Swati Dalal, Managing Associate at RNA, IP Attorneys, views her journey into law and Intellectual Property not as a premeditated path but as one shaped by curiosity, exposure and meaningful experiences. Studying Political Science at LSR College, training at Campus Law Centre, DU and beginning her career in corporate law and FEMA regulations, each phase strengthened her foundation. A pivotal experience with trademark filings sparked her shift into IP and led to her growth to leadership. This conversation traces her transition into IP law, her multi-jurisdictional IP experience and the guidance she offers to aspiring lawyers.
This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
What motivated your transition from political science to law, and later to the unconventional field of intellectual property, and what challenges and strategies shaped that journey?
Thank you for hosting this session and giving me the opportunity to share my journey with fellow IP professionals and aspiring lawyers.
My transition from political science to law and eventually to the dynamic world of intellectual property was shaped by curiosity, passion and a series of defining experiences.
After graduating in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, law felt like a natural progression. I was deeply fascinated by governance, rights, and justice, and spent hours exploring the works of philosophers like Karl Marx and others who shaped societal structures. This intellectual foundation made the study of law an obvious next step.
I began my career at Vaish Associates, a leading law firm in Delhi, where I worked on corporate law matters which involved research and advisory including vetting of contracts, agreements, foreign exchange management issues as well as labour law. During this time, I had my first brush with trademarks while handling filings for a hospitality company, ITC Hotels. That experience was a turning point. The intersection of creativity and law intrigued me. The way brands craft strategies to launch products and protect their identity was fascinating. It sparked my interest in intellectual property and eventually led me to specialize in this field.
The transition wasn’t without challenges. Moving from corporate law to IP required a fresh perspective and continuous learning. However, my corporate law foundation proved invaluable as these disciplines often complement each other. My three years at Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, further strengthened my legal acumen and gave me lifelong connections. Our recent 25-year Campus Law reunion was a testament to those bonds.
Looking back, the journey has been enriching and full of learning. Intellectual property law is not just about protecting rights, it is about enabling innovation and creativity to thrive. That’s what keeps me passionate about this field even today.
What prompted your shift from FEMA and labour law work to trademarks, and how did your early experience with the Enforcement Directorate and related regulatory matters help shape your career and reputation in IP?
Thank you for this question. It takes me back to some defining moments in my career.
My initial exposure to trademarks happened during my time at Vaish Associates. While handling filings for a hospitality company, I discovered the fascinating interplay between creativity and law. The idea that legal frameworks could protect brand identity and innovation intrigued me, and I felt compelled to explore this space further.
The real turning point came when I interviewed at Remfry & Sagar, one of India’s leading IP firms. Interestingly, I had applied for a corporate law position, but the firm needed someone in trademarks. When I cleared the final round, I learned I was joining the trademarks team and not corporate! That unexpected shift became one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.
At Remfry, I started in the contentious trademarks team, handling oppositions and disputes before moving to prosecution, a reverse journey compared to most professionals. This early exposure taught me how to strategize brand protection, advise clients on enforcement and navigate complex disputes. I also managed outbound filings, which gave me a global perspective and helped me build strong relationships with local associates across jurisdictions.
My prior experience with regulatory matters and enforcement at Vaish Associates proved invaluable. Understanding compliance, procedural nuances and risk assessment gave me a strong foundation to approach IP enforcement with precision and credibility. It shaped my reputation as someone who could combine legal rigor with strategic thinking, whether advising on sensitive issues or crafting brand adoption strategies.
Looking back, the transition was serendipitous but deeply fulfilling. Intellectual property law challenges you every day, whether it’s ownership changes, title transfers or advising on brand strategy. Constant learning is what keeps me passionate about this field.
As a Managing Associate at RNA handling diverse prosecution and contentious IP matters, could you share any unique or inspiring case experiences, without names, that offered truly unexpected learnings or out-of-the-box challenges in your journey?
Thank you for this question. It’s always interesting to reflect on cases that push us beyond conventional IP work.
One memorable experience involved a leading petrochemical company operating across multiple jurisdictions. While we managed their trademark portfolio in countries like India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, an unusual challenge arose in Bangladesh. A local customer publicly posted defamatory content on LinkedIn and even threatened one of the company’s employees over alleged quality issues with lubricant barrels. This was not a typical IP dispute. It was a mix of defamation, reputational risk and employee safety.
The client was determined to protect its reputation and support its employees. Despite the complexity of operating in Bangladesh, we collaborated closely with local counsel, registered an FIR, and issued a formal warning. After months of negotiations and persistent follow ups, the individual agreed to remove all defamatory posts and tender a written apology. The client appreciated the outcome, noting that we had gone beyond traditional IP enforcement to safeguard their brand and values. This case reinforced an important lesson which is that IP lawyers often need to think beyond trademarks and adapt to multidimensional challenges.
Another category of cases that stands out involves cross-border oppositions. For instance, we successfully opposed infringing marks in Pakistan and Bangladesh for clients in industries ranging from luxury goods to footwear. These matters required not only legal expertise but also cultural and procedural sensitivity to achieve favorable outcomes before foreign Tribunals.
