Ranjan Narula
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025
Band 4 : Intellectual Property
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
9810089304Share profile
Band 4
About
Provided by Ranjan Narula
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property, IT, Technology Laws
Career
Ranjan Narula founded specialist IP law firm RNA in 2004 and is now its managing partner. He has 30 years’ post-qualification experience working on contentious and non-contentious IP and technology issues. Mr Narula has been practising as an advocate and patent attorney since 1991 handling a wide range of IP, IT and technology matters, including IP management issues, strategic advice on IP clearance, acquisition and enforcement. Domain name disputes, data privacy, trade secrets and technology transfer issues. Focusing on the digital environment and assisting companies and start-ups operating in this space are also part his practice.
Mr Narula has worked in-house and in private practice, including at an international IP law firm heading its India operations. In 2019 Mr Narula was invited to join the INTA Board of Directors for a three-year term. He currently serves on several committees set up by chambers of commerce and INTA to address IP issues affecting business and consumers.
Mr Narula has been ranked as a leading IP practitioner by various publications, including WTR 1000, IP Stars (Managing IP), WIPR leaders, Who’s Who Legal and Top 100 Asia IP Experts in India. Mr Narula is regularly invited to speak by universities and chambers of commerce on IP issues. He has authored several articles and papers on key IP issues published in IP magazines and blogs such as IAM, World Trade Mark Review, Bloomberg, Lexology and IP Kat.
Professional Memberships
INTA, APAA, IPO, AIPLA, IPPA
Personal
Interested in Travel, Spiritualism, Reading, Listening to podcasts
Chambers Review
Asia-Pacific
Ranjan Narula is well-respected for trade mark and copyright law expertise in India. He is based in Gurugram.
Articles, highlights and press releases
27 items provided by RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys
Jay Switches India Pvt Ltd vs. Sandhar Technologies Ltd & Ors
The subject matter of the patent in this case is an “Air Tight Fuel Cap”. The patent, registered as patent no. 427110, involves a fuel cap designed to be secured intermittently to a fuel filler neck attached to an inlet of a feed oil pipe.
Navigating the Complexities of ‘HealthWashing’: Legal and Regulatory Perspectives in India
Healthwashing refers to marketing strategies that make products appear healthier by highlighting certain ingredients or qualities, while downplaying or omitting other less desirable aspects.
Madras High Court cancels registration of ‘CIT’ mark denies claim of ‘honest and concurrent’ use.
The case involves a dispute between V. Rangasamy Naidu Educational Trust (Petitioner) and Parthasarathy Seniammal Educational Trust (Respondents) over the use of the trademark “CIT” in the field of education.
‘VARUN’ or ‘ARUN’ ice cream- Are they confusing?
Hatsun Agro Product Limited (Petitioner) sought to remove the trademark ‘VARUN’ used by the Respondent Balakrishnan Nair for ice creams, claiming it was similar to their trademark ‘ARUN’ used by them since 1970.
Wipro stopped from using EVACARE brand
The case revolves around the use of the trademark “EVECARE”. Himalaya Wellness Company (Himalaya) claims to be using the mark since 1998 for their ayurvedic proprietary medicine targeted towards women for menstrual disorder.
Regulating Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims
Consumer Protection Authority of India has come up with The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024. These guidelines are an extension of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisement
Madras High Court cancels registration of LEGO for confectionery
This case revolves around a trademark dispute between a globally renowned toy and games manufacturer, Lego Juris (the Petitioner) seeking to cancel the registered marks containing LEGO of a confectionery producer, Gurumukh Singh (the Respondent).
Madras High Court - the battle ground for ‘KCP’ as a company name
The case illustrates the interplay between different legal provisions, such as Section 16 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Section 35 of the Trademarks Act, 1999.
Court upholds validity of Lock-in period in an Employment agreement
The court’s decision sets important legal precedents for employment contracts in India, particularly regarding the enforceability of lock-in periods and the arbitrability of related disputes.
Star shines over Star Plastics in a Dispute over the Trademark ‘STAR’
The Court found that while neither party could claim exclusive rights to the common term ‘STAR’ the Petitioner demonstrated prior use and distinctiveness in its mark.
Registration of a same or similar Design in a foreign country, may not amount to publication- Calcut
It is a settled principle of law that a registered Design can be cancelled on the ground that the same has been published in India or any other country before the date of registration. Calcutta High Court examined this issue in an Appeal from the order of the Controller of Patents & Designs.
Bombay High Court: Copyright registration of a label not mandatory
The parties in Sanjay Soya Private Limited v Narayani Trading Company dealt in refined edible oil products and the dispute arose concerning the use of packaging.
