Legal analysis and practical guidance on cross-border business, disputes, corporate, employment and IP matters across India and the UAE — including the Legal Help Desk, our Q&A column on the problems clients actually meet.
Karnataka has emerged as one of India’s most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI), driven not only by its established reputation as the country’s tech hub but also by the state government’s proactive and investor-friendly policies. Among these, the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2020–25 has become a key enabler for facilitating and attracting FDI in […]
In a significant pronouncement on 16 July 2025, the Dubai Court of Cassation, while deciding Commercial Appeal No. 509 of 2025, clarified, the legal status and judicial competence of the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (the “Centre”). For the first time under Dubai’s updated conciliation regime, the Court explicitly confirmed that the Centre enjoys […]
In a highly competitive marketplace, protecting a trademark goes beyond mere registration. Trademark owners—especially multinational companies—often seek to safeguard their marks even when they are not actively using them in a jurisdiction. Indian trademark law allows registration without immediate use, but it also imposes certain conditions to retain that protection. This article examines how Indian […]
In the world of startup financing, especially during early-stage fundraising, convertible instruments like convertible notes and Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs) are increasingly favored over traditional equity rounds. These instruments offer flexibility and speed, but their mechanics, particularly valuation caps and discounts are often misunderstood. This article demystifies how these terms operate and why […]
Startups in the UAE are rapidly emerging as key players in the region’s innovation-driven economy. To sustain early-stage growth, founders often turn to equity financing by raising capital in exchange for ownership in the company. Among the most common forms are seed funding and series rounds (Series A, B, etc.). While these terms are widely […]
When discussing intellectual property (IP) in India, trademarks, patents, and copyrights often take center stage. However, two significant yet underexplored domains within the Indian IP framework are Broadcast Reproduction Rights and Performers’ Rights. These rights are critical in safeguarding the interests of artists, musicians, actors, and broadcasters under the Copyright Act, 1957, as amended, especially […]
As the UAE strengthens its position as a regional startup hub, convertible notes have become a widely used tool for early-stage fundraising. Their flexible structure and ease of execution make them an attractive alternative to traditional equity financing for both investors and entrepreneurs. However, despite their growing popularity, convertible notes carry legal complexities that require […]
India’s rich cultural fabric is woven with countless threads of traditional and folk-art forms—Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Kalamkari, Chikankari, Chhau masks, and countless others. These expressions are not merely aesthetic; they represent the collective identity, heritage, and spiritual beliefs of the communities that have nurtured them over generations. As global interest in Indian traditional art rises, […]
Introduction Early-stage fundraising is a critical milestone for startups, and selecting the right investment instrument can significantly impact a company’s legal structure and future financing rounds. One such instrument gaining popularity among startups and investors is the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“SAFE”). Originally developed in Silicon Valley, the SAFE is now commonly used in […]
In today’s fast-paced and digitally interconnected world, brand reputation and consumer trust can be undermined instantly through unauthorized use or infringement of trademarks. In India, where brand piracy and counterfeiting are significant challenges, building a cost-effective trademark watch and enforcement strategy is essential for any business seeking long-term protection of its intellectual property (IP). This […]