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Could you walk us through the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped your career path, from your early days in college to landing your first job, and ultimately, to where you are today? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, particularly specializing in Intellectual Property?

I have always loved reading and listening to the news and have been deeply interested in politics and social issues. Naturally, becoming a lawyer seemed like the right path for me. After finishing college, I developed an interest in company law and moved to Chennai to start my legal career. The turning point in my career came in 1995 when I happened to watch a court case involving a trademark dispute by chance. I attended all the hearings of that case and had the opportunity to listen to arguments in a few other cases as well. I had a fair understanding of Intellectual Property, but witnessing a court argument over IP for the first time was a pivotal moment for me. This was when India became a member of the WTO, and the controversy surrounding India’s WTO membership and TRIPS agreement conditions was a hot topic. Observing these cases sparked my curiosity and deepened my interest in the subject. This inspiration led me to pursue a master’s degree in IP in 1999.

After completing my master’s, I had the opportunity to work for a new law firm in the Middle East that sought lawyers with expertise in then trending subject, Intellectual Property. This firm had several foreign clients dealing with IP issues, marking my initial exposure to Intellectual Property disputes. Later, I joined Abu Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP), which opened doors to working with Forbes 500 clients. My experience at AGIP significantly shaped my career as an IP lawyer.

Your professional journey includes solo practice as well as working with leading IP firms. What motivated you to establish Suns Legal, and what unique value proposition do you bring to your clients as a solo practitioner?  

 Being a solo practitioner has its perks. For one, I can give each client my full attention, which means I can create legal strategies that are just right for their specific problems. I can quickly adapt to any changes and offer flexible solutions. Running my practice also lets me keep my prices competitive while maintaining high quality. With my expertise in Intellectual Property law and the experience I have gained from working with top firms, I can provide clients with expert advice and solutions. Building long-term relationships based on trust is very important to me. All these factors help me deliver high-quality service and show my commitment to meeting my client’s legal needs with professionalism and care. 

Beyond your professional accomplishments, you’ve also been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for your contributions to thought leadership in Intellectual Property. What motivates you to share your expertise and insights with a wider audience?

I am not a social media expert, but I love creating content. LinkedIn is the only platform I am active on. My strong belief in the power of knowledge sharing and the incredible reach LinkedIn offers drives me to share my expertise and insights.

Intellectual Property (IP) is such a complex and evolving field, and I feel a real responsibility to make it easier for others to understand. My passion for teaching plays a big role in my eagerness to write on LinkedIn. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to help individuals and businesses get a better grasp of IP issues.

Engaging with a broader audience helps me stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field. It also creates a community of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts who can learn from each other. Through LinkedIn, I have connected with many such individuals who regularly interact with me.

I often get direct messages from people who appreciate my efforts to explain these complex topics in simple terms. It makes me especially proud when teachers tell me they use my insights to help them teach the subject more effectively. That kind of recognition means a lot to me.

I often find my associates and interns through this platform. While generating leads was not my primary goal, many of my clients have come through LinkedIn. Plus, the platform has allowed me to connect with the vibrant Kerala Creators community, which has been fantastic.

Being recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice was such a pleasant surprise! I humbly accept it as a testament to my efforts, and it inspires me to keep contributing to the IP community.

Your extensive experience spans across various countries and cultures. How do you navigate the nuances of Intellectual Property laws in different jurisdictions, and what challenges do you commonly encounter?

Dealing with Intellectual Property (IP) laws across different countries and cultures can be quite challenging. However, many advantages made the experience rewarding. The basics of intellectual property are the same worldwide, which provides a solid foundation. The support from bilingual lawyers was invaluable. Working with Forbes 500 companies and their lawyers was a rare and valuable experience.

Read full interview HERE.