Prior use turns the scales in favour of Cremo
Two entities dealing in milk and dairy products vie for rights in the mark/name CREMO before the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The Plaintiff, Cremo S.A., filed the suit before the District Court, Faridabad (Haryana), against the Defendants, Cremo Netureal Milk LLP & another, alleging passing off.
Snapdeal has no criminal liability for the sale of SUHAGRA-100
The ruling of the single judge of Karnataka High Court holding that an e-commerce marketplace being an ‘intermediary’ is not liable for any action or inaction on the part of a vendor/seller has come as a significant relief for e-commerce portals and their directors/officers.
Adoption of similar packaging for SELECT FLAKE cigarette boomerang on Godfrey
The two dominant players in cigarette category ITC Limited, (ITC) and Godfrey Philips (India) Limited (Godfrey) are pitted against each other over the use of mark FLAKE, and its packaging.
Amendments to Consumer Protection Act- what Brand owners must know!
To modernize the law relating to consumer protection and to enlarge the scope of the existing law and make it more effective and purposeful, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 has replaced the old Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Injunctions: Paradigm shift for India’s innovators
The interim or preliminary injunction plays a crucial role in IP cases as the focus of the IP holder is to seek an immediate order to stop the infringing activity so as to protect its market share.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms eased to attract Brands
The Indian economy has been witnessing a slow down since beginning of 2019. A mixture of international events and domestic fiscal tightening has lead to slowdown in India that not so long ago regularly featured among the world’s fastest growing economy.
Court holds registered proprietor is not expected to pursue every infringement
The plaintiffs, Purshotam Keshwani and three others (Purushotam) filed suit for trademark infringement, passing off, etc , against the defendants.
Functional shape not enough to prove design is functional
he court in its ruling determined whether constraints of functionality are such that the design in question is the only design which could have been devised.
Prior use prevails over registration
The siblings, Gopal Sabu and Rajkumar Sabu (Raj) both working together, at one stage, as Directors of Sabu Trade Private Limited (STPL) are now at loggerheads to assert their rights over the mark SACHA MOTI (Pure Pearl) being used in relation to Sabudana (sago) for human consumption.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
High Court upholds sanctity of the Trademark Assignment Agreement
The gist of the appeal is the interpretation of the agreement entered into between the parties in the year 2015 in relation to transfer of various trademarks upon payment of the agreed consideration.
Pharmaceutical marks require lesser degree of confusion
Madras High Court in a dispute between two entities in the pharmaceutical industry restrains use of a deceptively similar mark.
Perils of protecting surname such as ‘Jindal’
The Plaintiff, Jindal Industries Private Limited (JIPL), relying on its rights in the registered trademark JINDAL filed the suit against the Defendants, Suncity Sheets Private Limited (Suncity) and Ors, alleging trademark infringement, passing off, etc.
Collaborating with Influencers for Brand Promotion
As advertising increasingly shifts to social media, Ranjan Narula and Padmini Paonam of RNA Technology and IP Attorneys explain how to safeguard a brand’s reputation despite the risks presented by the use of influencers.
Jay Switches India Pvt Ltd vs. Sandhar Technologies Ltd & Ors
The subject matter of the patent in this case is an “Air Tight Fuel Cap”. The patent, registered as patent no. 427110, involves a fuel cap designed to be secured intermittently to a fuel filler neck attached to an inlet of a feed oil pipe.
Navigating the Complexities of ‘HealthWashing’: Legal and Regulatory Perspectives in India
Healthwashing refers to marketing strategies that make products appear healthier by highlighting certain ingredients or qualities, while downplaying or omitting other less desirable aspects.
Madras High Court cancels registration of ‘CIT’ mark denies claim of ‘honest and concurrent’ use.
The case involves a dispute between V. Rangasamy Naidu Educational Trust (Petitioner) and Parthasarathy Seniammal Educational Trust (Respondents) over the use of the trademark “CIT” in the field of education.
‘VARUN’ or ‘ARUN’ ice cream- Are they confusing?
Hatsun Agro Product Limited (Petitioner) sought to remove the trademark ‘VARUN’ used by the Respondent Balakrishnan Nair for ice creams, claiming it was similar to their trademark ‘ARUN’ used by them since 1970.
Wipro stopped from using EVACARE brand
The case revolves around the use of the trademark “EVECARE”. Himalaya Wellness Company (Himalaya) claims to be using the mark since 1998 for their ayurvedic proprietary medicine targeted towards women for menstrual disorder.
