This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
You began your career in Electronics and Communication Engineering before transitioning into intellectual property law. What inspired this shift, and how has your technical background influenced your approach to IP practice?
Before moving into intellectual property law, I was working with a government-backed electrical equipment company, fully immersed in engineering projects. I kept noticing that while a lot of great ideas were being developed, very few were being protected or taken to market in a structured way. That gap between technology and protection really stayed with me and eventually pushed me to explore IP.
What began as curiosity soon turned into a career path. I decided to formally study law and later qualified as a Patent Agent, which gave me both the legal and technical grounding to work in this space. That combination of engineering, law, and patent practice has been invaluable. When I sit with inventors or R&D teams, I can dive into the technical details and at the same time think strategically about how to convert their work into strong IP assets.
My engineering background helps me speak the language of technology, while my law degree and patent agent qualification allow me to translate that innovation into legal protection and business value. It’s this blend that really shaped my approach to IP and continues to define how I work with every invention that comes across my desk.
As an empanelled IP Facilitator under the Government of India’s Start-up India Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme, what are the key challenges and opportunities you encounter while supporting early-stage start-ups?
Working as an IP Facilitator under the Government of India’s Start-up India Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme has been a truly eye-opening experience. One of the biggest advantages of the scheme is the strong support it provides to early-stage start-ups. With the government offering significant rebates on official patent fees and providing pro bono professional assistance through empanelled attorneys to DPIIT-recognized start-ups, many young companies have been able to secure patents that they might have otherwise delayed or avoided due to cost concerns. This framework has opened the doors for start-ups to build strong IP foundations right from the early stages of their business.
However, the biggest challenge continues to be awareness and mindset. Many Indian start-ups still approach patent filing as a defensive move or a legal checkbox they need to tick, rather than seeing IP as a core part of their growth strategy. In contrast, if you look at start-ups in the US or Europe, they adopt a far more aggressive, offensive IP strategy. They use patents to carve out market monopolies, create high valuation leverage, and build long-term competitive barriers. This is one of the reasons why IP-driven companies in those economies contribute significantly more to GDP and societal growth because they see IP as a business asset, not just a legal requirement.
Through the SIPP scheme, I’ve had the chance to work closely with many such Indian start-ups and help them shift their perspective. One example that stands out is a EV based start-up we supported in securing their patents and aligning their IP portfolio. That strategic IP work became a major factor in them raising approx. USD 15 million in funding, proving that when IP is treated as a growth tool, it delivers tangible results.
The opportunity here is immense. With the government backing start-ups through rebates and professional support, and with the right guidance on how to leverage IP offensively rather than defensively, Indian innovators can build companies that not only protect their ideas but also dominate markets.
You’ve collaborated with premier institutions like IITs and NITs on IP strategy and commercialization. Can you share an experience on how you helped transform a research idea into a commercially viable innovation?
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with several premier institutions, especially NITs, on building their IP strategy and taking research beyond the academic stage. A lot of the work coming out of these institutions is brilliant, but often, the initial intent behind filing a patent is academic credit rather than commercialization. Our role has been to change that perspective and create pathways for these ideas to become market-ready innovations.
Being empanelled with multiple IITs and NITs has given us a chance to replicate this model across different institutions and help them not just file patents but also align their research with commercial outcomes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see academic innovation transition into real-world solutions and to know that our IP strategy is helping bridge that gap between lab and market.
Through MoUs with universities and incubation centers, you’ve promoted a culture of IP awareness. What critical gaps do you see in IP literacy among Indian innovators, and how can they be addressed?
Signing MoUs with universities and incubation centers has shown me how powerful structured IP awareness programs can be. Despite the growing innovation ecosystem in India, there are still some critical gaps in IP literacy that hold back many inventors. A large part of the problem is that IP is still seen just as a legal formality. Innovators often file patents to meet academic requirements or to create a defensive shield, but rarely integrate IP as a business and commercialization tool from the very beginning.
Another major gap is geographical. Most IP awareness and resources are concentrated in Tier-1 cities, while a lot of untapped innovation is happening in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These regions have bright minds and unique problem-solving approaches but lack exposure to structured IP education and professional guidance. That’s one of the reasons I recently started Udyovidh Innovation and Incubation Centre in Gwalior, a Tier-3 city, with the aim of bridging this gap. Our focus is on early-stage start-ups, helping them embed IP strategy into their business models from day one, and creating an ecosystem where innovation doesn’t get lost due to lack of guidance.
What we’ve noticed is that once innovators from smaller cities understand how IP can help them secure funding, scale their business, and even expand globally, their entire approach changes. Tier-3 cities need this focus because they’re not just catching up, they’re creating solutions that are often more cost-effective and directly relevant to grassroots challenges. By building IP literacy in these regions, we’re not only helping start-ups protect their ideas but also enabling them to compete on a national and international stage.
After working with several leading IP law firms, what motivated you to establish your own practice? What were the biggest initial challenges, and how did you overcome them?