During my tenure at Remfry & Sagar, I handled a contested matter for a global watch manufacturer. The opposing party argued for extensive use of their mark for unrelated goods, hoping to justify adoption in Class 14 (watches and jewelry). After prolonged arguments, the examiner asked a single decisive question: “Explain the coinage of your mark.” The inability to answer sealed the case in our favor. This taught me that sometimes, the simplest questions can dismantle the most elaborate defenses.
These experiences highlight why IP practice is so dynamic, it’s not just about statutes and precedents, but about strategy, adaptability and understanding the broader business context.
What strategies, cultural awareness, and jurisdiction-specific insights have helped you effectively handle multi-jurisdictional trademark matters and collaborate with foreign counsel across diverse sectors like FMCG, pharma, and automobiles?
Thank you for this question as it touches on one of the most critical aspects of global IP practice.
When managing trademark portfolios across diverse jurisdictions, be it FMCG, pharma, or automotive sector, the foundation lies in a unified brand strategy:
- Protect the brand consistently across markets.
- Enforce rights effectively when infringements occur.
However, the execution of this strategy requires deep cultural awareness and jurisdiction specific insights. Here are some key considerations:
1. Cultural Sensitivity and Local Practices
Every market has its own cultural nuances that influence brand perception and enforcement. For example, certain symbols or words may carry unintended meanings in specific regions. Understanding these subtleties helps avoid reputational risks and ensures smooth adoption.
2. Jurisdiction Specific Filing Requirements
Even seemingly simple processes like filing a Power of Attorney (POA) vary widely:
- Pakistan: Requires a notarized POA.
- Singapore: No POA needed for filing.
- Sri Lanka: POA must be accompanied by Articles of Association or a Board Resolution authorizing the signatory.
These differences underscore the importance of meticulous compliance with local formalities.
3. Pre-Filing Clearance and Strategic Coverage
I always advise clients to conduct comprehensive clearance searches before launching a brand. Marketing and product launches involve significant investment and an unexpected objection or opposition can derail timelines and budgets.
Additionally, brands must identify gaps in protection. For instance, a footwear company should also secure rights in retail services to prevent misuse in related sectors.
4. Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
Registration is not perpetual. Jurisdictions like the Philippines mandate filing a Declaration of Actual Use in the 3rd and 5th year, failing which the registration will be automatically cancelled. Active monitoring and timely renewals are essential to maintain rights.
5. Collaboration with Foreign Counsel
Local associates are invaluable as they understand procedural nuances and maintain direct engagement with registry officials. Regular discussions with them, combined with resources like INTA publications and global IP blogs, help refine strategies.
That said, hands-on experience is irreplaceable. Practical exposure to diverse jurisdictions builds confidence and sharpens judgment far beyond what theory alone can offer.
In essence, managing multi-jurisdictional IP portfolios is like solving a jigsaw puzzle, aligning brand priorities, legal requirements and cultural considerations into a cohesive global strategy. I consider myself fortunate to have worked across numerous jurisdictions and built strong relationships with foreign counsel, which has been instrumental in delivering successful outcomes for clients.
What guidance would you offer students and young legal professionals, whether in IP, corporate, or criminal law, on finding direction, building their future, and navigating early-career uncertainty and mentorship challenges?
My advice for Young Legal Professionals-
- Stay Curious: Never say no to new opportunities. Growth stops when you think you know it all.
- Read and Learn: Go beyond textbooks and explore industry trends and global developments.
- Use Modern Resources: Webinars, blogs, and legal forums offer insights far beyond traditional libraries.
- Make Internships Count: Treat them as launchpads. Be proactive, deliver quality work and seek feedback.
- Be Self-Driven: Mentorship helps but motivation must come from within.
- Adapt and Evolve: Law is dynamic so stay updated and embrace lifelong learning.
“Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep moving forward because the law rewards those who never stop learning.”
How do you maintain your mental, physical, and professional well-being while handling complex cases, balancing personal and professional demands, and sustaining a 25-year-long legal career with consistency and focus?
There is no single formula. It’s about clarity, balance, and mindset. Over 25 years, I’ve learned a few guiding principles:
1. Set Clear Priorities
You can’t do everything at once. Define what matters most whether it’s meeting deadlines, mentoring your team, or being present for family and focus on one step at a time.
2. Embrace Resilience
Stress is inevitable. There will be days of pressure and days of triumph. Celebrate wins like a successful strategy or client appreciation and learn from setbacks without losing momentum.
3. Find Joy in Your Work
Consistency comes when you genuinely enjoy what you do. Passion sustains focus even during challenging phases.
4. Build Relationships
Professional success isn’t just about legal acumen, it’s about trust. Informal client interactions and empathy go a long way in strengthening bonds and creating lasting partnerships.
5. Share and Mentor
Guiding juniors, contributing knowledge, and engaging on platforms like LinkedIn not only help others but also keep you energized and connected.
“Balance isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters most with clarity, empathy, and purpose.”
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