Regulating Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims
Consumer Protection Authority of India has come up with The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024. These guidelines are an extension of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisement
Madras High Court cancels registration of LEGO for confectionery
This case revolves around a trademark dispute between a globally renowned toy and games manufacturer, Lego Juris (the Petitioner) seeking to cancel the registered marks containing LEGO of a confectionery producer, Gurumukh Singh (the Respondent).
Madras High Court - the battle ground for ‘KCP’ as a company name
The case illustrates the interplay between different legal provisions, such as Section 16 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Section 35 of the Trademarks Act, 1999.
Court upholds validity of Lock-in period in an Employment agreement
The court’s decision sets important legal precedents for employment contracts in India, particularly regarding the enforceability of lock-in periods and the arbitrability of related disputes.
Star shines over Star Plastics in a Dispute over the Trademark ‘STAR’
The Court found that while neither party could claim exclusive rights to the common term ‘STAR’ the Petitioner demonstrated prior use and distinctiveness in its mark.
Registration of a same or similar Design in a foreign country, may not amount to publication- Calcut
It is a settled principle of law that a registered Design can be cancelled on the ground that the same has been published in India or any other country before the date of registration. Calcutta High Court examined this issue in an Appeal from the order of the Controller of Patents & Designs.
Bombay High Court: Copyright registration of a label not mandatory
The parties in Sanjay Soya Private Limited v Narayani Trading Company dealt in refined edible oil products and the dispute arose concerning the use of packaging.
Prior use turns the scales in favour of Cremo
Two entities dealing in milk and dairy products vie for rights in the mark/name CREMO before the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The Plaintiff, Cremo S.A., filed the suit before the District Court, Faridabad (Haryana), against the Defendants, Cremo Netureal Milk LLP & another, alleging passing off.
Snapdeal has no criminal liability for the sale of SUHAGRA-100
The ruling of the single judge of Karnataka High Court holding that an e-commerce marketplace being an ‘intermediary’ is not liable for any action or inaction on the part of a vendor/seller has come as a significant relief for e-commerce portals and their directors/officers.
Adoption of similar packaging for SELECT FLAKE cigarette boomerang on Godfrey
The two dominant players in cigarette category ITC Limited, (ITC) and Godfrey Philips (India) Limited (Godfrey) are pitted against each other over the use of mark FLAKE, and its packaging.
Amendments to Consumer Protection Act- what Brand owners must know!
To modernize the law relating to consumer protection and to enlarge the scope of the existing law and make it more effective and purposeful, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 has replaced the old Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Injunctions: Paradigm shift for India’s innovators
The interim or preliminary injunction plays a crucial role in IP cases as the focus of the IP holder is to seek an immediate order to stop the infringing activity so as to protect its market share.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms eased to attract Brands
The Indian economy has been witnessing a slow down since beginning of 2019. A mixture of international events and domestic fiscal tightening has lead to slowdown in India that not so long ago regularly featured among the world’s fastest growing economy.
Court holds registered proprietor is not expected to pursue every infringement
The plaintiffs, Purshotam Keshwani and three others (Purushotam) filed suit for trademark infringement, passing off, etc , against the defendants.
Functional shape not enough to prove design is functional
he court in its ruling determined whether constraints of functionality are such that the design in question is the only design which could have been devised.
Prior use prevails over registration
The siblings, Gopal Sabu and Rajkumar Sabu (Raj) both working together, at one stage, as Directors of Sabu Trade Private Limited (STPL) are now at loggerheads to assert their rights over the mark SACHA MOTI (Pure Pearl) being used in relation to Sabudana (sago) for human consumption.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
High Court upholds sanctity of the Trademark Assignment Agreement
The gist of the appeal is the interpretation of the agreement entered into between the parties in the year 2015 in relation to transfer of various trademarks upon payment of the agreed consideration.
Pharmaceutical marks require lesser degree of confusion
Madras High Court in a dispute between two entities in the pharmaceutical industry restrains use of a deceptively similar mark.
Perils of protecting surname such as ‘Jindal’
The Plaintiff, Jindal Industries Private Limited (JIPL), relying on its rights in the registered trademark JINDAL filed the suit against the Defendants, Suncity Sheets Private Limited (Suncity) and Ors, alleging trademark infringement, passing off, etc.
Collaborating with Influencers for Brand Promotion
As advertising increasingly shifts to social media, Ranjan Narula and Padmini Paonam of RNA Technology and IP Attorneys explain how to safeguard a brand’s reputation despite the risks presented by the use of influencers.