After working with some of the leading IP law firms, I realized that there was a gap that needed to be filled. A lot of start-ups, individual inventors, and innovators outside the big cities struggled to access high-quality, business-focused IP services. Most of the top-tier firms were catering primarily to large corporations. I wanted to create a practice that was agile and approachable, where a young start-up or a first-time inventor could get the same level of strategic IP support as an established company. That vision is what motivated me to take the leap and establish my own practice.
The initial challenges were exactly what you’d expect i.e., credibility and trust. Competing with Tier-1 firms while being based in a Tier-3 city like Gwalior was not easy. People often questioned whether a small-city firm could deliver at the same standard. The only way to overcome that was through consistent, high-quality work and building long-term relationships with clients. We leveraged technology to work seamlessly with clients across India and overseas, and word-of-mouth from successful cases helped us grow organically.
Looking back, those early challenges shaped the DNA of the firm. Yes, we committed mistakes but these mistakes taught us to stay client-focused, maintain the highest standards, and prove that quality IP services don’t depend on your postal code rather they depend on expertise and commitment.
As a member of international bodies like FICPI and AIPPI, how do you view India’s evolving IP landscape in comparison with global trends especially in areas like AI, biotech, and clean energy? What policy changes or reforms would you like to see to strengthen support for inventors and start-ups?
Being part of international IP bodies has given me a good perspective on how India’s IP ecosystem compares with global trends. In areas like AI, biotech, and clean energy, India is moving in the right direction, but we are still catching up when it comes to integrating policy, industry, and innovation at the same pace as countries like the US, Europe, or even some parts of East Asia.
AI is a prime example. While India has strong talent and a growing start-up base, our patent laws still need more clarity around software and algorithm-based inventions to give innovators confidence. In biotech, the potential is huge because of our R&D capabilities, but faster regulatory clearances and better tech-transfer mechanisms from academia to industry are needed. Clean energy is another critical area where India is innovating at the grassroots level, but the IP frameworks to support large-scale commercialization need strengthening.
One policy change I’d really like to see is more structured incentives for IP-driven start-ups, similar to what some European countries offer. This includes not just fee rebates but tax benefits for companies actively investing in patent portfolios and R&D. We also need to build better linkages between government-funded research and industry so that patents don’t just sit on paper but actually reach the market.
India is on the verge of becoming a global innovation hub, but to truly compete at a world-class level, our IP policy needs to be more forward-looking and business-oriented, especially in emerging technologies.
You actively mentor start-ups through incubation programs. What advice would you give young entrepreneurs on embedding IP strategy into their business early on? Additionally, what guidance would you offer to aspiring IP lawyers looking to enter this field?
When I mentor start-ups through incubation programs, the first thing I tell young entrepreneurs is that IP isn’t something you add later; it’s something you build into your business model from the very beginning. Every product roadmap, every funding pitch, and even every discussion with potential partners or investors is stronger when backed by a clear IP strategy.
My advice is simple: don’t look at IP as a cost, look at it as an investment. Even a basic prior art analysis before you start developing can save you from reinventing the wheel or walking into infringement issues later. Start small if needed, but start early and build your IP portfolio as you grow.
For aspiring IP lawyers, my guidance would be to really understand technology and business beyond the legal language. A good patent attorney is not just someone who drafts claims; they are a bridge between innovation and strategy. Learn to decode inventions, understand how businesses work, and always think about the commercial value of the IP you’re protecting.
As the founder of PNA Intellectual Property & Technology Attorneys, what is your long-term vision for the firm? How do you see IP shaping India’s future as a global tech hub?
When I founded PNA Intellectual Property & Technology Attorneys, my vision was very clear i.e., to create a firm that doesn’t just provide legal services but becomes a true partner in innovation. I wanted to build a practice where inventors, start-ups, and companies feel that their ideas are being nurtured into business assets, not just filed as paperwork. In the long run, my goal is to make PNA a go-to destination for technology-driven IP strategy, both in India and globally.
India is on the cusp of becoming a major technology hub, and IP will play a central role in that journey. If we want to compete globally, our innovators must be able to not only create but also protect and commercialize their technologies effectively. I see PNA contributing to that by helping inventors move from idea to market with strong IP foundations and by creating awareness that intellectual property is as important as funding or product development in building a successful tech business.
Over the years, that vision has grown stronger, especially with the team that came together to shape the firm. Anmol has been instrumental in developing robust business development strategies. He brought in a structured approach to client engagement, built sustainable collaborations with universities and incubation centers, and ensured that our services were aligned with the rapidly evolving needs of start-ups and enterprises. His ability to translate market dynamics into actionable growth strategies has been key in expanding our reach and making PNA a trusted name, even outside the Tier-1 hubs.
Monica, with her sharp legal acumen, has been the driving force behind our legal strategies. She has meticulously built processes that combine technical insight with legal precision, ensuring that every patent or trademark we handle is strategically positioned for both protection and commercialization. Her focus on maintaining international standards has also allowed us to manage cross-border IP portfolios effectively and deliver the kind of quality work that competes with global practices.
My vision is also to bridge the gap between Tier-1 cities and emerging innovation clusters in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions. We’ve already proven that high-quality IP services can thrive outside the big metros, and I want PNA to be at the forefront of making IP accessible, strategic, and business-oriented for everyone, from a first-time inventor to a scaling tech company.
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