Obhan & Associates

India

Analysis

Overview

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 matters, and its private equity workflow is steadily increasing. It has an impressive client roster of international publishers and media houses. The firm moves up a tier in the IP rankings for its well-regarded strength in handling contentious IP matters. As data protection and General Data Protection Regulation compliance take centre-stage for many corporates, the firm has been active advising clients on this front. Senior partner Ashima Obhan is the main contact for corporate and media matters, while managing partner Essenese Obhan is the contact for IP, and technology and telecommunications.

Client feedback

“I highly recommend Obhan & Associates for these reasons: 

Expertise: they possess a deep understanding of various legal domains, including intellectual property, corporate law and litigation, enabling them to offer comprehensive legal services.
Professionalism: the firm demonstrates professionalism in all aspects of their work, from client communication to legal representation, fostering trust and confidence among their clients.
Thoroughness: their meticulous approach ensures that legal matters are thoroughly reviewed and analysed, minimising risks and maximising opportunities for their clients.
Strategic advice: Obhan & Associates provides strategic legal advice tailored to the unique needs and objectives of each client, helping them make informed decisions and achieve their goals effectively.  Client-centric approach: they prioritise client satisfaction and strive to deliver personalised and responsive service, building long-term relationships based on trust and reliability.                                       Innovation.” – Dispute resolution

Gave clear advice that wasn't sugar-coated but had constructive remedy suggestions. Where the law could have multiple interpretations, they reached out for more guidance and were clear in the explanations of the impact on our business.” – Media and entertainment

“They are extremely competent and clear in their communications. We feel they really understand the practical aspects of what we are trying to achieve and they always offer clear advice.” – Media and entertainment

“Great understanding of our business. Pragmatic advice provided on a timely basis.” – Regulatory

Ashima Obhan

“She is problem-solver, intelligent, diligent and has the great knowledge of her field.”

“Ashima always has a constructive approach to any legal issues facing us and her advice is always well thought through, substantiated and clear.”

“She knows her stuff and has always gotten us the result that we wanted.”

“Ashima possesses a wealth of experience, and understands our business well and the risks we experience. She is always very available to us.”

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Advised Huntsman Advanced Materials against Jay Chemical Industries in a patent infringement lawsuit before the Delhi High Court and was successful in securing an injunction.

Represented Matra Mobili in its dispute with Madanapalle Retail in a trademark suit. The firm was successful in vacating the ex-parte order by filing an appeal at the High Court of Karnataka. The decision has reverberated throughout trademark jurisprudence, marking a significant departure from traditional approaches.

Key clients

Acer, Aditya Birla Science & Technology, CoinDCX, Forest Essentials, G4S, HarperCollins Publishers, Pine Labs, Steer Group, Tata Chemicals, TechSmith Corporation.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Delinian with the corporate restructuring of its Indian subsidiaries, as well as its entities in the UK and the US.

Acted for Chemical Construction International Group on the establishment of a joint venture company in Indonesia with Singapore-based Kaltimex Energy.

Represented Spectacom Global on the exit of certain investors.

Key clients

Mountain Valley Springs India, Neblio Technologies, Octillion Energy Holdings, Synergistic Financial Networks, Tip Tales.

Media and entertainment

Work highlights

Represented the Financial Times’ journalists in a criminal writ petition before the Supreme Court of India.

Represented the British Broadcasting Corporation in regularising its Indian liaison office.

Engaged by Supercraft and Superstellar Media Labs on drafting and finalising a licence agreement and a publishing agreement.

Key clients

HarperCollins Publishers India, Penguin Random House India.