises creators, businesses and institutions on the protection of intellectual property in India and, through a network of international associates, abroad. The work covers the registration and prosecution of trademarks under the Trade Marks Act 1999, the registration and protection of works under the Copyright Act 1957, and the registration of designs under the Designs Act 2000.

The firm handles both the registry-side and the enforcement-side of IP. On the registry side, it conducts clearance searches, files and prosecutes applications, and handles examination objections, opposition, rectification and renewal. On the enforcement side, it acts in infringement and passing-off actions before the civil courts and the High Court of Madras, including applications for interim injunctions.

The firm also advises on internet and domain-name matters and on the IP aspects of commercial transactions, including licensing and assignment, so that a client's brand and creative assets are both secured and commercially usable.

What We Handle

Areas of Work

Trademark Registration & Prosecution

The firm conducts clearance searches of the Trade Marks Registry, advises on distinctiveness and the correct class under the NICE classification, files applications, and handles examination reports, hearings, publication, opposition and renewal under the Trade Marks Act 1999. A registered mark gives the owner the exclusive right to use it and a statutory basis to act for infringement.

Copyright Registration & Protection

The firm advises on copyright in literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, films and sound recordings under the Copyright Act 1957. Although copyright arises automatically on creation, the firm files registration applications with the Copyright Office where useful evidence of ownership is needed, and advises businesses on obtaining written assignments from employees, freelancers and contractors.

Designs

The firm advises on and files applications for the registration of designs under the Designs Act 2000, protecting the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article. This includes advising on novelty and registrability, prosecution of the application, and the term and renewal of design protection.

Domain Names & Internet Law

The firm advises on domain-name disputes, cybersquatting and the protection of brands online, including the interaction between domain registrations and registered trademark rights, and the dispute-resolution mechanisms available for contested domains. This work links the firm's trademark practice to the online use of a client's brand.

IP Enforcement / Infringement & Passing Off

The firm acts in infringement and passing-off actions before the civil courts and the commercial divisions of the High Court of Madras, including applications for interim and ad-interim injunctions, and in opposition and rectification proceedings before the Trade Marks Registry. Remedies pursued include injunctions, damages or an account of profits, and delivery up of infringing material.

International IP Filing via Associates

Through its network of international associates, the firm assists Indian clients seeking protection abroad and foreign clients seeking protection in India, coordinating filings and prosecution across jurisdictions and advising on the strategy for protecting a brand or portfolio in multiple markets.

Our Method

How We Approach This Work

Clearance searches before adoption, to identify conflicts early.
Registry prosecution and court enforcement handled by the same partner-led team.
IP secured and made commercially usable through licensing and assignment.
Cross-border protection coordinated through established associates.

Relevant forums & statutes: Trade Marks Act 1999; Copyright Act 1957; Designs Act 2000; Trade Marks Registry, Copyright Office, civil courts and commercial divisions, High Court of Madras.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a copyright to be protected in India?

No. Copyright arises automatically on creation; registration with the Copyright Office is optional but provides useful evidence of ownership in a dispute.

How long is a registered trademark valid?

Ten years from the date of application, renewable for successive ten-year periods on payment of the renewal fee.

What is the difference between infringement and passing off?

Infringement is the violation of a registered trademark right under the Trade Marks Act 1999; passing off is a common-law action protecting the goodwill of an unregistered mark.

Can the firm help protect my brand abroad?

Yes. Through its network of international associates, the firm assists with filing and prosecution in foreign jurisdictions.

Discuss an IP Matter

Contact M/s. RRN Legal to speak with a partner about intellectual property registration or enforcement.

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